Iran/Middle East War Summary: Week Fourteen
5th June 2026
This week, the conflict in West Asia and the Middle East has been promising peace one minute while threatening all out war the next. It’s been a roller coaster. The Zionists continue to kill and destroy in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon while making frequent incursions into Syria. Hezbollah’s use of undetectable, ‘fibre optic’ drones has been game changing in Lebanon where hundreds of Merkava tanks and IDF servicemen have been incapacitated and dumbfounded Zionist leaders have been sent panicking to the United Nations. The IDF, according to Zionist sources, is creaking at the seams. But Israel has escalated the massacre rate of civilians in retaliation, killing whole families with a single strike.
Trump’s idea of a ceasefire in Hormuz amounts to a reduction in the fighting rather than a cessation. This suits the Americans who must make loud noises to impress but can’t afford all out war. This does not suit the Iranians who would prefer to get to grips with Americans falling back on the ropes. So far, Iran’s response to US attacks has been somewhat restrained but assertive, nevertheless. In an historical move, Iran threatened Israel with attacks on the lands they occupy in Northern Israel in retaliation for any Zionist strikes on Beirut. Iranian officials have also made a call to the Palestinians for insurrection - which is unprecedented. The plea for the Palestinians to take back the lands stolen from them is a breath of fresh air and would be a just reward for their unimaginable and largely ignored suffering (see below).
In some good news, France has blocked the Israelis from exhibiting their genocidal weapons at the Eurosatary ‘Defence Exhibition’ in Paris (June 15th-19th).
You can view my Ukraine and World Affairs Update here.
A Note On Ashkenazi Jews
You may have heard much talk of Israel’s biblically supported claim to many lands in the Middle East which provides the basis for its expansionist policies. For this reason I want to explain something about the Ashkenazi Jews. These people come from Russia, Belarus, Poland, Ukraine and other places. They became Jews, not through their blood line but due to a politically motivated conversion to Judaism for people who were sandwiched geographically between Russian Orthodox Christians and Ottoman Muslims. The amazing Jacques Baud talks about it here. Most of Israel’s leaders are Ashkenazi - so their talk of the Bible and the special status of the Jewish people doesn’t include them - they are not Semites like the Palestinians or the other Jewish groups that live in Israel. It is ironic that many of the people in Israel associated with accusation of anti-Semitism are not actually Semites.
29th May - Post Publication
Around midday, it was reported that the Yemenis shot down a US MQ-9 drone above Marib: a rare action from Ansar Allah. Early in the afternoon, the Zionists attacked Shoa Square in Gaza and are targeting Lebanese towns north of the Litani river. They have also targeted Sarfand in Southern Lebanon and Burj Al-Shalami (3 raids). It was reported that two children were injured following the latter attack while in Gaza, 2 were killed and 3 injured by bombing. This evening, the Resistance carried out several attacks on IDF soldiers and their tanks/vehicles including an attack on Yahmur al-Shaqif; one on Yiftah barracks and another on a gathering of IDF at Nativ. The Zionists killed 2 and injured 5 in the town of Ansar, Southern Lebanon. Late at night, 11 were killed and 8 injured in Zionist attacks on Southern Lebanon.
Also late at night, Resistance rockets attacked Miskaf Am, Al-Mutla, Marjayoun and Kiryat Shmona (see map above).
In the afternoon, Donald J came out with a bizarre post in which he appears to be saying that the Iranians have agreed for their enriched uranium to be blown up in Iran under the supervision of the IAEA. He also claims that he is lifting the ‘blockade’ of Hormuz - though it is not clear whether this is conditional on the uranium being destroyed. Trump must know that Iran will not give up its ‘nuclear dust’ - so this statement is likely to be directed at the markets and the neo-cons back home. This statement contradicts the so called ‘memo of understanding’ which is being negotiated. His claim that Iran can’t have control of Hormuz or charge fees also conflicts with the MoU. Iran also wants to receive $12 billion worth of its frozen assets and a genuine ceasefire in Lebanon/Gaza as preconditions for talks.
Today, the chief Iranian negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said:
We don't extract concessions through dialogue, but with missiles; and in negotiations, we just make them understand our position. We have no trust in guarantees or words - only actions matter. No action will be taken until the other party takes action. The winner in any agreement is the party most prepared for war the next day.
It sounds as if the Iranians have given up on negotiating with the rotting hegemon.
In the evening, Trump appeared to contradict himself when he posted:
30th May - Day 91
Maps
The Fighting
Early this morning, Galilee was also attacked by Hezbollah who also hit the strategic Mirun airbase on Jabal al-Jarmaq with heavy missiles. A Zionist ‘Iron Dome’ battery was hit by drones in Naqoura along with an IDF gathering. It seems that the Resistance is focusing on Israel’s air defences, including radars, dome batteries and communications close to the Lebanese border. IDF gatherings at Rashaf and Bayada were also hit by rocket barrages and others were ambushed with rockets near Al-Ghanduriyah.
The Zionist’s method of war on civilians results in whole families being killed in the same strike - such as the Salim family above. There are many more.
In Nabatiya and Ansar, 3 were killed and many wounded by Zionist attacks. During the afternoon, Israel was still attacking towns in South Lebanon while Hezbollah was attacking Galilee, Abdoun and Nahariya.
Safed, north of Lake Tiberias was also targeted (see above map).
Later in the afternoon, Hezbollah rockets were launched at Acre and Nahariya near the coast (see above map). It seems that Zionist ‘settlers’ are suffering frequent visits to the shelters.
During the evening, a Merkava tank was see burning in Debine (South Lebanon) where a soldier and battalion commander were badly injured. Late at night, IDF soldiers were injured and killed in 2 separate ‘security incidents'. A helicopter was seen taking wounded to ‘Rambam’ hospital in Haifa.
Attacks by ‘settlers’ on Palestinians have increased recently and today 7 civilians were injured. IDF forces prevented medical teams reaching the wounded. 540 ‘settler’ attacks were recorded in April alone.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
Referring to the negotiations between the Western backed Lebanese government and Israel in Washington, Lebanese media personality Khalil Nasrallah said:
The glaring truth that will be recorded by history, and documented by this difficult period, is that in #لبنان [Lebanon], the army ordered a withdrawal in the face of the occupier, then sent a delegation to Washington to sit with representatives of the occupying Israeli army.
The Israel-Lebanese talks in Washington broke down after nine hours due to Israel’s refusal to leave Lebanon and their insistence that Hezbollah disarm. You can read more at the Palestinian Chronicle.
Iran’s doctrine of asymmetric warfare is not a tactic but a strategy which was outlined by former IRGC leader, Hossein Salami (now martyred) back in the 1990s. Salami explained:
how to deal with superior power not through direct confrontation, but by dragging out the conflict over time, increasing economic costs and intensifying political pressures. The objective is simple: avoid decisive battles and instead reshape the battlefield into one of endurance, instability, and strategic attrition.
This accounts for Iran’s reticence in the current conflict.
Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to regional security arrangements (excluding the US) which has the support of many countries in the region. It has also confirmed that no agreement has been reached regarding the MoU - in spite of Trump’s claims.
There are scenes such as those above every night in Tehran in support of Iran’s leadership. In the foreground is an Iranian speedboat which can launch 2 sea based cruise missiles and can operate in waves up to 3 metres high. This is Iran’s non-existent navy.
Today, former US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, lambasted Trump’s handling of the Iran war. Trump has reached a deadlock, he notes; Iran still holds the Strait of Hormuz, there is no nuclear deal on the table and Iran may force the US to invest $300 billions in its enemy’s economy. The Donald has tried to ‘bomb, block, intimidate, and lost’. It’s hard to admit that someone from the Biden Administration is talking sense.
31st May - Day 92
Maps
The Fighting
At dawn today, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health:
8 martyrs, including 3 women, and 19 wounded, including 5 children and 6 women, in the massacre committed by the Israeli army following a raid targeting the town of Deir al-Zahrani in the Nabatiyeh district….
Early this morning, a US MQ-1 drone, apparently engaged in hostile activities, was destroyed by the Iranians near Qeshm Island.
The Zionists killed another civilian in Gaza this morning and there were several injuries to civilians following an attack on Jabaliya camp in the Northern Gaza Strip. Also during the morning, Resistance rockets targeted Shlomi, Nahariya, and the Zib beach. Late this morning, Hezbollah launched rockets at Acre and Haifa Bay and a ‘security incident’ was reported by the Zionists in Southern Lebanon. Shortly afterwards, rescue helicopters appeared in the sky above Southern Lebanon and were targeted by the Resistance. Hezbollah also sent missiles into Kiryat Shmona and just before midday Resistance drones were attacking Western Galilee Shlomi and Hanita. Early in the afternoon, the Zionists killed one and injured many more at Al-Bureij in the central Gaza strip. Gaza Port was attacked early evening, killing 2 and injuring 25 more. During the early evening, a Hezbollah drone struck a Zionist base at Beit Hillel: serious injuries were reported. Late in the evening Hezbollah launched missiles at Upper Galilee; the finger of Galilee and Kiryat Shmona. Israel has many command posts in these areas.
Late at night, the Resistance attacked an area around Lake Tiberius with 6 heavy missiles. An underground Israeli base was also hit.
Late at night, the Zionists killed 8 and injured 19 in Nabatieh District of Lebanon.
The Israeli incursion into Lebanon is not what it seems and has done nothing to stop the Resistance bombing of Northern Israel. Netanyahu has made much of the capture of the Beaufort Fortress in Southern Lebanon which was also seized the last time the Zionists invaded Lebanon. A soldier who was there the last time had this to say:
The same concern with image also infects the Ukrainian Nazis. Beaufort fortress is also known as the Shiqif fortress and is only 4 kms from the Lebanese border - so the Israelis are not far into Lebanese territory. The IDF at the fort is isolated and struggling to cope with Resistance attacks. The fort has become a liability where the Zionists are suffering casualties.
In the afternoon, Hezbollah attacked Galilee and Kiryat Shmona.
Political/Diplomatic/Political Moves
Rights include the right to sovereignty, to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes which is bestowed on every nation, and the right to protect territorial waters.
Today it was rumoured that a bill could be submitted to congress that will allow Israeli and US forces to be integrated, including the sharing of military intelligence, according to Mario Nawfal.
1st June - Day 93
Maps
The Fighting
Early this morning, a ‘serious security incident’ was reported in Southern Lebanon when a gathering of IDF was hit by drones causing many casualties.
Later, US Central Command announced a ‘defensive’ strike on radars and command/control sites on Ghoruk and Qashm in Iran. It seems that a communications tower on Sirik Island was also targeted. In what appears to have been a speedy retaliation, the Iranians hit the US Ali Al-Salem base in Kuwait with missiles. Last time they attacked the base, they injured 4 soldiers. However, Iran also used fighter jets in the attack, according to Mahmoud OD.
The Zionists were also in action early, killing 6 civilians and injuring many more in Breik, Tul and Kafr Sira (South Lebanon). Later in the morning an Israeli source admitted that a Sergeant was killed and 3 soldiers injured in Southern Lebanon. In the afternoon, a booby trapped drone killed 1 IDF soldier and injured many others.
In the afternoon, the Zionists called upon people in the Beirut suburbs to evacuate. They intended to strike the Dahiyeh district which contains some Hezbollah members and many Hezbollah supporters. They gave the same instructions to the people of Tyre before they started massacring the population and attempting to destroy the Jabal Amal hospital. The Iranians warned Israeli ‘settlers’ to evacuate if Beirut is attacked (see below). This could be how the hot war is reignited.
In the evening Hezbollah destroyed 2 more Merkava’s in South Lebanon.
According to an Israeli media outlet:
Hezbollah targeted a force from the Shaked battalion of the Givati Brigade in southern Lebanon, leaving its members with casualties, including deaths and injuries.
At around the same time, it was reported by a Yemeni source that the Zionists were bulldozing land in the Quneitra countryside, Syria. I have no idea why.
Following a ceasefire announcement by Donald J, a drone hit the Givati Brigade in Southern Lebanon. Later in the evening the Zionists attacked Southern Lebanon. A little later, Hezbollah fired rockets at Northern Israeli Settlements and late in the evening they fired drones at Galilee Region. Late at night the Zionists attacked Al-Zawaid camp in Gaza, killing one and injuring many others.
Late at night, Hezbollah attacked the whole of Upper Galilee, Safed and the area north of Lake Tiberius - see above map of air raid warnings. 17 rockets were used in these attacks which enraged ‘settlers’ who are calling for Bibi’s head. Western Galilee also came under fire along with Hanita, Shlomi and Ras al-Naqoura. The main targets in these areas are Zionist command and control centres. As I have said, Hezbollah also focuses on the destruction of ‘Iron Dome’ batteries which will compromise Israel’s air defences. The Resistance is also targeting IDF officers up to the rank of Colonel in order to disrupt the command structure - according to Laith Marouf.
Around 10 pm (GMT), Iran launched a missile at ‘US-owned’ MSC SARISKA ship in retaliation for an American attack on the Lian Star, an Iranian vessel, in the Oman Sea.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
According to this report, the Iranians have made it clear to Pakistani and Qatari mediators that a genuine ceasefire in Lebanon is not a ‘bargaining chip’ but a precondition for engaging in dialogue. The same applies to the end of the US ‘blockade’ and the withdrawal of troops from the Gulf.
Mass murderer Bibi Netanyahu has announced that Beirut will be attacked in retaliation for Hezbollah’s continued violations of the ceasefire. Correction: there was no ceasefire because Israel never stopped killing innocent Lebanese people. This time, however, Hezbollah retaliated and many IDF soldiers are being killed or wounded.
For some time, I have been wondering how long Iran can refrain from attacking Israel as it expands into Lebanon, killing thousands while forcing evacuation and destroying homes and medical facilities etc.. Well, according to Iranian Army Spokesman, Abolfazl Shekarchi:
The Zionist aggressor and child-killing regime, taking advantage of the ceasefire opportunity and blatant invasion of Lebanese territory, has spilled the blood of more than 3,000 innocent people, including women and children. While the rulers of Western countries have chosen silence or support for these anti-human crimes.
The continuation of such crimes, he added, ‘will not be tolerable for the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran’.
During the active phase of the USraeli-Iran war the latter, along with Ansar Allah, struck Zionist forces attacking in Lebanon, so this could happen again. It may be prudent for Iran to wait but they do so at the cost of many Lebanese lives and homes.
This afternoon, the Iranians announced the suspension of indirect talks with the US in response to Israel’s expansion of the war on Lebanon. Talks will not resume until Israel ceases its attacks on Lebanon and abandons the country. Furthermore, the Iranians have warned that they will block Hormuz completely along with Bab Al-Mandab at the entrance to the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Oil prices began to rise following this announcement. In the afternoon, state Iranian TV announced that if Israel continues to attack Lebanon the truce with the US will be at an end. Gaza must now be included in any future deal with the US and Israel.
According to another report, both Ansar Allah in Yemen and Iran have declared the attack in Beirut to be a ‘red line’ that will trigger a unified response. The sooner they respond, the fewer innocents will be killed.
In response to the threat to attack the Beirut suburbs, the commander of the Iranian Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters advised:
We warn the residents of northern Israel to evacuate in case the southern suburbs of Beirut are targeted.
It’s about time. Attacking civilians is awful, of course, but the Resistance has no choice. When you are getting your face pummeled by an iron fist, it isn’t really appropriate to retaliate with a slap on the wrist.
If Iran decides on a pre-emptive strike, the jets at Ben Gurion (Lod) airport provide a juicy target.
The Zionists are spreading false news about an alleged ‘collapse’ of Resistance force but this is far from the truth. In fact, the Resistance has not deployed all of its forces and there is no room for the many young men who want to join the fight. So, even if they take large losses, plenty more fighters are waiting eagerly in the wings for their chance to kill Zionists. Indeed, an Israeli Education spokesman has announced that Israel has not defeated Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran.
During the evening, it was reported by Israel’s Channel 12, that Trump and Netanhayu were talking on the phone. During the call, Axios claims that Trump told Bibi:
You're crazy. You would have been in jail if it weren't for me. I'm the one who saved you. Everyone hates you now, and everyone hates Israel because of you.
He also criticised Bibi, so Axios claims, for escalating in Lebanon; for demolishing a whole building to kill one Hezbollah leader and for alienating Israel from the whole world. Trump later confirmed that he had called Netanyahu ‘crazy’, according to the Jerusalem Post. Zero Hedge provides a confirmation report here.
After the call, the Donald posted the following:
And the Resistance said:
We announce to the settlers in occupied northern Palestine that the area specified in the attached map, which includes the Upper Galilee, the Lower Galilee, the Golan, and Haifa, has become a closed military zone as of this moment. In the event that your criminal leaders target the southern suburbs of Beirut or the city of Beirut, this area will be a target for the Iranian armed forces' attacks. And to the honorable Palestinian people: The time has come to reclaim your land. Our fire is at your service. The withdrawal of the settlers from the occupied territories could be a prelude to your return to them.
This sounds like a call for insurrection and is unprecedented.
It is reported that the whole Zionist political establishment, including Ben Gvir, is lashing out at Bibi’s decision to obey Trump and call a ceasefire. Gvir pleaded with Bibi that it is time to say ‘no’ to the Donald. The Israeli Press is joining in the macabre circus, according to this source. However, I haven’t seen anything like this in Haaretz or the Jerusalem Post.
It’s been a bit of a roller coaster during the past few hours and there is hope that the killing will stop - but it is a fact that the Zionists always violate ceasefires. Since the Resistance will definitely respond to Israeli violations, we could very easily be back to square one soon: that’s if the ceasefire ever gets started.
Mid way through the evening, Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that there is no ceasefire; everything is proceeding as normal. He asked Hezbollah to stop their attacks in exchange for Israel sparing Dahiyeh (Beirut). Netanyahu confirmed that Israel’s operations in Lebanon will proceed as normal.
This is totally different from Trump’s post which said that Hezbollah will not attack Israel and that Israel will not attack Hezbollah. Trump appears to be asking for a complete ceasefire, which he knows the Iranians want, while the Israelis are asking for a partial ceasefire. I am not sure whether Gvir and Katz understood Trump to be calling for restraint against Beirut or a full ceasefire.
The Donald’s reference to ‘Troops’ going to Beirut reveals his very limited understanding of this conflict.
But this fiasco, taken as a whole, shows that Trump has limited control (if any) over the Israelis who will ignore him when it suits them. To what extent these alleged differences between Israel and the US are real, rather than theatre, is anyone’s guess. But the Iranians are holding the US responsible for the escalation in Lebanon so it won’t escape punishment.
A little later, Hezbollah, very wisely, refused Katz’s offer and insisted on Israel respecting the ceasefire and taking all of its troops out of Lebanon.
Late at night, hundreds of thousands thronged the streets of Tehran chanting support for their government and carrying Hezbollah flags. Meanwhile in Israel, the parliament (the Knesset) has been dissolved and elections called for the period Sept 8th to October 20th.
Late in the evening Trump said that he had stopped the firing between Hezbollah and Israel - but there is no sign of a ceasefire. However, there is no sign of an attack on Beirut either.
At 8 pm Trump posted a ridiculous claim, no doubt directed at the markets, that the US is still holding direct talks with Iran. Iran has never held direct talks with the US and has announced that all contact through intermediaries has ended.
Brent Crude $93.01
2nd June - Day 94
Maps
The Fighting
Very early this morning, Hebrew media reported a very serious ‘security incident’ in Shlomi which resulted in the imposition of strict military censorship to hide the number of casualties. Around 1 am, Hezbollah hit yet another Merkava tank. According to Israeli newspaper, Yediot Ahronot Ahronot, 15 soldiers have been killed since the ‘ceasefire’ was called while injured IDF continue to arrive at Ramdam hospital. Around 8 am, the Zionists attacked Nabatiya, Jabsheet and Ansar in Southern Lebanon. They also attacked a school in Central Gaza, causing injuries. Two more were killed in Gaza when the Zionists attacked a car while 4 more were martyred in Deir al-Balah (Central Gaza). They also stormed Raba Village, south east of Jenin.
During the morning, Hezbollah attacked IDF gatherings at Hadata (Bint Jbeil District) and Al-Bayada (Tyre District).
Around midday, Zionist bombs murdered all of the Hassan Abdullah family in Marwaniyeh (Southern Lebanon). In the afternoon the Israelis started carpet bombing Burj Al-Salami Camp in Southern Lebanon. Even though this is not Beirut, it is still mass murder so Iran and Yemen should respond.
Late in the afternoon, 1 civilian was killed and many injured in the Al-Mawasi area south of Gaza while the Zionists suffered another ‘security incident’ in Southern Lebanon.
Early in the evening, 1 civilian was killed and many more injured in an attack on a displaced persons’ tent in Al-Mawasi, in the Southern Gaza Strip. Another attack on the Shati Refugee Camp in Gaza City injured 4 civilians while another 10 were injured in the North Beach Camp, west of Gaza City.
Late at night, the Americans hit an Iranian oil tanker and the Iranians retaliated with an attack on an USraeli vessel. The Americans also targeted the control tower on Qeshm Island and the Iranians responded with attacks on US Kuwaiti bases at Ali Al- Salem, Arifjan and the Fifth Fleet base. Bahrain also came under attack and it airspace closed to all traffic. It is claimed that 136 Shahed drones were seen above Kuwait while heavy damage was inflicted on Kuwait’s only international airport which has been closed. The Iranians have claimed that the damage to the airport was inflicted by a patriot ‘interceptor’ that was diverted after failing to hit incoming Iranian missiles. Either the report on the Shahed drones is false or they weren’t attacking the airport at Kuwait. Airspace in both Kuwait and Bahrain was used to attack Iran.
Satellite images indicate damage to a hanger which housed drones and aircraft at Ali al-Salem airbase in Kuwait
The Iranians also attacked the Kurdish Separatist group at their HG in Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan).
Iran has warned the Americans that they will respond to future attacks with increased intensity. which they appear to be doing. Of course the ‘agreement intolerant’ Americans are claiming to be acting in self-defence.
Around midday, Hezbollah announced another attack on an IDF ‘gathering’ at Al-Bayada (Southern Lebanon).
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
Today, the military spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obaidah, said
Greetings to all those who stood by and supported Palestine. May the eyes of the cowards never rest. Greetings to the resilient Lebanon, which has inflicted a heavy blow on the enemy and written glorious chapters in history.
Hopefully, one day historians will write about their glory.
Brent Crude $94.98
3rd June - Day 95
Maps
Hormuz Vessel Transit
The Fighting
Early this morning, the Zionists raided many towns in South Lebanon. They are also calling for the population of towns north of the Litani River to evacuate north of the Zahrani River and killed 2 civilians in Tyre - while another paramedic was martyred in the town of Arabsalim.
Later this morning, a Zionist attack came very close to Beirut when a car was targeted in Khalda. There were many injuries.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah targeted Kiryat Shmona with drones and rockets. Later this morning the Zionists killed 4 Syrians and 2 Palestinians in Al-Hauz (Tyre District). Around midday in the town of Maaroub, the Zionists targeted an ambulance (as they usually do), injuring 2 paramedics and killing another. This was followed by another attack on an ambulance in Zbedin which killed 2 civilians and a paramedic. Another paramedic was injured. Alastair Crooke claims that the IDF receive rewards for murder and destruction: top awards are given for the killing of medics.
In the afternoon, Hezbollah launched attacks on a number of settlements in the Galillee region and during the early evening they attacked Kiryat Shmona again.
Meanwhile the so called ‘settlers’ are burning agricultural land belonging to Palestinians south of Nablus in the West Bank.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
The Jerusalem Post is claiming that Hezbollah violated Trump’s attempt to impose a ceasefire - which is complete nonsense since Katz and Gvir never accepted the ceasefire and the Zionists never halted their attacks on Southern Lebanon.
It is worth noting that even though its bases have been attacked, the US has not targeted mainland Iran. If it does so, no one can pretend that there’s a ceasefire any more.
Trump has made another ridiculous claim: that Israel would have ceased to exist if it wasn’t for Donald J.
During the evening it was announced that Lebanon’s negotiators have accepted a deal that links the withdrawal of IDF troops from Lebanon with the clearing of weapons from certain villages and towns. But there is nothing to stop the Zionists from moving back in once the weapons have gone - so I doubt that it will be accepted. Indeed, Hezbollah and other opposition groups have rejected the deal which is really about disarming Hezbollah. The Secretary of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, described the negotiations as 'insolent' and has insisted that Hezbollah will continue to fight until the Zionists have left Lebanon.
Former military Chief of Staff, Dan Halutz (pictured), has admitted that the IDF is exhausted and criticised the military because ‘they sent our soldiers to Lebanon like a flock of ducks to a shooting range'.
Brent Crude - $96.82
4th June - Day 96
The Fighting
Early this morning, the Zionists attacked a residential building north west of Gaza City. There are many casualties. The Talal-Howa area west of Al-Quds hospital in the City was also attacked. Other areas of Gaza also came under fire. At least 8 civilians have been killed and many injured in Gaza this morning. A Zionist security official has announced that the IDF can operate freely in Sidon and Tyre but Beirut is subject to restrictions - which conflicts with the notion of a ceasefire. This morning Hezbollah announced that it has rejected the agreement reached in Washington.
Around 8 am this morning, the Zionists attacked Deir al-Zahrani in Southern Lebanon. According to Hebrew Channel 12, the IDF has not been given instructions to cease fire. Many towns in Southern Lebanon have been attacked this morning.
In response, Hezbollah hit the commanders of the Golani Brigade which is operating near the Shiqif (Beaufort) fortress. They also launched attacks on Northern Galilee.
Earlier this morning, the Iranians attacked a US warship in the Sea of Oman.
Late in the morning, another ‘security incident’ was reported while Hezbollah hit an armoured vehicle and another Merkava tank in South Lebanon setting both alight. 5 more were martyred by an Israeli attack on Shammar just before midday. In the afternoon Hezbollah launched another drone/missile attack into Western Galilee and attacked Matala and Shlomi.
Later in the afternoon, Hezbollah launched rockets into Galilee once again while Merkava tanks were targeted at the al-Shaqif fortress in South Lebanon. According to this report, an IDF Captain was killed in the latter attack. In Gaza, the Zionists targeted a group of police officers, killing one and injuring several others. Later in the afternoon another Israeli soldier was killed during a ‘security incident’ in South Lebanon. Hezbollah also attacked Zionist positions on the Golan Heights.
Late at night, an explosion was reported on Das Island in the UAE. The Island is one of the UAE’s most important centres for the export of LNG and something was on fire for 12 hours - which means the attack came during yesterday evening.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
The House of Representatives have voted by 215-208 in favour of a war powers resolution aimed at preventing further military action against Iran without congressional approval. However, the vote will not affect current operations in the Gulf, unfortunately. I believe that a Senate vote or a Trump veto could scupper this initiative.
Day 90 - Hormuz Assessment
Brent Crude - $96.67
5th June - Day 97
The Fighting
Early this morning, Oman’s Mina al-Fahal port was hit by a drone which halted the flow of crude oil. Later this morning 7 IDF soldiers were injured during a ‘security incident’ in Southern Lebanon. Later, another 3 soldiers were taken away by helicopter. Meanwhile, the Zionists attacked numerous towns and villages in Southern Lebanon.
Political/Diplomatic/Military Moves
Today, the Palestinian Chronicle reported that the Palestinians secured a victory at the International Labour Conference where 394 delegates voted against an Israeli attempt to block Palestinian status and voting rights at the International Labour Organisation. Only 17 delegates voted with the Zionists. This vote demonstrates how much Israel is condemned within the International Community.
Brent Crude - $95
It’s been an eventful week in the Middle East and West Asia in which some unprecedented moves have been made by the Iranians and the balance of power appears to be changing forever. But that’s the optimist in me speaking. Please help the Busker to reach more people by subscribing and sharing. I am grateful for you views; follows; restacks; likes and comments. Have a good week - Rob
P.S. - Just after publishing, I saw this video from Larry Johnson, featuring Colonel Williamson and Danny Haiphong. Larry claims that one of his reliable sources believes that Iran has told Pakistan that it has a bomb - and that Pakistan told Trump. I doubt whether Iran has a bomb but maybe its leaders are playing a game. Who knows.
I must take issue with your over-simplification of the complex origins of Ashkenazi Jews. I’m no expert, but I know a little about my own ancestors on my paternal side. My paternal relatives have resided in Safed, Palestine (today Israel) since as early as the early 17th century. My ancestors were notable rabbis in 14th and 15th century Spain. With the onset of the Spanish Inquisition some moved to Bohemia, where the current last name was acquired. From Bohemia some family members moved to Palestine as early as 1621 with additional small scale relocations from Europe over several hundred years. My grandfather, son of a rabbi and brother to three rabbis, left Safed for Egypt in 1913, finally arriving in the US during WWI. I suspect the origins of many Ashkenazi families are as diverse and similarly convoluted…
Sometimes an imagined threat is just as effective as a tangible threat. Has Iran mined the Strait of Hormuz? Probably not, but key players (maritime insurers) act as though they have, so the idea of the threat is as effective as the threat itself.
This is a chess tactic, where the threat of an action can be more effective than the execution of an action. And where did chess originate?