“I Think We’ve Won” Trump Says As Iran Refuses Hormuz Talks, Houthis Threaten Red Sea Strait
This is a nice summary of the current state of the war in general. I include the part on attacks on Israel.
It says a lot that Iran refuses Hormuz talks. If Trump tries to occupy some of the islands near the strait (“boots on the ground”), it could exponentially escalate the war, with lots of American casualties. Trump can’t have a lot of U.S. casualties, while Iran is willing to pay the price.
And what does it mean for Trump to say “I think we’ve won”? Obviously this is far from over, and if Trump tries to taco, the Israelis will be furious. The Israelis want regime change no matter the cost to the U.S. and the rest of the world.
“I Think We’ve Won” Trump Says As Iran Refuses Hormuz Talks, Houthis Threaten Red Sea Strait
Intense Attacks on Israel Continue
There has remained heavy censorship in Israel amid the war, but various overnight reports suggested another past 12 hours of heavy Iranian missile bombardment of Israel. Times of Israel confirmed, though without much in the way of details that sirens have been constant around central and northern Israel.
There were at least half a dozen missile salvos on Israel since late last night. “A home in the central city of Rehovot is burning following an apparent cluster munition impact, rescue services say,” TOI writes. “There are no immediate reports of injuries after Iran launched a ballistic missile carrying a cluster bomb warhead at central Israel.”
One war observer who has regional contacts wrote on X the following account: “Israel has been pummeled all night. Based on my counts of alerts and reports of landings from open sources the number increased tonight, though there are no reports of casualties.”
The journalist continues, “My Whatsapp groups are filled with people having breakdowns after not sleeping for two weeks. In Jerusalem 4 alerts were heard in a 90 minute span. Iran has been able to increase the number of launches daily. Everyone seems angry at the IDF and Netanyahu for lying about the destruction of Iranian capabilities.”
“I Think We’ve Won” Trump Says As Iran Refuses Hormuz Talks, Houthis Threaten Red Sea Strait
- CBS reporting ‘heavy preparations’ for ground troops as Trump says ‘no ceasefire’ for now; Trump calls NATO a ‘paper tiger’; says “close to meeting our objectives”, offramp?
- IRGC contradicts Bibi: says missile production is ongoing, is of “no concern” – even as IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naeini is reported killed.
- Energy war ongoing: Major sites damaged across the region – Haifa refinery hit, Qatar LNG output cut 17%, Kuwait facilities ablaze.
- Kharg Island escalation looms: Trump admin weighing seizure of Kharg Island to reopen Hormuz; Thousands of Marines in route, reports of low US jet strafing runs over strait.
- Signal of zero restraint from Ayatollah & FM: Iran sends warning if energy sites are hit again, leadership structure grows opaque; supreme leader says enemies will be denied security.
- Chokepoint concerns in Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb send Brent and WTI prices higher in late afternoon trading
TRumpstein. “I think…” Old football expression: every time you think we lose ten yards.
Trump Thinks, Persians laugh.