Kallas lol. What a complete nincompoop. How does someone get to that position by sounding so completely uninformed?
If I were Russia, I'd build a fkg wall all along its Western border. Can't imagine how loathsome the Russians must think it'd be to invade and govern the eu. Who'd want to deal with all that?
Thanks Rob for your continued detailed reporting of the Ukraine war. What is happening in West Asia is so dramatic and threatening that the other huge, transformative war is underreported. The parallels between the two are interesting:
• US proxy war, backed by the EU
• Rabid Zionist leader who continually puts out lies
• The US 'enemy' is vilified in the MSM, but is heavily armed
• Both 'enemies' are resource rich, particularly in OIL
• As soon as the proxy is facing defeat Trump calls a Ceasefire in order to restock the proxy
• Masses of citizens from the proxy nation flee, unlikely to return
• The US assumes that people in the 'enemy' nation will desert their leader, and call for a change of leadership
• Sleeper cells in the 'enemy' nation carry out acts of terrorism
• In fact even the disgruntled in the 'enemy' nation unite behind their leader because the war has unified their nation.
The MSM are being used as propaganda tools by the collective west.
It is fortunate that Seymore Hirsh, who seems to have excellent intel sources, warned Iran of the impending US air strikes, and, in spite of Hegseth's reports to the contrary, Iran was able to move all of its enriched Uranium other than of harm's way. Satellite images showed a convoy of trucks moving material from the Fordham plant after Hirsch's warning, and before the US strike. Iran's claim that no Uranium was damaged appears to be true.
As for the Ceasefire, Iran did not agree to this. And Israel violated it almost immediately. Yesterday Iran did a major strike on the Wiesenthal Science institute, Israel's major centre for scientific and nuclear development. 45 Labs were destroyed. This is a HUGE blow to Israel's nuclear program.
Israel has been lying about its number of deaths. Our news day after day has been reporting 24 dead. AFTER this was first reported an Australian ABC reporter was standing outside a bombed apartment building from which six bodies had just been removed. Likewise, the bombing of the Mossad building killed, unreported, countless intelligence personnel. Ditto Iran's strikes on Israeli military facilities.
For the safety of Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen and Egypt, the Iranians must stop the Israel's dream of a Greater Israel, and put an end to the Zionist Project once and for all.
Look out Cyprus, 15,000 Israelis have bought property there, and similar has happened in Romania. They both could well be colonised by Zionist money and influence.
Thanks Joy - yes the similarities are remarkable. As I said, I was disappointed when the so called 'ceasefire' came into force because Israel was on the ropes and will now be able to recover but it will also allow Iran to get ready for round two.
Iran is supporting the current main enemies of Israel. And for sure...
Israel will never negotiate, forgive, forget and never ever give any mercy and is completely free of moral.
And with their huge lobby in the background in many powerfull countries they are undefeatable.
After ending the open hostilities a lot of very smart people -not only jews- all over the world will work on a plan to destroy the iran country finally. Based on the huge amount of the lessons learned they just made right now.
I'm an optimist, as you know Hans, so I am hopeful that both Russia and China will help Iran's defensive capabilities. Have a look at this: https://youtu.be/WYKeiY9jPxQ
Meanwhile the Drug Addict, USA, at the ready to pass the Big Beautiful Budget, stuffed with rancid pork and a deficit/loss ranging from $1.7 to $2.3 Trillion every year for the next 4-10 years.
Like a dying patient being fed blood transfusions where undiluted new blood is running out, US Politicians are going to squeeze the Fed into conjuring/clicking/printing more dollars to buy up/backstop the secondary buyers of debt. Same process as watering down the new blood for the dying patient.
Russia and China, for good or for bad, only need to keep up the pressure, subtle or overt, while containing erratic decisions of the loose cannon on deck.
You must be tired, Rob, what an update this week. Bravo.
Man, does it make sense there were only 9 israeli casualties? Did you see the damage to those buildings that looked like condo towers? At night when people are sleeping?
Which makes one wonder whether the israeli people will remain in support of their military actions now that they've experienced suffering also? It stands to reason that this might change their outlook.
Also, if I were Iran, I'd get nukes. The west doesn't mess with NK much anymore these days. Once the west turns its hateful eyes to you, you're in deep shit, see Ukraine, Cuba, NK, Libya, Iraq, Venezuela, and many more. Having nukes and acting crazy seems to be the only deterrence, no?
Good when people appreciate my efforts and this week has been energy sapping. You are right, the situation in Israel will probably change as the country comes to terms with this catastrophic retreat - and that is just what it is. I agree - if I were Iran, I would consider getting nukes - but that's the emotional response. As I have said before, Iran does not need nukes to annihilate Iran. Dinner's ready.
Thanks for the work this week on the update Rob. Well put together.
We will never know the exact damage to Iran's nuclear program. But I would hazard a guess, that Iran has been put back only a few months and most of it is intact.
You cant be sure of the results of the US bombing raid either without seeing the structures under those mountains.
Well done, Iran, for fighting back against the evil zionists. You gave them a serious bloody nose.
Looking back at the sea change of the West before it's entry into the 12 day war it is very reminiscent of the illegal 2003 war against Iraq.
The one where Dr Kelly took his own life and lowlife Alastair Campbell requested the threats of Iraq using WMD dossier to be 'spiced up'
Although the quality of the opponent, the optics, collateral damage and low air defence stock left called a quick halt to the war clan on this one.
I have a feeling they will be back for more soon though.
Why? I think Trump and the West are endlessly pushing their story that they have destroyed the nuclear program.
I feel they are just crocodile tears to get Iran's guard down for their next phase while they also try to figure out WTF happened and how much they will have to spend to replace all the Israeli/ Nato etc air defence that was spent.
On the Ukraine part of the update I noticed the map you use for Toretsk in the summary.
I saw it the other day on South front map updates and it has the left pincer of the RF right up against the Western shore of the Kleban Byk reservoir south of Konstantinovka.
They haven't pushed that far according to other maps and it could point to a temporary blackout or something bigger afoot.
Cheers Anthony. Yes, I think this is just a pause and its not even an official ceasefire. Trump is really annoyed at those who claim less than total destruction was inflicted but this allows him an off ramp having used the 'threat' of a 'possible' nuclear weapons program as a cover for his true motivation: i.e. regime change. This is a worse con than 2003 which claimed that the war was started because of something that existed (i.e. WMD) even if this was false. The US attacked Iran due to something that 'may' exist sometime in the future - i.e. nuclear weapons - and 'may' be used to attack Israel. This sets a worrying precedent. But Trump must now know that Iran can destroy Israel selectively with its conventional arsenal whereas a nuclear option would harm the Palestinians who it wants to protect. It makes sense for Iran to have nukes as a deterrent but not to attack Israel. I suspect that Trump knows this. Thanks for the info on Toretsk. There is a dearth of maps coming through on my Telegram feed in recent weeks.
Thanks Rob. I said Eastern shore on the reservoir but meant Western. Have changed it now.
Iran has clearly shown it is not to be messed with. That is a good thing but like you say it sets a precedent and now the war clan have no boundaries with what they can get away with,
Beware John Helmer. Iran won this exchange, that's why Israel sued for an end to it and not just sued, pleaded for it! It can be argued that Iran should have finished the job and flattened the place, Israel should be thanking Iran that it didn't!
The Iranian ruling class, based as they are on the power of the Mullahs, are essentially very conservative and understandably rather leery of foreign relationships, we saw this in the treaty with Russia, a treaty didn't go far enough and yet Russia itself is hamstrung by the 2 million Russian (Jews?) in Israel. Damn! What poisonous legacy the British Empire left us! I'm sure that religious constraints played a significant role in Iran calling it quits when it did, unfortunately but something has to be done about the Zio-Fascists.
Islam is a powerful force in Iran and its based in the Mullahs, it's why the USIsrael screwed up, they're utterly ignorant about Iranian society, just as we are and I'm sure it played a significant role in why Iran didn't go for the kill when it could have. After all, it was the Mullahs who defeated the left in 1979.
I think I know what you mean. The Iranians were never tempted to go for civilian targets even though they had plenty of provocation. They are more civilised than us. I have noticed reports on Telegram suggesting that the damage on Israel was far greater than we realise.
Yes, they deliberately tried to avoid civilian casualties, apparently only 12 civilians died in 'Israel', the Zionazis slaughtered hundreds. Had Iran continued its onslaught, Israel would have ceased to exist as an industrial society, they targetted all the eseential elements, power, trade, energy, defence, production, communications. It's why Zionazis screamed for a ceasefire.
It's true that there was "significant and serious" damage to Iran's *exposed* facilities, those assets in structures on the surface, as opposed to subterranean.
There are many conflicting reports on this and I have no way of verifying anything. The quote I saw from Araghchi didn't mention whether the damage was to exposed or underground facilities.
European countries tax revenue is something like 15-25 % of GDP on the average.
For example Spain has tax revenue of 15 % of GDP , so that means that Spain would have to use one third of all their collected tax revenue to defence spending to get it to 5 % GDP level.
No wonder they do not want to go above 2%.
So we will either see massive taxation increases in European NATO countries or excessive cutting of social services, infrastructure spending etc to fund this new militarization. Most likely both.
Rising taxes and removing essential services will lead to unrest which the governments will then suppress by increasing authoritarianism and police state style oppression.
...including the terrorist ‘decapitation’ method...
I may asked while is "decaption" a terrorist method, when in war times leader of politics and military have been killed? Is it only legal and honourable to kill only joung healty men in trenches?
The iranian leaders are supporting the Houthies, Hisbolla and Hamas which are tough enemies of Israel. For good or bad reasons... But are the leaders of these entities therefore not also legitim targets for Israel?
Kallas lol. What a complete nincompoop. How does someone get to that position by sounding so completely uninformed?
If I were Russia, I'd build a fkg wall all along its Western border. Can't imagine how loathsome the Russians must think it'd be to invade and govern the eu. Who'd want to deal with all that?
Thanks Rob for your continued detailed reporting of the Ukraine war. What is happening in West Asia is so dramatic and threatening that the other huge, transformative war is underreported. The parallels between the two are interesting:
• US proxy war, backed by the EU
• Rabid Zionist leader who continually puts out lies
• The US 'enemy' is vilified in the MSM, but is heavily armed
• Both 'enemies' are resource rich, particularly in OIL
• As soon as the proxy is facing defeat Trump calls a Ceasefire in order to restock the proxy
• Masses of citizens from the proxy nation flee, unlikely to return
• The US assumes that people in the 'enemy' nation will desert their leader, and call for a change of leadership
• Sleeper cells in the 'enemy' nation carry out acts of terrorism
• In fact even the disgruntled in the 'enemy' nation unite behind their leader because the war has unified their nation.
The MSM are being used as propaganda tools by the collective west.
It is fortunate that Seymore Hirsh, who seems to have excellent intel sources, warned Iran of the impending US air strikes, and, in spite of Hegseth's reports to the contrary, Iran was able to move all of its enriched Uranium other than of harm's way. Satellite images showed a convoy of trucks moving material from the Fordham plant after Hirsch's warning, and before the US strike. Iran's claim that no Uranium was damaged appears to be true.
As for the Ceasefire, Iran did not agree to this. And Israel violated it almost immediately. Yesterday Iran did a major strike on the Wiesenthal Science institute, Israel's major centre for scientific and nuclear development. 45 Labs were destroyed. This is a HUGE blow to Israel's nuclear program.
Israel has been lying about its number of deaths. Our news day after day has been reporting 24 dead. AFTER this was first reported an Australian ABC reporter was standing outside a bombed apartment building from which six bodies had just been removed. Likewise, the bombing of the Mossad building killed, unreported, countless intelligence personnel. Ditto Iran's strikes on Israeli military facilities.
For the safety of Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen and Egypt, the Iranians must stop the Israel's dream of a Greater Israel, and put an end to the Zionist Project once and for all.
Look out Cyprus, 15,000 Israelis have bought property there, and similar has happened in Romania. They both could well be colonised by Zionist money and influence.
Thanks Joy - yes the similarities are remarkable. As I said, I was disappointed when the so called 'ceasefire' came into force because Israel was on the ropes and will now be able to recover but it will also allow Iran to get ready for round two.
Iran is supporting the current main enemies of Israel. And for sure...
Israel will never negotiate, forgive, forget and never ever give any mercy and is completely free of moral.
And with their huge lobby in the background in many powerfull countries they are undefeatable.
After ending the open hostilities a lot of very smart people -not only jews- all over the world will work on a plan to destroy the iran country finally. Based on the huge amount of the lessons learned they just made right now.
I'm an optimist, as you know Hans, so I am hopeful that both Russia and China will help Iran's defensive capabilities. Have a look at this: https://youtu.be/WYKeiY9jPxQ
Meanwhile the Drug Addict, USA, at the ready to pass the Big Beautiful Budget, stuffed with rancid pork and a deficit/loss ranging from $1.7 to $2.3 Trillion every year for the next 4-10 years.
Like a dying patient being fed blood transfusions where undiluted new blood is running out, US Politicians are going to squeeze the Fed into conjuring/clicking/printing more dollars to buy up/backstop the secondary buyers of debt. Same process as watering down the new blood for the dying patient.
Russia and China, for good or for bad, only need to keep up the pressure, subtle or overt, while containing erratic decisions of the loose cannon on deck.
Thanks for that kam. You appear to share my optimism.
You must be tired, Rob, what an update this week. Bravo.
Man, does it make sense there were only 9 israeli casualties? Did you see the damage to those buildings that looked like condo towers? At night when people are sleeping?
Which makes one wonder whether the israeli people will remain in support of their military actions now that they've experienced suffering also? It stands to reason that this might change their outlook.
Also, if I were Iran, I'd get nukes. The west doesn't mess with NK much anymore these days. Once the west turns its hateful eyes to you, you're in deep shit, see Ukraine, Cuba, NK, Libya, Iraq, Venezuela, and many more. Having nukes and acting crazy seems to be the only deterrence, no?
Good when people appreciate my efforts and this week has been energy sapping. You are right, the situation in Israel will probably change as the country comes to terms with this catastrophic retreat - and that is just what it is. I agree - if I were Iran, I would consider getting nukes - but that's the emotional response. As I have said before, Iran does not need nukes to annihilate Iran. Dinner's ready.
https://substack.com/@reeceashdown/note/c-130003158?r=5qrbeg&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Thanks for the work this week on the update Rob. Well put together.
We will never know the exact damage to Iran's nuclear program. But I would hazard a guess, that Iran has been put back only a few months and most of it is intact.
You cant be sure of the results of the US bombing raid either without seeing the structures under those mountains.
Well done, Iran, for fighting back against the evil zionists. You gave them a serious bloody nose.
Looking back at the sea change of the West before it's entry into the 12 day war it is very reminiscent of the illegal 2003 war against Iraq.
The one where Dr Kelly took his own life and lowlife Alastair Campbell requested the threats of Iraq using WMD dossier to be 'spiced up'
Although the quality of the opponent, the optics, collateral damage and low air defence stock left called a quick halt to the war clan on this one.
I have a feeling they will be back for more soon though.
Why? I think Trump and the West are endlessly pushing their story that they have destroyed the nuclear program.
I feel they are just crocodile tears to get Iran's guard down for their next phase while they also try to figure out WTF happened and how much they will have to spend to replace all the Israeli/ Nato etc air defence that was spent.
On the Ukraine part of the update I noticed the map you use for Toretsk in the summary.
I saw it the other day on South front map updates and it has the left pincer of the RF right up against the Western shore of the Kleban Byk reservoir south of Konstantinovka.
They haven't pushed that far according to other maps and it could point to a temporary blackout or something bigger afoot.
Cheers Anthony. Yes, I think this is just a pause and its not even an official ceasefire. Trump is really annoyed at those who claim less than total destruction was inflicted but this allows him an off ramp having used the 'threat' of a 'possible' nuclear weapons program as a cover for his true motivation: i.e. regime change. This is a worse con than 2003 which claimed that the war was started because of something that existed (i.e. WMD) even if this was false. The US attacked Iran due to something that 'may' exist sometime in the future - i.e. nuclear weapons - and 'may' be used to attack Israel. This sets a worrying precedent. But Trump must now know that Iran can destroy Israel selectively with its conventional arsenal whereas a nuclear option would harm the Palestinians who it wants to protect. It makes sense for Iran to have nukes as a deterrent but not to attack Israel. I suspect that Trump knows this. Thanks for the info on Toretsk. There is a dearth of maps coming through on my Telegram feed in recent weeks.
Thanks Rob. I said Eastern shore on the reservoir but meant Western. Have changed it now.
Iran has clearly shown it is not to be messed with. That is a good thing but like you say it sets a precedent and now the war clan have no boundaries with what they can get away with,
Beware John Helmer. Iran won this exchange, that's why Israel sued for an end to it and not just sued, pleaded for it! It can be argued that Iran should have finished the job and flattened the place, Israel should be thanking Iran that it didn't!
When the 'ceasefire' was declared I was disappointed really because I could see that Israel was suffering - but so was Iran, Cheers William.
The Iranian ruling class, based as they are on the power of the Mullahs, are essentially very conservative and understandably rather leery of foreign relationships, we saw this in the treaty with Russia, a treaty didn't go far enough and yet Russia itself is hamstrung by the 2 million Russian (Jews?) in Israel. Damn! What poisonous legacy the British Empire left us! I'm sure that religious constraints played a significant role in Iran calling it quits when it did, unfortunately but something has to be done about the Zio-Fascists.
Can you explain what religious constraints you are referring to please - I'm not sure. Cheers
Islam is a powerful force in Iran and its based in the Mullahs, it's why the USIsrael screwed up, they're utterly ignorant about Iranian society, just as we are and I'm sure it played a significant role in why Iran didn't go for the kill when it could have. After all, it was the Mullahs who defeated the left in 1979.
I think I know what you mean. The Iranians were never tempted to go for civilian targets even though they had plenty of provocation. They are more civilised than us. I have noticed reports on Telegram suggesting that the damage on Israel was far greater than we realise.
Yes, they deliberately tried to avoid civilian casualties, apparently only 12 civilians died in 'Israel', the Zionazis slaughtered hundreds. Had Iran continued its onslaught, Israel would have ceased to exist as an industrial society, they targetted all the eseential elements, power, trade, energy, defence, production, communications. It's why Zionazis screamed for a ceasefire.
It's true that there was "significant and serious" damage to Iran's *exposed* facilities, those assets in structures on the surface, as opposed to subterranean.
There are many conflicting reports on this and I have no way of verifying anything. The quote I saw from Araghchi didn't mention whether the damage was to exposed or underground facilities.
Professor Ted Postol shows that the underground facilities/equipment could not have been destroyed at Fordow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHvOhBKNs-E
I have just seen this expose on the true damage caused by Iran - very interesting. https://youtu.be/GEqmJX-l6aY?t=254
On the NATO agreement to increase defending spending to 5% of GDP.
Off the internet that is 5% of $18 trillion. So I wonder how much Trump et al are trying to arrange for the US military complex?
European countries tax revenue is something like 15-25 % of GDP on the average.
For example Spain has tax revenue of 15 % of GDP , so that means that Spain would have to use one third of all their collected tax revenue to defence spending to get it to 5 % GDP level.
No wonder they do not want to go above 2%.
So we will either see massive taxation increases in European NATO countries or excessive cutting of social services, infrastructure spending etc to fund this new militarization. Most likely both.
Rising taxes and removing essential services will lead to unrest which the governments will then suppress by increasing authoritarianism and police state style oppression.
All this to buy more outdated US weapons.
Seems utter madness.
Yes bread. Forever wars and military spending to send to Israel and Ukraine.
Purchased by the taxpayer from Lockheed, Raytheon etc. Pure grift by the resident US gangster party led by Trump.
European arms industry revenue is what hundreds of billions?
Looking like the shortfall of 60-70% of weapons will be purchased from friendly uncle Sam.
European industry is struggling and scaling up arms production will be near on impossible.
How could you agree to that and to idiot warmongers like Rutte, Merz etc.
Still as they say, there are words and actions,
...including the terrorist ‘decapitation’ method...
I may asked while is "decaption" a terrorist method, when in war times leader of politics and military have been killed? Is it only legal and honourable to kill only joung healty men in trenches?
The iranian leaders are supporting the Houthies, Hisbolla and Hamas which are tough enemies of Israel. For good or bad reasons... But are the leaders of these entities therefore not also legitim targets for Israel?
Is war on its own legitim?