Day 26, Phantom talks, the war goes on.

 NO INDICATION OF ANY NEGOTIATIONS

 LOTS OF TALKING, EXCEPT WITH IRAN

While we witnessed a temporary pause in escalation, it was not because there is actual negotiations going on with Iran. Trump claims they have agreed to no nuclear weapons, something that they agreed to in previous real negotiations, but all previous negotiations ended in attacks on Iran. Iran has made it clear that they do not expect to negotiate with the United States again, at least not until their demands are met. Those demands include an end to United States presence in the region, reparations and real non aggression guarantees in the future. Of course, that is a real impasse.

So, the war will continue, Iran will continue regulating traffic through the strait and Trump and Israel will either escalate, bring in ground troops to control the strait or declare victory and go home. One can expect that ground troops are the plan with Marines, Airborne and 2 divisions of regular army amounting to some 70,000 U.S. troops. One would expect that Israel and other gulf nations will be encouraged to put up at least an equal number. 

While we can predict lots of enthusiasm by the war crowd in Washington and Tel Aviv, it will likely result in significant casualties, a complete closing of the strait and the call for more troops or tactical nuclear weapons. Hopefully, this time, Trump will listen to U.S. military and intelligence about best options. This war will not end easily.

The geography and logistics required for an actual ground intervention is all on Iran's side. Any attempt to amass troops and materials anywhere within striking distance will be vulnerable to attack. No one believes this is a good idea.

It seems Iran has now begun to demand tolls for passage through the strait, while a humiliation to the west, it may be the lesser of two evils to the ship owners and insurance companies, the tolls may be less of an issue that the loss of revenue and the costs now being paid without any return.

As I write, I hear that over 100 missiles have been fired toward Israel, some will inevitably get through, and it appears Iran's capabilities have not been extinguished. The clock is ticking until Israel will run out of defensive missiles and that will require either a peace deal or a very dangerous escalation.