'That's Your Problem': Trump Ditches MBS As Houthis Rain Bombs On Saudi Arabia

Recommendable, but bad news! I hope the report is largely wrong as fas as President Trump is concerned!

Where are the coward European powers when you need them!

(254) 'That's Your Problem': Trump Ditches MBS As Houthis Rain Bombs On Saudi Arabia | Vantage | 4K - YouTube

The Fight for Afghanistan Isn’t Over

When will there ever be peace and prosperity again in Afghanistan?

"The modern history of war in Afghanistan spans over four decades of foreign intervention and internal civil conflict, beginning with the 1979 Soviet invasion [ending in 1989], transitioning through civil war [1989-2001] and the rise of the Taliban, and concluding with the 2001–2021 U.S.-led war." (Google Search)

The Fight for Afghanistan Isn’t Over "As armed opposition groups intensify attacks amid Taliban divisions, Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat explains in an exclusive interview why his forces have begun combat operations—and what comes next."

Iran fires missiles at two commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz, causing major damage

Where are the coward Europeans when you need them! The US will remember!!!

Where are the European minesweepers and navy escort protection for commercial ships?

Iranian missiles reportedly hit Saudi, Qatari tankers in Strait of Hormuz | The Jerusalem Post "Qatar said on Tuesday the targeting of the Qatari tanker Al Rekayyat near the Strait of Hormuz was an unacceptable attack on the security of international navigation and global energy supplies."

Iran demands Big Tech pay fees for undersea Internet cables in Strait of Hormuz

More evidence, the warmongering, terrorism sponsoring and nuclear weapons developing fanatic, suicidal mullahs in Iran are totally insane or megalomaniac!

Is this a threat to cut the undersea cables?

Be glad, Israel and President Trump exposed it!

"... The latest assertions of Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz were announced in a brief statement by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for Iran’s military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. “We will impose fees on internet cables” Zolfaghari wrote in a May 9 post. It was not immediately clear how Iran might implement such fees or impose its rules on cable projects, given that the majority of routes pass through Oman-controlled waters. ..."

Iran demands Big Tech pay fees for undersea Internet cables in Strait of Hormuz - Ars Technica "Iran’s claim over subsea chokepoint pushes US tech companies to overland fiber."

Some NATO countries reportedly support a plan to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz beginning in early July

Any snail is faster than NATO! What a failure!

Shame on NATO member countries (especially UK, France, Italy, and Germany), which failed to support President Trump when he needed it!

"Some North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries reportedly support a plan to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz beginning in early July if Iran continues to impose its blockade, according to a senior NATO official speaking to Bloomberg on May 19. One NATO diplomat stated that several NATO countries support the idea, but that there is not the required unanimous support to enact it."

Iran Update Evening Special Report: May 19, 2026 | Critical Threats

Iran’s parliament to vote on bill offering €50 million reward for killing Trump, Netanyahu, and admiral Cooper

Incredible!

"The Islamic Republic will soon vote on a bill that would see whoever kills US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and or CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper awarded with a €50 million sum, Ebrahim Azizi, the chairman of Iran’s national security commission, told state TV on Thursday. ..."

Iran to vote on bill offering €50 million reward for killing Donald Trump | The Jerusalem Post "The bill, titled  “Reciprocal action by military and security forces of the Islamic Republic,” is one of several pieces of legislation aimed at formalizing the threats made by the regime."

Germany to deploy Patriot battery to Turkey, relieving US forces on NATO’s southeastern flank

It is about time that the European allies do something to help the US to deal with Iran! However, this is by far not enough!

"Germany will deploy a Patriot air and missile defense battery to Turkey from late June through September 2026, the German Defense Ministry announced Monday, as NATO seeks to reinforce its southeastern flank in the wake of Iranian missile strikes targeting Turkish territory. ...

The deployment comes after a period of acute alarm on NATO’s southern perimeter. In early March, NATO air defenses intercepted at least four Iranian ballistic missiles that entered Turkish airspace within days of each other, with one apparently targeting Incirlik Air Base in Adana province, where U.S. forces − including nuclear weapons − are stationed. The incidents prompted NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe to boost the alliance’s ballistic missile defense posture and to deploy additional U.S. Patriot systems to Adana and Malatya. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Iran “is also posing a huge threat to us here in Europe.” ..."

Germany to deploy Patriot battery to Turkey, relieving US forces on NATO’s southeastern flank

President Trump said holds off on a planned U.S. attack on Iran at the request of Gulf leaders

Good news! Good to know that the Arab Gulf States are involved in the negotiations!

"President Trump said he would hold off on a planned U.S. attack on Iran at the request of Gulf leaders to make room for talks with Tehran over a prospective deal to end the war.

 

He said the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. asked him to pause the attack set for tomorrow because “serious negotiations are now taking place.” A day earlier, he’d warned that the “clock is ticking” and that if Iran didn’t move on peace negotiations “there won’t be anything left of them.” Tehran has refused to meet U.S. demands that it dismantle key parts of its nuclear program and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz."

Wall Street Journal What's news

Iran or its proxies launched three drones targeting a Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi

Bad news! Attacking nuclear power plants is another very bad idea by the theocratic dictatorship of Iran!

"Likely Iranian or Iranian-backed forces launched three drones targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on May 17. Radiation levels at the plant remain normal. The drones approached the target from the west. Iran has previously used drones to approach a target from an unexpected direction to obscure its responsibility and create challenges for air defenses. IRGC-affiliated media used the attack to attempt to drive a wedge between the UAE and other Gulf States by blaming Saudi Arabia for the attack. ...

The Emirati Defense Ministry announced that its air defenses intercepted two drones while the other struck an electrical generator at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, causing a fire. ..."

Iran Update Evening Special Report, May 17, 2026 | Critical Threats

Panama Canal oil shipments soar 70% as Asian buyers turn to US crude

In times of war, there always winners and loosers! How much crude oil is coming from Venezuela?

"Crude oil and petroleum products traveling through the Panama Canal swelled more than 70% above last year's levels in April, as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent Asian buyers scrambling to secure supplies from the U.S ..."

Panama Canal oil shipments soar 70% as Asian buyers turn to US crude - Nikkei Asia "With Hormuz unpassable due to Iran war, ships vie for limited canal transit slots"

The U.A.E. has been secretly carrying out attacks on Iran in April

Bad news! Serious stuff! Certainly makes the situation more complicated!

Were these only defensive/retaliatory measures?

"The U.A.E. has been secretly carrying out attacks on Iran, people familiar with the matter said.

 

The revelation casts the Gulf monarchy as an active combatant in a war in which it has been Iran’s biggest target. 

A strike in April hit an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island. The U.A.E.’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the strikes but pointed to previous statements in which it asserted its right to respond—including militarily—to hostile acts. ..."

Wall Street Journal What's news

How China and Russia support Iran militarily during latest war to inflict damage on the US and Gulf States

Is the Cold War really over?

"... Russia is supporting Iranian efforts to rebuild Iran’s military capabilities during the ceasefire period. The New York Times, citing US officials, reported that Russia is sending drone components to Iran via the Caspian Sea to help Iran rebuild its offensive capabilities following the war. ... 

Russia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) also supported Iranian attacks on US bases during the war. The US State Department sanctioned four entities on May 8, including several Chinese companies, for providing satellite imagery to Iran to support Iranian attacks against US forces in the region during the war.

The sanctioned entities include Earth Eye and Chang Guand Satellite Technology, which are both based in the PRC and supplied Iran with satellite imagery of US and allied military facilities in the region.Western media previously reported that Iran used an Earth Eye TEE-01B reconnaissance satellite that it acquired from the PRC in 2024 to target US military assets and bases across the Middle East during the war.
Russia similarly provided Iran with satellite imagery of US facilities and Shahed drones to support Iranian attacks during the war. ...

The United States continues to target the PRC’s support for the Iranian armed forces. The US Treasury Department sanctioned 10 individuals and companies on May 8, including several entities based in the PRC and Hong Kong, for supporting Iranian efforts to procure weapons components and raw materials used to produce drones and ballistic missiles. ... The PRC previously supported Iranian efforts to rebuild its ballistic missile program after the June 2025 Israel-Iran War by supplying sodium perchlorate, which is a chemical precursor for solid missile propellant, to Iran. ..."

Iran Update Evening Special Report, May 9, 2026

Russian proposal to offer Iran several thousand drones and training for Iranian drone operators including fiber optic drones

Serious stuff, if confirmed!

Of course, the megalomaniac and warmonger Putin the Terrible had to meddle!

"... Confidential Russian documents, seen by The Economist, revealed a Russian proposal to offer Iran several thousand drones and training for Iranian drone operators, which raises concerns about the proliferation of fiber-optic drone technology to Iran and its regional proxies. Some of these proxies have already demonstrated the ability to employ these systems against US and allied targets. ...

The proposal offers Iran 5,000 short-range fiber-optic drones, an unspecified number of longer-range satellite-guided drones equipped with Starlink terminals, and training for Iranian personnel to operate both systems.[xxviii] The Economist stated that it could not confirm whether Russian officials have presented the proposal to Iran yet. The documents are undated, but The Economist assessed that they likely originated during the first six weeks of the war when US officials were reportedly considering a possible ground operation in Iran. ..."

Iran Update Special Report, May 8, 2026 | Critical Threats

Secret document reveals Russia’s plans to aid Iran "Unjammable drones would be used against American forces, according to proposals seen by The Economist"

Amazon stuck with months of repairs after drone strikes by Iran on data centers in the Middle East

Bad news! First undersea cables, now datacenters are the very vulnerable assets/infrastructure/targets of modern human progress!

One more reason why humanity can no longer tolerate megalomaniacs and warmongers like Putin the Terrible or religious fanatics and sponsors of suicidal terrorism like the mullahs of Iran!

"Amazon’s cloud customers will need to wait several more months before the US tech company can repair war-damaged data centers and restore normal operations in the Middle East. The announcement comes two months after Iranian drone strikes targeted three Amazon data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain—meaning that full recovery from the cloud disruption could take nearly half a year in all.

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) dashboard posted an April 30 update describing how its UAE and Bahrain cloud regions “suffered damage as a result of the conflict in the Middle East” and are unable to support customer applications. The update also said that “relevant billing operations are currently suspended while we restore normal operations” in a process that “is expected to take several months.”"

Amazon stuck with months of repairs after drone strikes on data centers - Ars Technica

France moves aircraft carrier into Red Sea ahead of potential Strait of Hormuz mission. Really!

What a coward and laggard this president of France is, i.e. Emmanuel Macron!

Allied forces were needed weeks ago to assist the US in its campaign against Iran!!!

"France is deploying the carrier strike group centered on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier into the Red Sea and towards the Gulf of Aden, positioning the force for a possible mission to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Armed Forces Ministry said on Wednesday. ..."

France moves carrier into Red Sea ahead of potential Hormuz mission

Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier

Is Iran rapidly overflowing in crude oil due to the US blockade of Iranian ports?

Food for thought!

"Iran’s rapidly depleting oil storage capacity likely explains, at least in part, why Iran is pushing for a peace agreement that would lift the US naval blockade. ... that the US blockade on Iranian ports has forced Iran to store oil in “disused oil tanks in poor condition” and in “containers” in the cities of Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, and Asaluyeh, Bushehr Province, according to unspecified current and former Iranian officials."

Iran Update Evening Special Report: April 27, 2026 | Critical Threats

Clearing Strait of Hormuz of mines could take 6 months, Pentagon tells Congress

Where are the Europeans when you need them??? Do some minesweeping!

Only 20 mines? It would take 6 months to remove them???

"... Three officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the discussion’s sensitivity, said lawmakers were told that Iran may have emplaced 20 or more mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the movement of Middle Eastern oil through the Persian Gulf. Some were floated remotely using GPS technology, which has made it difficult for U.S. forces to detect the mines as they are deployed, the senior defense official told lawmakers. Others are believed to have been laid by Iranian forces using small boats. ..."

Clearing Strait of Hormuz of mines could take 6 months, Pentagon tells Congress "The Pentagon assessment, shared in a classified briefing for lawmakers, suggests gasoline and oil prices could remain elevated through the midterm elections."

Iranian-backed Iraqi militias conducted up to half of the roughly 1,000 drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia

Bad news! What to do about that?

"... Iranian-backed Iraqi militias conducted up to half of the roughly 1,000 drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia during the war, according to unnamed sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal on April 21. CTP-ISW previously assessed that it very unlikely that Iranian-backed Iraqi militias would conduct drone attacks against regional states if the Iranian regime opposed such attacks, which suggests that Iran has not ordered its militia partners to cease attacking regional state. ..."

Iran Update Evening Special Report, April 21, 2026

US forces intercepted ‘gift from China’ to Iran, President Trump says

Bade news! Serious stuff! Will the Iran war expand to other countries?

US forces intercepted ‘gift from China’ to Iran, Donald Trump says (behind paywall) "US president says Beijing had sent something ‘that wasn’t very nice’ and he thought he had an ‘understanding’ with Xi Jinping"

Xi Jinping says Strait of Hormuz should be open in call to Saudi Crown Prince

Headline of the day!

Nice indirect order/intervention aimed at Iran to stop messing with the Strait of Hormuz! Bravo!

Xi Jinping says Strait of Hormuz should be open in call to Saudi Crown Prince