Malmqky Posted March 14 Posted March 14 38 minutes ago, ourkid8 said: I think you are watching and reading too much Zionist / American news! The people are taking it back as millions of Iranians took to the streets across Iran for annual Al-Quds Day rallies on March 13, 2026, demonstrating solidarity with Palestinians and opposing Israel and the United States. Despite ongoing conflict and security risks, large crowds, including officials, gathered in Tehran and other provinces to mark the event established in 1979. A few of the government officials were President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani. Please see pictures of all the other dignitaries who are marching with the millions of people in solidarity! How many 1000s of Iranians were killed in January? Times says the number could be upwards of 30k. Or is that fake news? Regardless, if a government kills thousands of its own people because they protest, it's not for the people. Bottom line. That's what I mean by Iranian taking their government/country back. At the same time, it is possible for the people and its government to be united against US oppression, etc. Two things can be true at once. Correct me if I'm being ignorant here and am wrong.
Parsad Posted March 14 Posted March 14 4 hours ago, Mephistopheles said: I actually really like Trump, the man. No I wouldn't have daughter marry him, but it's clear that he's got a quality that few have - making the person he is in the room with feel like the most important person in the world. He's entertaining to watch and kind of hilarious. The ones that are unbearable are the syncophant/cultists. Those politicians who are prostituting themselves to curry favor with him...how embarrassing. The funny thing is that Trump can't stand them either. He respects those who are willing to stand up to him. This is why he likes Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom. In case you don't know what this is referencing, look up Fleischer shoes I saw this today. Trump likes these shoes so much he's making his entire team switch to them. Apparently when he asked Rubio his shoe size, Rubio said 11! Lindsey Graham was a 7 and Vance apparently a 13 (yeah, sure...ask Usha)! Cheers!
Parsad Posted March 14 Posted March 14 4 hours ago, Blake Hampton said: Here's the face of the mentally stable prosecutor currently going after Powell: This very stupid lady has no idea of the fire that she is playing with. She was appointed by none other than Donald Trump. She wants Bondi's job and she may get it as Bondi is almost as big a mess as puppy killer Noem! Cheers!
cubsfan Posted March 14 Posted March 14 Now that Trump hit Kharg Island, I guess Iran has real trouble. Where does the money come from now when 90% of your oil flows through Kharg? But I guess that mean that Iran is "winning"!
Xerxes Posted March 14 Posted March 14 41 minutes ago, ourkid8 said: I think you are watching and reading too much Zionist / American news! The people are taking it back as millions of Iranians took to the streets across Iran for annual Al-Quds Day rallies on March 13, 2026, demonstrating solidarity with Palestinians and opposing Israel and the United States. Despite ongoing conflict and security risks, large crowds, including officials, gathered in Tehran and other provinces to mark the event established in 1979. A few of the government officials were President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani. Please see pictures of all the other dignitaries who are marching with the millions of people in solidarity! Is there a picture of these leaders walking side by side with the protestors in January
cubsfan Posted March 14 Posted March 14 Bummer... Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island. Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision. During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP
ourkid8 Posted March 14 Posted March 14 (edited) 27 minutes ago, Malmqky said: How many 1000s of Iranians were killed in January? Times says the number could be upwards of 30k. Or is that fake news? Regardless, if a government kills thousands of its own people because they protest, it's not for the people. Bottom line. That's what I mean by Iranian taking their government/country back. At the same time, it is possible for the people and its government to be united against US oppression, etc. Two things can be true at once. Correct me if I'm being ignorant here and am wrong. What you read was all fake news. I wish one day I could take you there, the country is beautiful, the people go out of their way for their guests and it’s majority of lies what you hear on the news about the government - if you ever need clarification, please ask! The official number was 3,117 killed (including 200 security individuals). The lIranian government launched an online portal for people to submit details of missing individuals. On the official list it includes the full name, the first name of their father, and the last six digits of their 10-digit national identification number to ensure everything is official. Do you know why they were protesting? Edited March 14 by ourkid8
ourkid8 Posted March 14 Posted March 14 15 minutes ago, Xerxes said: Is there a picture of these leaders walking side by side with the protestors in January Do you know how / why the protests started? And then how/ why it tuned into chaos? Let’s have an intelligent conversation.
Malmqky Posted March 14 Posted March 14 2 minutes ago, ourkid8 said: What you read was all fake news. I wish one day I could take you there, the country is beautiful, the people go out of their way for their guests and it’s majority of lies what you hear on the news. - if you ever need clarification, please ask! The official number was 3,117 killed (including 200 security individuals). The lIranian government launched an online portal for people to submit details of missing individuals. On the official list it includes the full name, the first name of their father, and the last six digits of their 10-digit national identification number to ensure everything is official. Do you know why they were protesting? Okay, so let's take those numbers at face value then. I would argue a government who kills 2,917 of its people, is not for its people. Do we agree? I am sure Iran is a gorgeous place, and the Iranians I've met (living in America) are friendly and pleasant people. I believe protests were due to economic conditions?
Loss Horizon Posted March 14 Posted March 14 21 hours ago, Xerxes said: Here is my take after +1 week of this shit show. As an Iranian-born Canadian, me and countless others were grateful on the fall of a tyrant. But we also know and understand better, that is not that simple. - Khameni is now replaced with Khameni (a younger version) - Regime is wounded; but also more dangerous than ever before - Despite the theatrics of an “Islamic” republic, don’t be fooled, this is going to be a military dictatorship going forward - Office of Supreme Leader will be there to give IRGC legitimacy - Mojtaba will never be as powerful as his father. Power dynamic has shifted - Saudi Vision 2030 is gone. It is now Saudi Vision 2040. Ops. - The illusion of safety that UAE try to cultivate and build over decades has now fallen over 10 days Losers - Iranian people. Stuck between having their infrastructure destroyed by IDF and Americans, and a regime that even now is sharpening its sword to go after them once the war is over. - Regime in Tehran favouring the status quo. They died clenching their fist. - Trump. Even John Bolton, the mega Iran hawk, has enough sense to criticize Trump for a half baked plan. - Gulf states. As said earlier, that entire vision for Gulf centred around trade, tourism has gone in smoke. - The Office of Supreme Leader. It will never regain its power over IRGC. - Ukraine; from what I understand the Gulf state fired hundreds of Patriot in the first few days; more than Ukraine was ever able to buy in the entire war. Also there are report of dwindling supplies of all kinds of munitions from late last year, as Pentagon priorities its own build up over Ukraine needs. - China; yet one more KPI how sophisticated Western military prowess and doctrine is and how purge-ridden PLA may not be … yet. - Customers of Qatari LNG. From what I understand those plants once shutdown will take 3-4 week to power back up. With crude, at least that huge surplus built inside the Persian Gulf can Ben tapped once the crisis over. Winners: - Bibi; he did the impossible. Was able to fully pull U.S. into the war. - Israeli State; as it will not have to bear the cost and will have all the upside. The geopolitical cost will be amortized and carried by the Gulf nations and U.S. - Kremlin; sanction relief on crude, Patriots pull into the Middle East, etc. they weren’t planning for this. Seems 2026 is their lucky year. They are drinking vodka straight from the bottle this weekend, as the saying goes. - U.S. defense contractors. Only if they could expand capacity. - The lower and mid echelon of IRGC, with the old guard either dead or moving out, it is their time to feast. - War porn on YouTube and message boards. It is a bull market for self-declared analysts. I mean who would have thought to see 20 million barrel of crude not flowing through Arrakis. - sadly the regime in Iran may also be a winner by not losing and demonstrating how far they are willing to go. Fantastic analysis. I would add a global energy disruption: 20% of global oil and 20% or global LNG are blocked. It will hurt all energy importers, as the market is quite efficient. Europe doesn't import much of Qatari LNG, but its importers are not bound by anything, they can redirect shipments to higher paying Qatar's customers, so the global price is what matters. One short term hope is that China is affected and it could negotiate passing of its ships, which will relieve global prices somewhat. Another result is upcoming wider transformation of warfare. Hundreds millions $ worth of Tomahawks and decades of production capacity have been spent in an instant, with no decisive victory. While cheap Iranian drones are effective too.
changegonnacome Posted March 14 Posted March 14 9 minutes ago, cubsfan said: Huh? How does the "regime" win when they can not defend themselves, let alone conduct offensive operations? They win by surviving. Would anyone say we won in Vietnam? I mean we seriously degraded the North Vietnamese military capability while we there but lets remember who was running the country soon after? Would anyone say we won in Afghanistan? I mean we seriously degraded the Taliban's capability and actual place running the country for the nearly 20yrs we were there. But I dont think anyone is calling Afghanisation a win, a victory are they? You get my point. Its very simple @cubsfan. The US set out to remove the regime (read Trump's own words). If the regime persists the overarching strategic objective was not met. Now you get some minor short term degradation wins that will be dressed up as the POINT all along and sure a degraded Iran is certainly less dangerous in the short term however more dangerous (i would argue) over the medium to long term. Yeah a win, kind of, if you measure things in months, not decades. I'm not saying all this to call Trump an idiot or loser - on balance perhaps it was worth a shot at regime change if he had some special intel that indicated they were particularly vulnerable (all the reporting is he was told there was no viable military option to effect regime change) but perhaps it was worth a shot. I think a rational assessment of where we are is that Iranian regime has proven way more resilient and indeed more esctlatory than anyone suspected. Remember what the Taliban used to say that proved quite insightful. "You have the watch, we have the time"
ourkid8 Posted March 14 Posted March 14 (edited) 53 minutes ago, Malmqky said: Okay, so let's take those numbers at face value then. I would argue a government who kills 2,917 of its people, is not for its people. Do we agree? I am sure Iran is a gorgeous place, and the Iranians I've met (living in America) are friendly and pleasant people. I believe protests were due to economic conditions? U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly stated that the United States deliberately created a dollar shortage in Iran through intensified sanctions or as described as "maximum pressure". This policy contributed to a sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial, runaway inflation, bank runs, and severe economic hardship for ordinary Iranians, which helped spark widespread protests starting in late December 2025. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly acknowledged the economic crisis and expressed a desire to engage in dialogue with protesters. He ordered officials, including the Interior Minister, to listen to their legitimate demands—particularly those related to the country's worsening economic conditions, currency collapse, and declining living standards—and pledged government action to address them. The initial protests, driven by economic grievances e.g., strikes by shopkeepers in Tehran and elsewhere, were peaceful in the first few days. However, the situation escalated into riots and violence. Foreign actors—including Mossad and CIA of infiltrating and weaponizing the protests to incite chaos. Rioters deliberately set fire to mosques, hospitals, ambulances, schools, banks, and other public infrastructure, resulting in deaths and destruction of innocent lives and property. Due to the foreign interference and the shift to widespread violence and damage to public property, Iranian security forces intervened to restore order. The government maintains that it upholds the rule of law and must act decisively against rioting to protect public safety and peace. Iranian officials have reported arresting numerous foreign-linked individuals, who are expected to face trial. This is why I disagree with you as the government is maintaining rule of law to protect public safety and peace. Edited March 14 by ourkid8
cubsfan Posted March 14 Posted March 14 28 minutes ago, changegonnacome said: They win by surviving. Would anyone say we won in Vietnam? I mean we seriously degraded the North Vietnamese military capability while we there but lets remember who was running the country soon after? Would anyone say we won in Afghanistan? I mean we seriously degraded the Taliban's capability and actual place running the country for the nearly 20yrs we were there. But I dont think anyone is calling Afghanisation a win, a victory are they? You get my point. Its very simple @cubsfan. The US set out to remove the regime (read Trump's own words). If the regime persists the overarching strategic objective was not met. Now you get some minor short term degradation wins that will be dressed up as the POINT all along and sure a degraded Iran is certainly less dangerous in the short term however more dangerous (i would argue) over the medium to long term. Yeah a win, kind of, if you measure things in months, not decades. I'm not saying all this to call Trump an idiot or loser - on balance perhaps it was worth a shot at regime change if he had some special intel that indicated they were particularly vulnerable (all the reporting is he was told there was no viable military option to effect regime change) but perhaps it was worth a shot. I think a rational assessment of where we are is that Iranian regime has proven way more resilient and indeed more esctlatory than anyone suspected. Remember what the Taliban used to say that proved quite insightful. "You have the watch, we have the time" Again - Iran can not defend itself. They are not in control of their destiny in regards to being a world or Mid East power anymore. If the regime is intact - it will be the citizens of Iran that lose badly. It certainly won't be Israel, US or the neighbors. They won't be exporting any oil if the US Navy does not allow it. When they threaten their neighbors- it will be bombs away. They have no defense, except terrorism. Iran has all the time in the world, the US & Israel have all the munitions that IRGC can only imagine. Most frustrating for them: they can't touch us.
ourkid8 Posted March 14 Posted March 14 (edited) 2 hours ago, cubsfan said: Again - Iran can not defend itself. They are not in control of their destiny in regards to being a world or Mid East power anymore. If the regime is intact - it will be the citizens of Iran that lose badly. It certainly won't be Israel, US or the neighbors. They won't be exporting any oil if the US Navy does not allow it. When they threaten their neighbors- it will be bombs away. They have no defense, except terrorism. Iran has all the time in the world, the US & Israel have all the munitions that IRGC can only imagine. Most frustrating for them: they can't touch us. Iran has threatened each one of their GCC neighbours in an act of self defense, if you allow US/Israel to strike out of your country, you will become a legitimate target. Which is why UAE/Bahrain is being attacked and they cannot do anything about it. You are being dishonest, why don't you share how bad of a pounding Israel is taking? (Iran's ballistic missile program is extremely accurate and they haven't use their latest tech yet! - They have only started to use their hypersonic and cluster missiles) Due to the media blackout not everything is being released but lots of videos/pictures are on X. Now that Iran has degraded their over half of US/Israel's early warning systems , they are blind of what's coming in and their internal warning systems do not always go off when they are under attack. You will also hear Trump saying the attacks have decreased, which is correct but now they are launching less missiles misses and almost every single one is hitting their target. BTW: Don't forget, US/Israel have asked for a ceasefire numerous times so far and it has been Iran who has refused. During the 12 day war, it was Israel who went to the US to ask for a ceasefire. Israel / US requesting a cease fire: Report: Iran says will only agree to ceasefire if US, Israel guarantee no future attack | The Times of Israel Iran War: Truce Depends on US, Israel Pledging No Future Strikes, Iran Says - Bloomberg Israel getting pounded: Trump's crypto czar - David Sacks says: “Israel is getting hit harder than they have ever been hit before in their history, and we're only two weeks into this. If this war continues for weeks or months, then Israel could just be destroyed or very large parts of it. Then you have to worry about Israel escalating the war by contemplating using a nuclear weapon, which would truly be catastrophic.” Edited March 14 by ourkid8
cubsfan Posted March 14 Posted March 14 16 minutes ago, ourkid8 said: Iran has threatened each one of their GCC neighbours in an act of self defense, if you allow US/Israel to strike out of your country, you will become a legitimate target. Which is why UAE/Bahrain is constantly being attacked and cannot do anything about it. You are being dishonest, why don't you share how bad of a pounding Israel is taking? (Iran's ballistic missile program is extremely accurate and they haven't use their latest tech yet!) Due to the media blackout not everything is being released but lots of videos/pictures are on X. Now that Iran has destroyed the majority of US/Israel's early warning systems , they are blind of what's coming in and their internal warning systems do not even go off when they are under attack. You will also hear Trump saying the attacks have decreased, which is correct but now they are launching less missiles misses and almost every single one is hitting their target. BTW: Don't forget, US/Israel have asked for a ceasefire numerous times so far and it has been Iran who has refused. During the 12 day war, it was Israel who begged US for Iran to stop attacking them. Good to see Baghdad Bob survived.
ourkid8 Posted March 14 Posted March 14 5 minutes ago, cubsfan said: Good to see Baghdad Bob survived. I am standing up for a country who is exercising its "inherent right" to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter following what it terms unlawful, large-scale aggression by the US and Israel. What is inaccurate with what I said?
cubsfan Posted March 14 Posted March 14 28 minutes ago, ourkid8 said: I am standing up for a country who is exercising its "inherent right" to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter following what it terms unlawful, large-scale aggression by the US and Israel. What is inaccurate with what I said? Of course they have a right to defend themselves. They sure look pathetic. But they are getting what they deserve.
ourkid8 Posted March 14 Posted March 14 (edited) 1 hour ago, cubsfan said: Of course they have a right to defend themselves. They sure look pathetic. But they are getting what they deserve. Getting what they deserve? I was under the impression you Zionists/ Epstein class were trying to free the people. I guess your true colours are coming out. Pathetic? 1. GCC neighbours cannot defend themselves - some of their economies may fall 2. Israel is under a constant attack. 3. WTI is nearing $100 and Brent is slight over 4. European nat gas, 50-60% above pre war prices 5 straight of Hormuz - essentially shut 6. All 32 member countries or IEA agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from reserves - largest release ever out of fear it will crush their economy 7. Fertilizer prices had a significant spike which will will make food more unaffordable for the average consumer 8. Oil and gas production will shut down in GCC as they cannot export it and their storage is full. I can keep on going however US /Israel has so far failed to achieve their stated goals of regime change. Edited March 14 by ourkid8
SharperDingaan Posted March 14 Posted March 14 2 hours ago, cubsfan said: Bummer... Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island. Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision. During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP If he was going to bomb the oil he would either have already done it, or the marines would already be there. They aren't, and Iranian oil continues to flow out to China every day; shortly flowing to France and the UK as well ... potentially under their fleet protection. The US is just pissed 'cause the Iranians have forced a draw ... all that shock and awe failing to produce a win. Destroy Kharg facilities, the Iranians blow the E-W pipeline, and 4M+ bbl/day of supply instantly vanishes. Another American cluster f***. A draw. SD
ourkid8 Posted March 14 Posted March 14 (edited) 23 minutes ago, SharperDingaan said: If he was going to bomb the oil he would either have already done it, or the marines would already be there. They aren't, and Iranian oil continues to flow out to China every day; shortly flowing to France and the UK as well ... potentially under their fleet protection. The US is just pissed 'cause the Iranians have forced a draw ... all that shock and awe failing to produce a win. Destroy Kharg facilities, the Iranians blow the E-W pipeline, and 4M+ bbl/day of supply instantly vanishes. Another American cluster f***. A draw. SD Finally someone who understands what is going on. I wouldn’t say a draw. Iran stood strong against two military powers. They were also able to attack all the GCC countries without any repercussions. Finally, they were able to inflict pain on the global economy. That’s a win especially since the two military powers are the ones asking for a cease fire Rumours are Netanyahu was killed. Let’s all hope/pray that’s true for global peace. Edited March 14 by ourkid8
Spekulatius Posted March 14 Posted March 14 3 hours ago, cubsfan said: Now that Trump hit Kharg Island, I guess Iran has real trouble. Where does the money come from now when 90% of your oil flows through Kharg? But I guess that mean that Iran is "winning"! They could have hit Kharg Island from the get go. It is just sitting sitting there, hard to protect a d easy to hit with air power. However I think the idea was not to destroy the energy infrastructure, but that concept was abandoned as our military had hit refineries and other targets already. So this is an indication of escalation , not an indication of winning either. Same with moving 3500 marines ( a ground invasion force) that may well be to secure Kharg Island. But think about this- if this escalation had been part of the plan from beginning, the Marines had been assembled with the initial force to begin with and Kharg Island had been hit during the first days (this was actually discussed upthread here). In other words, we are now getting into round 2 of this conflict and it looks like this will go on for a while.
changegonnacome Posted March 14 Posted March 14 1 hour ago, cubsfan said: Again - Iran can not defend itself. They are not in control of their destiny in regards to being a world or Mid East power anymore. So what? Your confusing kinetic activity & target destruction when you should be judging the operation by its strategic objective and whether that has been achieved. The objective was to catalyze regime change. It may and I hope it does achieve that but there is a reason that Trump was told by the Pentagon/ General Caine there was “no viable military solution to topple the regime in Iran” a month ago. The assessment was simple - the regime is deeply embedded, power is distributed across groups to create robust firewalls and if that weren’t enough the Iranian regime opposition deeply fragmented. The ingredients likely arent there to get rebellion started by air power alone. Trump tried anyway - ok he wanted to roll the dice - looks to me like they’ve come up snake eyes. The reality is he didnt have the military assets in the region during the protests a few weeks ago which was the optimal time to act and the regime brutally and disgustingly made examples of those protestors which sadly IMO seem to have been devastatingly effective at quelling the population. I do agree with one element of your narrative - Trump has demonstrated a willingness to act with military power in a very aggressive manner (VZ, Iran + other 6 or 7 international bombings) from a deterrents perspective that is significant change in US willingness to act versus talk relative to his predecessors.
dealraker Posted March 14 Posted March 14 10 hours ago, 73 Reds said: So what are you bitching about? The difference between us is I am entertained and you are angry. Or at least your posts depict an angry individual. Lighten up. We've dealt with far worse in the past and will most certainly have to address far worse in the future. As for self-awareness - read your own posts. Redsmy posts are never as serious as they read I assure you. You are enraged that others don't agree with you. Grow up, be like Cubs dude. He could care less as to my opinion LOL. By Kindergarten I was aware others had opinions. How old are you?
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