So far, the U.S. has enjoyed escalation dominance.

 WILL IRAN ATTEMPT TO END THAT DOMINANCE?

CAN THE U.S. CONTROL THIS CONFLICT? 

 

In reality, this Iran conflict has now been going on for over 1 year, while it has had pauses,  Israel and the U.S. has had the ability to start and pause this conflict at will. First the June 2025 attack by Israel that decimated Iran's scientists and leadership, then Trumps attack on their nuclear sites, followed by a declared victory and end, mostly because Israel was being badly damaged by Iran's missile attacks. Many believed that was not the end of it, and they were right,  the war was resumed in February 2026 and only when the threat of an oil crisis and a waning ability to keep up, was a ceasefire called for by Trump.  Then the MOU, which many never believed the U.S. would ever agree to, and now we are back to war.  The U.S. and Israel has enjoyed what is called "Escalation Dominance" in that they have been able to escalate, then pause whenever they chose. Iran has been accommodating every time, agreeing to pause whenever necessary.

 

We continue to hear threats of escalation from Trump and Iran has continued to retaliate only to those escalations. It has been very predictable., at least until now. While we hear threats of a ground invasion by Trump, no one has considered a ground invasion of Kuwait and Bahrain by Iran. Both countries, with large Shia populations would not be able to defend against such an invasion and even the UAE, country of elites with foreign workers could only survive with the aid of the U.S. A ground war that would now be mandated, not a war of the choice.

 

While Iran would also suffer greatly, it would be the end of the oil diplomacy and the end of escalation dominance it would now be a war requiring real casualties and real losses, on both sides. It would immediately set off a global energy crisis and a global economic crisis, plus political damage in much of the world.

 

We can only hope that does not happen, that some wisdom will prevail and this game playing with the world security will be ended and ended soon.

 

 

  

War escalates, Will Navy be next target?

 WILL TRUMP SOON DECLARE VICTORY?

RUMORS ARE THAT IT IS TIME TO COME HOME

 

While the war with Iran seems to be intensifying and somehow Israel, who wanted this war for decades is missing in action, speculation is that Trump will soon declare victory and claim all objectives have been achieved and now it it up to the gulf nations and those who need oil from the gulf to maintain that victory. 

 

Trump can claim that their nuclear program is destroyed, its Navy and air force obliterated and that Iran will need decades to recover from this war. It is now only six weeks to the start of intense domestic political campaigns and only weeks left before oil becomes a crisis. It is the most logical avenue for Trump to detach from this war, without taking major losses both militarily and politically.

 

Iran's missile capability is proving to be very accurate and sustainable, while Iran is taking punishment, any hope of surrender is unlikely. Many are now speculating that Trump will end this in as little as 2 more weeks. 

 

While it will be a victory for Iran in that it has survived, it will not be a victory documented with a deal that is an obvious defeat for the U.S. It can then be claimed by weeks of media narrative that Trump has won and that Iran is no longer a threat to world peace. It may the best result that is obtainable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Negotiations dead everywhere.

 WARS INTENSIFY FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE

NEGOTIATIONS JUST PLOY TO GAIN ADVANTAGE 

 

It is doubtful that Iran will reenter any negotiations with the U.S., it is all now attacks by the U.S. and retaliation by Iran.  There has been much discussion abut Kushner and Witkoff, not ever seriously engaging in negotiations,  Iran claims it has documented proof that both were more interested in using negotiations and revelations about the negotiations to profit in market trading. No one doubts that Trump's messaging has allowed many to make enormous profits by the markets reactions to his messaging.

 

Same can apply to the Russia Ukraine war, most attempts at negotiations were a ploy to get a ceasefire to allow Ukraine to rearm and reposition.  There is now no indication that Russia will resume any quest for a negotiated settlement. While the U.S. narrative is that Ukraine is making strides, it is all just a narrative, while Ukraine has been able to strike Russia's oil business and ships in the Azov, on the ground, were wars are won or lost,  Russia is now focusing on the last remaining fortified strongholds in Ukraine. They upped their intensity and are increasing their moves to the west. They have still refrained from destroying Ukraine's bridges over the Dnieper, which would make their logistic support very difficult.  

 

On Iran it seems that everyone wants to deny that Iran has the military capability to  destroy the oil infrastructure of the gulf and to even make most of those countries uninhabitable by destroying their desalination plants. While Iran makes it clear they would rather not do that, it seems everyone in the U.S. establishment wants to see if they will do it, I guess we will soon find out. So far, Iran has had a policy of retaliating against U.S. attacks, rather than go all out in an aggressive offensive policy. If they do, we can then expect a call for a ceasefire and negotiations from the U.S. 

 

It appears that these wars will continue until someone can no longer resist and it's still not clear who that will be.  Neither war is an existential threat to the U.S. but it is such a situation for Iran and Russia, they will not be submitting any time soon. 

 

 

 

 

 

Wanted, Fighters willing to die in Iran.

 TRUMP SAYS OTHERS WILL MAN GROUND WAR

CURRENT BOMBING IS PREP FOR GROUND ACTION 

 

Indications are the U.S. is planning some type of ground action in Iran, probably some  action to take physical control of the strait of Hormuz. While most military analysts claim this is a long shot for success, it may be a desperate hope for a victory. Trump has stated that some other force rather than U.S. forces will do the ground operation. 

 

The Kurd's who were propositioned early on, have so far, said no.  Trump also indicated that the Syrian ISIS may take over for Israel in Lebanon, we will have to see if that is going to happen. Are they really that much in love with Israel to die in Lebanon? Will the gulf countries come up with a force to go into Iran, so far the gulf countries have put their hopes on the U.S. not the other way around.

 

Of course, the biggest most modern and well equipped ground army in the region is Turkey. Recently Trump promised then f-35's and maybe other incentives, but it could be difficult for even Erdogan to convince his military to go to war on behalf of the U.S. and Israel,  after all, Turkey needs to be preparing for Israel's proposed war on Turkey.

 

I do not see any European coalition of the willing to take on Iran, while they are still focused on war with Russia. 

 

It is reported that the U.S. has 50,000 troops in the region, a force large enough to enter Iran, but most likely not enough to prevail for any length of time. 

 

Then of course there is Israel, Netanyahu has claimed a ground action is necessary, is Israel ready to send 200 or 300,000 troops across Iraq to enter Iran. We can assume they can and will  since they consider Iran an existential risk for them. 

 

In the 1991 war with Iraq, it took the U.S. 6 months to position 600,000 troops and provisions in Saudi Arabia to invade a flat desert country 1/4 the size of Iran. Any attempt to mass such a force would be under attack on day 1 of even bringing the necessary troops and provisions. We can assume that any attack would need to be amassed in Israel and Jordan and  travel 1000 miles before reaching the border. Longer than traveling across Ukraine to get to Russia. 

 

The analysts are most likely correct a ground war with Iran is a bad idea, It has been a bad idea for 4 decades and it may be even a worse idea today. 

 

We need to hope that Trump is bluffing, for the lives of our soldiers, his best hope is to declare victory and go home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOU now officially void.

 ONLY CHOICES, ESCALATION OR GO HOME

UNLIKELY THAT SHIPS WILL BE GOING THROUGH STRAIT 

 

The now irrelevant MOU was the last chance for peaceful resolution of the Iran conflict. What come next will not open traffic through the strait, we can now expect an extended spreading economic crisis for the foreseeable future. 

 

The only choices left is escalating military action or just plain exiting the gulf and going home. It is most likely that due to internal and external pressure, Trump will escalate even possibly attempt to take control of the strait with ground troops. Iran may very well not resist a landing of ground troops, but what comes after that will be a prolonged extended catastrophe with many causalities and still no one is going to send ships through the strait.

 

Ship owners, insurance companies and merchant mariners will  not risk their assets and lives for political jousting over control of the strait. As long as hostilities continue, the strait will be closed. 

 

Negotiations have proved to be unreliable with negotiators killed, immediate back tracking and it is unlikely that any attempt at negotiation will be coming.

 

Actually the choices now are far simpler, there are only 2, both very unpleasant, but do not require a lot of real diplomacy or thought. It seems there was a real lack of any of that anyway.

 

This decision does not have the luxury of time, the clock is running out,  we can expect a decision within just few weeks at most.

 

 

 

 

 

More desperate moves, Trump trapped.

 DOUBLING DOWN, RISKING CATASTROPHE

NETANYAHU KNEW HIS MAN 

 

Yesterday, Trump announced he was going to be the guardian of the strait of Hormuz for a slight fee of 20 % of  the value of all goods passing through the strait. His plan now makes Iran's plan a real bargain in comparison. Most question if it is possible for the U.S. to actually take control of the strait, we could speculate, if that was possible, it would have been attempted before now, rather than a last minute gamble.

 

While it is claimed that the Iranians broke the MOU, it can be pointed out that the first issue with the MOU, considered a strong sign of good faith by the U.S. was the repaying of 1/2 of Iran's frozen assets. It never happened, the U.S. tried to repay it, by issuing a credit that they could buy goods from the U.S. particularity agriculture products. Iran wanted real money not a credit. It is clear that the U.S. never wanted to honor the terms of the MOU,  hoping it could renegotiate by stalling, changing the terms and restore oil inventories while the strait was open. It seems that is all history, at least for now. 

 

The reality is that Iran had agreed to most of the things that the U.S. wanted in Geneva in February, immediately before this war started. Now, Iran is  no longer trusting anything that is proposed by the U.S. This situation is similar to the deal reached in Turkey in April 2023 that would have preserved the borders of Ukraine and allowed Ukraine to be prosperous independent country, It would have had to be a militarily neutral country.i It was squashed by the UK and the U.S. in the same way that Netanyahu squashed the hope of any resolution with Iran. It appears that Israel was informed of the possible deal and made sure that it was impossible to have a real deal in the future. 

 

It is no secret that every time Netanyahu came to Washington he had folders of targets in Iran, It can be assumed that Israel knew that killing the Ayatollah and the leadership of Iran and the school girls would become a tactic that the Iranians could never forget. It would cause a war with Iran and the United States, a war that Trump would have a hard time not being a winner and Iran would have lost all faith in any negotiations with the U.S.  Yes, Trump pulled the trigger and now he is hog tied like a rodeo steer, unable to  overcome his hubris and possibly fearing retribution from Israel if he backs down. 

 

While this war between the U.S and Iran escalates, we no longer hear from Netanyahu or Israel even participating in the war. Remarkable accomplishment to bring about a war between the U.S. and Iran in the hope that the U.S. will destroy Iran.  

 

Anyway, it appears Trump is desperate for a win, and may sacrifice his presidency and the position of the U.S. going forward, rather than cut his losses and go home and resume rebuilding the U.S. for the future. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

War back on, Are more bombs the answer?

 CAN IRAN OUTLAST OILS AVAILABILITY?

STRAIT CLOSED AGAIN 

 

At least for now, the Iran war is back on, so far, Trump has been able to stop the war by agreeing to Iran's terms, or a ceasefire.  One has to wonder what happens if Iran decides not to stop on Trump's cue in the future? What is clear is that Iran still has enough capability to damage U.S. bases and the ability to damage Gulf infrastructure, if it desires. Any escalation that includes long term damage to oil producing infrastructure will bring about global economic chaos. 

 

There is much speculation that the price of oil has been manipulated, either by government action or collaboration of financial sector or a cooperation by both. It is estimated that 1.5 billion barrels of oil have been taken out of the oil market, yet the price is within single digits of the pre war price. People who understand the logistics of the oil markets believe there has been massive short selling to cause this to happen. Eventually this will become unsustainable, particularly if oil flows are not resumed and resumed very soon.

 

Many are warning that the global reserves, including the United States, are within weeks of being depleted. When that actually happens it will be a matter of availability, not only price. One has to wonder if this latest resumption of hostilities is a last ditch effort to force Iran to give up control of the strait of Hormuz. Iran understands, that without this leverage, they will be vulnerable to long term economic coercion. Iran needs to stake its existence on retaining control over the strait, it is that simple. Trump needs to have the strait open to avoid global economic catastrophe and it needs to happen very soon. 

 

Military action by either the use of nuclear weapons or a massive ground action, may not result in an increase in oil flow, but the end of oil flowing for the foreseeable future. More military action is a huge gamble. The alternative is to  give up control of the strait to Iran and Oman, which will change the political reality of the whole region, but will allow the continuation of the economic health of the globe.  It is massive change to world political order with either outcome, the consequences of a poorly thought out war.

 

 

 

21st. century, war with no end in sight.

 TRUMP TRAPPED IN IRAN, MORE ENDLESS WAR

WEST SELF DESTRUCTS IN QUEST FOR  SUPREMACY 

 

It is becoming clear that Trump can not exit the latest Mideast war, just as his predecessors. The U.S. has had large numbers of assets in the region for more than a year and has been engaging in hostilities for over 4 months.  While there are a series of ceasefires and breaks, mostly to regroup and build up limited munitions, this war can now be expected to go on for the rest of Trump's presidency. Trump's domestic agenda is dead and it is now clear his enemies have prevailed. 

 

Trump has no choice but to stay and continue this war or go home, it is that simple. Either choice is viewed as a loss for the U.S. and for Trump personally. This is now Trump's war, in fact, Israel is content to keep killing in Lebanon, Gaza and the west bank, while Trump and the U.S. flounder around in Iran. A remarkable end to Trump's hope to "Make America Great Again" 

 

The same is happening in Ukraine, a U.S. project from the start, now a 4 year conflict, sapping the resources of all of western Europe and Russia and devastating Ukraine, with no end in sight. Europe bloviating about war with Russia in 2030, attempting to build a military to fight that war.  Maybe Russia will eventually believe them and decide, why wait until they actually build such an army and get it over with now? Incredibly they are encouraging German rearmament and encouraging transitioning their dying auto factories to transition to building weapons. Are they hoping they can have a redo of WW2 between Russia and Germany, they better be careful, who knows who a rearmed Germany would view as its biggest enemy.

 

In the U.S. we hear plans of transitioning auto plants for more war production. Do they now believe only massive war can save the economy? All these new armies both in Europe and the U.S. will need lots of warm willing  bodies. They may be harder to come by than more weapons, unless the world economy crashes and the military is the employer of last resort. 

 

While we hear of record numbers on wall street, mostly due to AI speculation, the real world lives on food and energy, both now expected to become far more scarce as war both in Russia and the gulf will cause diminished supplies. It now seems almost impossible to dodge that combined speeding bullet. 

 

One has to objectively ask, was Russia a real threat to the existence of Europe and U.S. and the same can be asked about Iran?  I suspect the biggest threat to both is the lust for  world domination that is likely to accomplish what neither Russia or Iran could.

 

 

 

Time to end ethanol in gas not increase it.

 TRUMP TO PUSH INCREASE IN ETHANOL IN GAS

DAMAGE TO ENGINES OFFSETS ANY SAVINGS 

 

It is being reported that both Trump and congress are going to push to increase ethanol in gas to 15%. They claim that it will reduce the cost of fuel, but I find that unbelievable. It  doesn't make sense that producing corn, fermenting it and then distilling it is cost effective for a fuel additive. An additive that makes small engine maintenance a costly necessity. It will also increase problems for all vehicles especially if not driven daily.

 

The reality is American farmers have now become addicted to ethanol subsidies and politicians view ethanol as a vote getter. It raises the cost of food and also increase maintenance cost to vehicles. 

 

I at one time was constantly disassembling the carburetors on all my small engines for cleaning, I have since switched to ethanol free fuel, at higher cost, and have not had any problems for years. If ethanol fuel is left in carburetors for an extended time they actually can destroy the carburetor.

 

While my vehicles seem to run OK, I have to wonder what the long term effects will be on those engines and fuel systems, especially when I do not drive every day. Raising the percent to 15 % is an obvious political ploy to gain votes, it has no redeeming value to vehicle owners or anyone who runs gas engines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trump says done with MOU, but!

 U.S. RETALIATES FOR IRANIAN ATTACKS IN STRAIT

NEGOTIATIONS WILL CONTINUE 

 

During a press conference with the NATO head, Trump stated he was done with MOU with Iran and continued to label the Iranians as untrustworthy, despicable and that he doesn't like them. While all that may be true, we can expect negotiations to continue and that an all out breakout of war is unlikely.  In fact, the strikes on ships is a form of negotiation by Iran in making it clear that they do not expect to give up control of the strait of Hormuz. 

 

Rutte, the head of NATO praised Trump in a slavish manner in any way he could, hoping to gain support for the war in Ukraine, while Trump kept bringing up Greenland, desiring NATO support for its acquisition. Maybe Trump would support a trade of U.S. support in Ukraine for Greenland? 

 

Trump dismissed Netanyahu's desire that Trump not supply weapons to Turkey, now on Israels list of possible targets in the future. 

 

Everyone wants U.S. military support for their ambitions, support that is now stretched way beyond its real capabilities, both financially and materially.

 

While many still want a rekindled war with Iran it is increasingly unlikely as oil reserves globally continue to decline and Iran is unified in its position as never before. A return to all out war would lead to global economic crisis and also a possible negative military  result. It may just fester on as is for the foreseeable future. 

 

While the Ukraine war continues, it is unlikely that support for this war is without limits, even for the European NATO members.  We can expect no conclusions to be made anywhere for the rest of the summer.

 

 

 

 

Big questions about Charlie Kirk trial.

 FAMILY SAVED SUSPECTS LIFE

BULLET, RIFLE AND SUPPOSED CONFESSION 

 

The trial for the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk is now about to begin. While details about the evidence are being suppressed, as is the often the case, what is known raises a lot of questions. 

 

First the video that is supposed to show the shooter exit the the top of the building and is supposed to show a rifle, does not such thing, there is no rifle that is visible. We are also told that the rifle was disassembled and brought to the scene inside the pants of the suspect. This is a Mauser 98 with a scope mounted, very unlikely, especially for a thin person in jeans and shirt.

 

Then the bullet supposedly fired from a 30-06 at less than 150 yards.  The big question is not the shot, a relatively easy shot from a rested position, but the bullet failed to exit, almost an impossibility, unless it it some kind of special projectile. Slow motion video of a soft ball bulge on impact but a failure to exit is incomprehensible from any normal store bought ammunition for a 30-36. I have observed 100's of deer shot with everything from  6mm to large weapons and it is unlikely that any round from a 30-06 would not exit were Kirk was shot. In fact, videos of the entrance wound appear a lot large than .308 diameter more like 45 or larger. We are already hearing about strong bones and bullets do things that are not calculable, in fact, that is just the opposite, bullets of certain weight and density do very predictable things. Supposedly the empty case was still in the rifle along with other unfired rounds,  they can be compared.

 

We never heard about the diversions by several people in the audience during the shooting even claiming that they had shot Kirk.

 

Then there is the supposed emailed confession that seems to be very vague and its source is questionable.

 

We can speculate that his suspects family, by convincing him to turn himself in, have saved his life, at least to have a trial. It seems the suspect has not spoken or answered any questions, we can assume we will get to hear the other side of this story. It will be interesting to hear the explanations for these questions. 

 

If anyone in this jury has any serious experience with firearms  it is very possible to not get a guilty verdict in this trial. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Russia accelerates in Ukraine.

 RUSSIA ADVANCING ON ALL FRONTS

NATO MONEY WILL NOT BE ENOUGH 

 

It is clear that the Russia has stepped up its pressure in Ukraine. It started with massive aerial  attacks in most of eastern Ukraine, has put out of commission most of the gas stations, cut off energy supplies to Karkiv and is advancing at a quickening pace in every area of conflict. It is becoming clear that the internal pressure on Putin to get this conflict over with is having an effect.

 

While Ukraine continues to offer strong resistance, without some sort of game changing situation it now looks like it's days are numbered , even though this could go on for many more months. 

 

We can expect that this week's NATO meeting will be dominated by the Ukraine situation, we can expect to see calls for more money and more weapons, but what Ukraine needs is more manpower, it does seem that Ukraine is running out of manpower. One would expect that even mercenary soldiers may be hard to come by at this point.

 

While the EU countries continue to talk about war with Russia and increase spending on weapons, they have little in the way of manpower. We can expect that attempting to raise an army will be politically difficult with the fragile political environment. They also want a commitment from the United States before they attempt any intervention in Ukraine. The U.S. still has troops in the middle east and  a shortage of munitions, so it is doubtful that any real commitment is possible. 

 

It also appears that there are no real negotiations possible, it seems that most of the good will in negotiations in Ukraine have evaporated. it will most likely be some sort surrender that will end this war. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 250 years, U.S. still best.

 BRAVE WISE MEN CHANGED HISTORY

OVERTURNED THE EXISTING ORDER

 

The men who declared independence from the feudal order of the British Empire started a world wide revolution that attempted to change the existing world order.  That spirit is still necessary as it continues to fight many of the same forces that still exist today. 

 

We have to conclude that the experiment that started those many years ago has been successful, the U.S. is still the best place for individuals to pursue their dreams and use their talents as free individuals.   

 

The constitution and the bill of rights is a remarkable document, that while continually under assault, it is still standing. These documents need the steadfast awareness of the citizens to make sure the spirit is preserved for the next generation.

 

We would do well to remember the admonitions of those brave men to beware of foreign entanglements and alliances that can sap the strength and vitality of the nation.  Those same issues are still with us today. 

 

The philosophy of "vote your pocketbook"  is a great danger to the nation as we have seen the results of massive deficit spending, something that the founders would never had tolerated. 

 

While the nation still stands, it has perils both from outside and inside that only a well informed and active citizenship can insure its continued existence. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supreme court's final decisions for the term.

 ONE IS REAFFIRMING STATE RIGHTS

ONE RULING ON PRECEDENT

 

The ruling concerning trans male athletes from participating in women's sports was a classic states rights ruling. It certainly was not an issue when the constitution was written and states rights is perfect for covering such matters.  It is probably the best ruling that the court could have agreed upon.

 

The birthright citizenship ruling seems to have been based on many years of precedent even if it is a bad precedent.  The 14th amendment was enacted in 1868 and was the direct result of abuses concerning freed slaves who often were denied citizenship in some states. The amendment ruled that everyone born in the U.S. was automatically a citizen. There was an ambiguous line stating, "subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S" The amendment clearly disqualified children born to foreign diplomats and occupying armies. 

 

In today's world, recognizing anyone born in the country even if here on vacation or illegally is not in the spirit of the original amendment.  This amendment was written way before the era of financial benefits linked to citizenship and is not practiced by any other country in the world. We can assume that court feared the complications of any change that has been practiced for near 200 years. It could have been possible for a  clarifying  ruling that exempted all before the present date from losing their citizenship. 

 

I suspect that this may not be the end of this effort to change birthright citizenship, either by amendment or another attempt with different court. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Bibi coming to sell his latest war plan?

 NETANYAHU MAKES 7TH TRIP TO WASHINGTON

IRAN HOLDING FIRM ON DEMANDS 

 

It is being reported that Israel's Netanyahu will be meeting with Trump today at 11 am.  The precedent seems to be that some sort of war usually follows. It is not clear who has called for this meeting, but we can assume it has to do with the Iran conflict. 

 

The United States has now had a large number of forces in the region for over 1 year with no end in sight. We hear from those who want escalation and those who want a negotiated settlement.  The dilemma is that Trump agreed to Iran's framework, but hopes to win a victory at the negotiating table. It seems the agreeing part was just an effort to get the strait open and then negotiate a better deal.  Iran is holding firm, desiring a long term agreement that will avoid renewed war in a few  months. We can assume that Netanyahu is planning war, not any deal. 

 

Trump is in a hard place, Iran has demonstrated that they are willing to resume hostilities if necessary and any escalation on their infrastructure will be followed by damage to Persian  gulf infrastructure that will have dire consequences for the world economy and the U.S. economy. Iran is also demanding Israel withdraw from Lebanon, we can expect that will be on the agenda today.

 

Iran is making it clear that they plan on continuing some sort of control on the transit through the strait. it no longer is a toll, but an environmental fee that will include insurance to cover any damages from spills and other related damage to the waterway. It seems Oman is quietly willing to take part in this joint venture.

 

I suspect most shippers find such a fee a small part of their business, and any guarantee of safe passage will be acceptable.  Of course, we can assume Trump still wants to control the Iranian oil and even the other Persian gulf oil resources. There is little room for compromise by either side and everyday the risk and costs are rising.

 

I doubt that Bibi is bringing any positive solutions with him today. 

 

Update. It seems Netanyhou did not come to the U.S. yesterday, sorry this column was in error.