Iran/Middle East War Summary: Week Twelve
22nd May 2026
Churchill famously said: ‘Jaw, Jaw is better than War War’ and so far this week we have had neither with regard to Iran. Unfortunately, Trump’s version of Jaw Jaw is pure fantasy as well as being boringly repetitive. At some points this week Trump was hinting that war is coming, while at others he was claiming that a deal is close. It seems that he changed his mind about attacking Iran - but why? According to Trump, he called off an attack at the request of his Gulf State allies, including Saudi Arabia. But the Gulf leaders have denied Trump’s claims. Others, such as Simplicius, believe that Iran’s military strength, accounts for the cancellation (see below).
So, with Trump now talking about a 30 day extension to the ceasefire in order to negotiate (or pretend to negotiate) it is still not the time for Iran to relax. Past experience has shown the Iranians that when Trump’s talks of negotiations, they must be more alert than at any other time.
The Donald is stuck between a rock and a hard place and will find it difficult to move out of the Middle East and West Asia while both pleasing his beloved Bibi and avoiding humiliation. Therefore the risk of a US attack is still high, though some say that the Donald is getting bored already and is turning his head towards Cuba.
The Zionists continue to murder innocents in Lebanon, the West Bank, Gaza and Syria but the Resistance, especially Hezbollah, is making them pay dearly. Some Israeli sources are noisily pessimistic about the condition of the IDF and its prospects for future operations in Lebanon. Soldiers continue to commit suicide but the Lebanese and Palestinian people suffer most.
The US is determined to dominate flows of energy throughout the world, according to some, including Pepe Escobar. It is interested in Iran not just for its oil but because much of the world’s oil passes through Hormuz: if it controls Iran it can also control this oil flow and can use it as a political and economic tool. Trump’s attempts to control Iran for these reasons have been embarrassing failures as the Global South giggles in disbelief.
Waiting for war has increased tensions this week for those who are looking closely at the conflict and are listening to Trump’s contradictory, fantastical verbiage.
My Ukraine Weekly Update can be viewed here.
15th May - Post Publication
Early this morning, Israeli settlers burned a mosque along with several vehicles, and spray-painted racist slogans on walls in the village of Jibya, northwest of Ramallah. They also attacked homes in South Nablus. Around midday, many areas of Tyre came under attack, including the Hiraam hospital where 7 people were injured. At the same time Hezbollah hit a group of IDF soldiers in Rashaf with shells and missiles. In the afternoon, Hezbollah attacked Israeli positions near Kiryat Shmona, Naharriya and Western Galilee.
During the evening, Gaza suffered heavy bombing in the Al-Ramal district which demolished some dwellings on top of their residents. There are many martyrs.
For some time the Zionists have been attempting to assassinate Azeddine Al-Haddad, the Hamas leader who refused to agree to Hamas’s disarmament. They have probably killed dozens in its attempts to assassinate one man. It was later confirmed that Al-Haddad had been killed. At least 7 innocents have been murdered along with him. According to this report, some deluded Zionists believe that the assassination will force Hamas to agree to disarm. Others are more realistic.
The Zionists were also attacking buildings in Tyre during the evening where 37 were injured according to this. Hezbollah has also been busy with drone attacks on Northern Occupied Palestine. They have also launched drone, artillery and rocket attacks on gatherings of IDF soldiers in Bint Jbeil, Bayyada-Naqoura and Qouza. Three D-9 dozers were also hit.
In the above photo a settler beats a guard dog in the garden of a Palestinian house in the village of Atara (Ramallah District). I should warn people that the video of this attack on Telegram is disturbing. The dog was tied up so could not escape. Initially, it was reported that the dog had been killed. These people truly are monsters.
However, in this case the story has a happy ending because the dog, whose name is Lucy, survived and is being treated by Palestinian vets.
In another incident, a Jewish settler, another ‘animal lover’, threw a concrete block at two cats.
In this photo, an armed Jewish settler blindfolded and tied a Palestinian man as IDF soldiers watched, then walked away. The man was then kidnapped.
Late in the evening, the Zionists killed 6 and injured 22 in an attack on an ambulance centre in Harouf.
According to the US State Department, the so called ‘ceasefire’ in Lebanon has been extended for 45 days. so that negotiations can be completed. Note to the US State Department: something that did not exist in the first place cannot possibly be extended. Furthermore, nothing has changed in Lebanon where the Zionists and the Resistance are highly active. You can read more about the extension at the Palestinian Chronicle. I honestly can’t see a ceasefire being honoured by the Zionists.
During the evening it was reported that the authorities in Bahrain are clamping down on Shia dissent; arresting clerics; revoking citizenships and threatening dissidents with death sentences.
Brent Crude increased to $109.24 towards the end of the day.
16th May - Day 77
Maps
Zionist Attacks
Resistance Attacks
The Fighting
According to this report, a ceasefire in Southern Lebanon was honoured by the Zionists for several hours but they compensated by bombing Gaza. Early this morning, the Resistance attacked Zionist positions in the Golan Heights - though this is disputed. Hezbollah is also reported to have attacked Zionist positions in Galilee.
This afternoon, Iran seized a tanker that wouldn’t listen to IRGC commands.
The above photo shows a collapsed building in Hanawey, Southern Lebanon following a Zionist attack. There were many casualties.
During the late afternoon, Hezbollah rockets attacked the Miloout North Industrial Zone, Petast, Petast Beach, Lima, and Ras Al-Naqoura Naqora (see map above).
At the roughly the same time the Zionists targeted an aid station in Dibal, Southern Lebanon killing several people. They also hit various locations in Tyre. In what many see as a huge escalation, the Zionists attacked numerous towns in Southern Lebanon with air strikes, naval bombardment and artillery. But Hezbollah responded with rocket attacks on the occupied north and missile/drone attacks on Western Galilee. Shortly afterwards, another ‘security incident’ in Southern Lebanon was reported on Jewish Telegram channels. Early in the evening the Zionists killed 3 and injured many others in Gaza City as the genocide continues. Another health facility was attacked in Qana in Southern Lebanon and several people were injured by gunfire in Khan Younis.
It is noticeable that the Zionists focus on hospitals, ambulance stations, medics and aid stations to deprive the population of essential facilities. They also attack locations where they know civilians are gathering, including school gates, as they did in Jabalia Camp today. There are many dead and wounded. The Ukrainian terrorists also target gatherings of people at markets or bus stops.
This evening, Hezbollah destroyed another D-9 bulldozer in Deir Sryan and killed an IDF soldier with a booby trap. Late in the evening they hit another Merkava tank with a guided missile and hit an army barracks at Yarun (South Lebanon) with a swarm of assault drones.
Late at night, there was a huge explosion at a factory in Beit Shemesh. The Zionists are preventing emergency vehicles from entering the area so maybe the explosion occurred in ‘sensitive’ facilities. The factory produces heavy and light rocket engines. The Israelis authorities are describing this as a ‘civilian facility’ in order to hide the true nature of the factory which is probably located close to populated areas. This is a common Zionist practice. According to this report, Arrow 3 missiles, Jericho missiles and nuclear missiles are stored in this area. The authorities initially described this as a ‘controlled explosion’ - which is absurd really. Some say that a large amount of receptor missiles may have been destroyed in an accident due to the mishandling of rocket fuel. Former US Naval officer Malcolm Nance believes that the explosion was the result of botched ballistic missile testing. Some are worried that this incident was somehow connected with plans to deploy nuclear weapons.
Ihab Farhat and his 4 children (above) were murdered last night by Zionists in the southern Lebanese town of Arab Salim.
Zionist rescue and evacuation helicopters were in the air this afternoon over Southern Lebanon. 2 officers and 2 IDF soldiers were injured by a mine which exploded close to them today. In the afternoon, Hezbollah detonated an explosive device against an Israeli force in the vicinity of the town of Yahmur al-Shaqif, causing casualties among their members. Late in the afternoon, another Zionist attack on Tyre killed 6 civilians, including a woman and child.
UAE's Ministry of Defence says a drone struck an electrical generator outside the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant this afternoon. It is not clear who carried out the attack but the Iranians have not owned to it.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
Hezbollah has rejected the humiliating negotiations being conducted by their pro-Western Lebanese government which has offered the Zionists concessions, even though the latter has made it clear that they wish to occupy Lebanese territory. The Lebanese government does not operate in the interests of the people.
17th May - Day 78
Maps
The Fighting
Early this morning, the Zionists attacked a police station in Rafah City killing some and injuring many others. Later, the Zionists killed another 3 in the Gaza strip; injured 2 paramedics in air strikes on Tiradib and killed a man in Zarariya.
According to this report, a fire broke out following a drone attack outside the perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power station in Abu Dhabi. I have no idea who is responsible but ex-US Navy officer, Malcolm Nance believes that Iran attacked the back up generator for the nuclear power station which would be needed to prevent a meltdown if the station was deprived of power. If this is true, the Iranians are clearly sending a warning to the UAE. But this report suggests that the attack came from the direction of Saudi Arabia - which is strange if true. It could also implicate the Houthis in carrying out the attack but no one has owned up to it yet. Just before midday, an Israeli raid hit the perimeter of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah causing many injuries and deaths. Just before noon, Hezbollah announced an attack on a gathering of IDF soldiers in Rashaf and in mid afternoon they sent drones into West Galilee.
Hamas leader Baha Abu Al-Baroud was assassinated today in Gaza where another 6 civilians were injured this afternoon.
In line with their policy of targeting gatherings of civilians, early this evening the Zionists hit civilians queuing at a bakery in the Tel Hawa neighbourhood, south west of Gaza. 13 people were hospitalised. Following an attack on a cafe in Batoli (Lebanon), 3 more were hospitalised. An attack on Jouya in Tyre injured 3 more. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported 5 martyrs and 15 injured in attacks on Tyre; Tireh; Zarariya and Jbeil. During the evening in the central Gaza strip, 1 civilian was killed and 7 injured by an air strike. The Houthis are still involved on the fringes and shot down an MQ-9 in Marib Province. Late at night, the Zionists carried out attacks in Eastern Lebanon targeting a house in Baalbek where they killed some and injured many more. No where is out of bounds for the rabid Zionists. A father and daughter are among the dead. In the Queneitra region of Syria, the Zionists are preventing local shepherds from attending their sheep.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
According to the "Fars" news agency, affiliated with the IRGC, Washington has outlined a response to our proposal with 5 main rules for the agreement:
1. No payment of compensation to Iran
2. Handover of enriched uranium
3. Maintaining only one nuclear facility
4. A cessation of war on all fronts will be subject to negotiation
5. No release of Iranian funds
No surprises there.
Great new Lego Video from Iran - Goodbye Tel Aviv.
And the Donald says:
Trump to the Israeli Channel 12: We are waiting for another proposal from Iran before striking it with a force unprecedented in history.
He is such a drama queen.
In Response, Iranian Spokesman - Ibrahim Rezaei said:
the United States must accept the conditions of the Islamic Republic of Iran: either surrender to our diplomats, or surrender to our missiles.
And Major General Rezaei, Khamenei’s military adviser warned:
My advice to the US military? BACK OFF...before the Gulf of Oman becomes a graveyard for your ships”
There you go Donald: it’s your choice.
18th May - Day 79
Maps
The Fighting
Around midday, the Zionists killed 1 and injured 9 in the South Lebanese town of Maarakeh. Numerous towns have suffered Zionist attacks here today. Around the same time, Hezbollah hit another D-9 in Deir Srian and attacked a kibbutz in Western Galilee.
Early in the afternoon, Hezbollah fired rockets at Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Tal Hai (see map) while more rockets targeted IDF forces in Khayam; Al-Tyba and Matala. The Zionists killed one and injured another in Khan Younis this afternoon. Later in the afternoon Hezbollah attacked the northern part of Galilee with rockets while the Zionists continued to attack numerous towns in Southern Lebanon, including Tyre. Hezbollah also hit a gathering of IDF in Rashaf with a swarm of attack drones. Late in the evening Khan Younis came under attack from Zionist naval vessels. The Zionists were also busy in Syria tonight when they advanced into rural Daraa. The USraelis were also in action with a drone attack on Qeshm Island where Iranian air defences were activated.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
The Iranians could force major technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon to abide by its laws and obtain licensing fees from undersea cable companies. Two main cables pass through Iran’s territorial waters and interference with these cables would impact primarily on the Gulf States.
According to the Palestinian Chronicle, quoting the Israeli press, the IDF is short of 12,000 soldiers including 6,000 combat troops. The shortages arise from casualties; combat fatigue; general draft evasion and the refusal of the orthodox Haredi community to enlist.
It is being reported in the Zionist press that large amounts of weapons and ammunition have been sent to Israel over the past 24 hours. It would be no surprise if an attack came soon. Iranian military spokesman, Mohammed Akraminia provided Trump with a warning:
If the enemy is foolish enough to fall into the Zionist trap again and launches new aggression against our beloved Iran, we will open new fronts against it, with new equipment and new methods.
Today it was reported that Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops; a squadron of JF-17 jets and a Chinese HQ-9 air defence systems to Saudi Arabia as part of a mutual defence pact. It is not clear whether this force is meant to protect Saudi Arabia from Iran or the USraelis.
Tonight it was reported that The Hague had issues a secret arrest warrant for Bezalel Smotrich.
War Postponed - Trump:
We were planning to launch a military operation against Iran tomorrow and decided to postpone it at the request of the Emir of Qatar, the Saudi Crown Prince, and the UAE President.
However, the Gulf State’s leaders have denied any involvement in the postponement, according to Janta Ka. According to Zero Hedge, Trump called off his attacks on Iran following advice from the Pentagon which warned that Iran’s air defences have become much more effective at shooting down US planes.
An agreement is close according to the Deluded Donald, who has his eyes on the falling stock markets, including the bond market, and the rising oil prices.
It is as if this man has never grown up: he is Fake News Media personified. But the Iranians will not be fooled by his shenanigans: they will be expecting an attack most when Trump says there will be no attack.
Brent Crude - $110.96
19th May - Day 80
Maps
The Fighting
This morning, the Zionists attacked farmers who were harvesting water melons with banned phosphorous bombs. In the afternoon, Hezbollah destroyed an Iron Dome platform in Jal Al-Alam. Around the same time the Zionists killed 1 and injured many others in an attack on a car in central Gaza. Late in the afternoon, another civilian was injured in Gaza.
The Zionists also attacked the town of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr in Southern Lebanon where they murdered 19, including 5 children, and injured dozens more. In the early evening, a Hezbollah gunman shot and killed an IDF soldier (a Major) in the Qozah area of Southern Lebanon where a military vehicle was also hit. Several gatherings of IDF were also hit with drones this evening and yet another Israeli soldier committed suicide.
The Zionists continue with ethnic cleansing in the West Bank where residents of the village of Khan al-Ahmar were forced out of their homes to make way for thousands of new settlements on the instructions of the criminal Smotrich. This is yet another war crime. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Smotrich and this Israeli report, suggests the forced evacuation in the West Bank was in retaliation. Also in the West Bank, Zionist soldiers and settlers are burning then demolishing Palestinian homes while shooting at civilians.
Late in the evening, Zionist bombing injured 2 civilians in Khan Younis and another 5 in Al-Nasr neighbourhood west of Gaza City.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
A new poll in the US indicates that two thirds of Americans are opposed to the war on Iran. Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 37%: a Second Term low.
Brent Crude - $110.26
20th May - Day 81
Maps
The Fighting
During the afternoon, the Zionists attacked a motorbike in Tyre, killing the rider. They also killed 7 and injured 3 in Doueir and Tebnine. In the meantime, Hezbollah hit a tank and a D-9 dozer in Hadatha (South Lebanon). Late in the afternoon in Dibil, a Zionist Colonel, 8 soldiers and the commander of 401st Brigade were wounded in an attack by Hezbollah. During the evening Hezbollah used missiles, rockets and artillery shells to ambush three gatherings of IDF troops and vehicles near Hadatha, causing casualties and damaging tanks and bulldozers. They also hit Zionist army barracks with drones injuring at least 7. The Zionists were busy during the evening, targeting the Al-Maghazi camp in central Gaza, causing many casualties. Dibil and Rashaf were attacked with rockets for a second time late at night.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
I have seen several reports of Iranian exposure and destruction of Mossad and Kurdish terrorist cells. According to a recent report, 19 Al-Qaeda were arrested on the suspicion of planning terrorist activities in Iran.
The US Senate has passed a ‘war powers’ vote which will require congress to consider the ‘removal of United States hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran'. Hopefully, congress will have noted that none of the US’s objectives have been reached: the Straits are still closed to unfriendly nations and the Iranians still have their enriched uranium. Congressman Seth Moulton makes this point to the commander of CENTCOM in this short clip. Unfortunately, Republican Senators managed to get the House vote postponed for the time being - according to Politico.
According to a report in Tass, the new Iranian leadership has stated that it is not interested in developing nuclear weapons but insists on their right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes in accordance with their membership of the NPT.
In Europe, Croatia has refused to accept the Israeli ambassador due to the policies being pursued by the current regime.
In Italy, the Israeli ambassador has been summoned in connection with Israel’s mistreatment of activists on board the Samud flotilla. Georgia Meloni has criticised Ben Gvir for humiliating Italian subjects and has called for their immediate release, along with an apology.
The Portuguese government has also condemned Ben Gvir’s treatment of Portuguese activists from the Samud and demanded their release. The Spanish Foreign Minister called Israeli’s action barbaric and demanded a public apology. Spain’s EU representative, Irene Montero, confronted Kaja Kallas regarding her inaction concerning the kidnap, torture and humiliation of EU citizens by Israel. Kallas is probably thinking ‘how can we blame Russia for this?’. Greece; South Korea; France; the Netherlands and Turkey have all condemned Israel for its treatment of the flotilla captives. Even Poland has banned Ben Gvir in response to his barbarity. Cynics will ask why such an indignant response hasn’t been forthcoming from the Europeans with regard to Gaza. Similar condemnation has also been expressed inside Israel and in South Africa.
You can see Gvir and other Zionists mistreating people here or here or here. According to Gvir’s distorted Zionist vocabulary these harmless and humane activists are no more than terrorists who belong in prison. You can read more about Zionist barbarity towards their prisoners at the Palestinian Chronicle.
According to this report, Trump has told an infuriated Netanyahu that he is pausing the conflict to engage in another imaginary 30 day negotiation period when the US will discuss Iran’s nuclear program and the situation in Hormuz. Given Trump’s erratic behaviour, an attack can be expected at any time while the Iranian finger is gripped firmly on the trigger. Commentators provide differing views on this situation but many believe that Trump is stalling because his military options are limited and risky.
The Donald could be mindful of Iran’s warning to extend the conflict beyond West Asia if it is attacked. This could mean attacks on US bases in Diego Garcia and Europe but it is likely to include the Houthis and a blockade of the Red Sea - as you can read at the Tehran Times. Iran has also warned of new and more deadly weapons.
Alex Krainer believes that Trump’s constant refrain that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon could be laying the groundwork for a new JPCOA agreement that the Donald can present as a victory and an off ramp from the Iran conflict - though Bibi will not be pleased. However, even if the Gulf States accept the deal, Israel could decide to continue alone and could even use nuclear weapons.
According to this report, talks will begin at the beginning of June though these will be indirect talks as they have been hitherto.
Brent Crude - $110.17 (later reduced to $105).
21st May - Day 82
Maps
The Fighting
11 IDF soldiers were injured on the Lebanese border this morning. In the afternoon, the Zionists hit yet another motorcycle, killing the rider. They have also attacked numerous towns in Southern Lebanon where 1 civilian was killed and many injured. Meanwhile in the Gaza strip a young woman was killed by a Zionist drone. Late in the afternoon, Zionist rescue helicopters were reported to be in the air over Galilee and Southern Lebanon. Early in the evening, the Resistance attacked Kiryat Shmona and Al-Manara while Zionist gunfire injured 2 people in Central Gaza. Hezbollah was very busy, carrying out attacks on IDF ‘gatherings’ at Al-Adaisah; Bint Jbeil; Rashaf; Hadatha; Al-Bayada; Naqoura; Tair Harfa and Dibl. Meanwhile the Zionists were using drones to attack Beirut again. They also hit an emergency medical point in Hanaweyah (Southern Lebanon) causing casualties. A later report named 4 martyrs: they were paramedics.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
Do you remember drunken Pete (Hegseth) claiming that US bombers will attack targets in Iran with impunity: that the US rules the skies over Iran? Well, the US Congress has admitted that during the hot war the US lost 42 planes as part of its air supremacy. The Americans are so desperate that Stephan Miller (Homeland Security Adviser) has threatened Iran with nukes, not appreciating that resorting to such measures is a sign of defeat rather than the victory the USraelis claim to have achieved.
Qatar’s Ras Laffan has gone off line and with it 77 millions tons of annual LNG supplies. Repairs of the damage caused by Iran’s missiles and drones will take 3-5 years.
In Gaza, six months after the ‘ceasefire’ that was never honoured by the Zionists, the people of Gaza still face famine, partly due to Zionist blocking of aid, according to Human Rights Watch. You can read more at the Palestinian Chronicle.
The UN has warned that the Hormuz situation could cause a food crisis within a year. India, Bangladesh; Egypt and Sudan will be hardest hit. You can read more at teleSur.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that Iran’s enriched uranium must stay in Iran while Netanyahu has insisted that the war has been for nothing unless the uranium is taken.
In a sign that the USraelis are getting fed up with Hezbollah’s success against the IDF in Lebanon, sanctions have been imposed by the US on Lebanese and Hezbollah officials - as you can read here.
At the UN, China called for Israel to conform fully with the ceasefire agreement.
Brent Crude - $106.12
22nd May - Day 83
Th Fighting
This morning, a policeman was injured in an attack on a police vehicle at Safatawi roundabout in the Northern Gaza strip.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
The Iranians have condemned Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on their ambassador to Lebanon.
Brent Crude - $104.52
That’s it for another very tense week in which the war has not been extended, thankfully. Many thanks for your views, subscriptions, follows, restacks, likes and comments. Have a good week - Best Rob
Thanks Rob for your thorough and comprehensive report about absolute shocking events for a normal person. The zionists in Israel and elsewhere seem to have assimilated a pathogen self-destructing brain virus beyond comprehension in cruelness, inhumanity and disrespect for human beings. This evil and brutal zionism is even harmful för the jews themselves in Israel and elsewhere.
Thanks again Rob, we in the so called free world should be ashamed if not we and our governments don't protest and stop this behavior from their buddies and leaders Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu.
Wow, so much happening Rob!
If 1+1=2, then the reason that the US is not attacking Iran is because not only are its munitions running low, but most of what they have is being given to Israel, so that they can continue their dastardly deeds, ie killing as many civilians and health workers as possible. We are not getting numbers of IDF killed from Israeli sources, but Hezbola appears to be consistently hitting gatherings of IDF. Drone footage shows that they watch until IDF go into a building then drone it to oblivion. The IDF reply by destroying homes and killing locals. Cowards.
It boggles me that the Lebanese Government is still in power when they are clearly OK with a) losing a large land mass to Israel, and b) having the only force capable of stopping this from happening, disarm!
You have to wonder why Israel is so keen to acquire Iran's enriched uranium. I am wondering if this has something to do with their usual suppliers being affected by what is happening in the Sahel states, Israel's motto being, 'Why pay for something when you can steal it'. Oh, and those reprehensible bastards in the West Bank are not 'Settlers' they are merely 'Land Thieves'.
Our ABC news showed the freed flotilla prisoners on stretchers being hospitalised because of the beatings that the Zios gave them. It is beyond disgusting that our governments have not sanctioned the government of these criminal monsters.
Israeli media reported this week that Netanyahu is destroying Israel and that the nation's days are numbered. Perhaps things inside Israel are far worst economically that we know about.