#iran
41 entries with this tag
"Unacceptable" and "Obscene": Vindman Condemns Trump and Hegseth's Cavalier Attitude Toward U.S. Deaths in Iran
Rep. Eugene Vindman called Trump and Hegseth's attitude toward American casualties in Iran "unacceptable" and "obscene." At least 15 U.S. troops dead, 520+ wounded. Hegseth boasted of "death and destruction from the sky all day long" and said "We are punching them while they're down." Trump joked it was "more fun" to sink warships than capture them. The Pentagon has been accused of hiding casualty numbers.
Hegseth Fires Navy Secretary Phelan — During a Naval Blockade of Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Navy Secretary John Phelan "effective immediately" — while the U.S. Navy is enforcing an active blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The reason: Phelan communicated directly with Trump, which Hegseth saw as bypassing him. Three weeks earlier, Hegseth also fired the Army Chief of Staff during the same war.
Iran Fires on 3 Ships, Seizes 2 in Hormuz — Won't Talk While U.S. Blockade Continues
Iran fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and seized two of them, causing heavy damage to the MSC Francesca's bridge. Trump extended the ceasefire — but Iran says no more talks until the U.S. lifts its own blockade. The deadlock deepens: both sides are closing the strait, ships are being seized, and the diplomatic channel is dead.
Strait of Hormuz Closed — Again — After Being Opened, Blockaded, Reopened, and Re-Closed
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again on April 18 — one day after declaring it open — because the U.S. refuses to lift its own blockade. Iranian gunboats fired on an Indian tanker. A container ship was hit by a rocket. Nobody can keep track of whether the strait is open anymore, because it has been closed, tolled, ceasefire-opened, U.S.-blockaded, reopened, and re-closed in seven weeks.
Trump Now Blockades the Strait He Threatened to End a Civilization to Reopen
After peace talks collapsed, Trump ordered a full U.S. Navy blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — "any and all ships" in either direction. Iran had been letting tankers through for a $2M toll. Trump spent weeks threatening to end Iran's civilization over the strait's partial closure. Now the U.S. is closing it itself.
Vance After 21 Hours in Islamabad: "They Have Chosen Not to Accept Our Terms"
Vice President JD Vance — lead U.S. negotiator — announced the Iran talks are dead after a 21-hour marathon in Islamabad. Both delegations going home. No nuclear deal. No Lebanon ceasefire. No Strait of Hormuz reopened. Six weeks of war, 13 dead, $25 billion spent — to end at "they chose not to accept our terms."
Another Midnight Meltdown: Trump Threatens Iran Hours After Backing Down on His Own Deadline
One day after agreeing to a ceasefire (and one day after threatening to end "a whole civilization"), Trump posted a midnight rant demanding all U.S. forces stay in the region until a "REAL AGREEMENT" is reached. The ceasefire Israel already broke.
Ceasefire Lasted Hours: Israel Killed 254 in Lebanon, Iran Suspends Hormuz Deal
Hours after the ceasefire was announced, Israel launched its largest Lebanon attack of the war — 254 killed, 1,165 wounded in central Beirut. Netanyahu said Lebanon "isn't covered." Iran accused Israel of violating the deal and is suspending Strait of Hormuz tanker traffic.
Hegseth Accused of Lying to Trump About Iran War Progress — "Not Speaking Truth to the President"
White House officials say Hegseth is feeding Trump false information about the war. He bragged about "complete control of Iranian skies" on March 4. A month later, two U.S. jets were shot out of the sky. Official: "Pete is not speaking truth to the president."
Iran Ceasefire: A "Temporary Win" That Cost Thousands of Lives, $1B+ in Equipment, and U.S. Credibility
After 6 weeks, $25B+, 13 U.S. dead, $1B+ in destroyed equipment, and threatening to end "a whole civilization" — Trump agreed to a 2-week ceasefire if Iran reopens the Strait. Iran declared "victory." The nuclear program is intact. The Strait gets a $2M-per-ship Iranian toll.
"A Whole Civilization Will Die Tonight": Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran as Deadline Passes
Trump posted: "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will." His fifth Strait of Hormuz deadline. The IEA called the crisis worse than 1973, 1979, and 2002 combined.
Trump Calls Iranians "Animals" to Justify Bombing Civilian Infrastructure — Inflates Death Toll 14x
Asked how bombing bridges and power plants isn't a war crime, Trump said: "They are animals." He claimed Iran killed "45,000 people" in a crackdown — the actual figure is 3,117. Legal experts confirm targeting civilian infrastructure is a war crime under international and U.S. law.
"Open the Fuckin' Strait, You Crazy Bastards — Praise Be to Allah": Trump's Easter Rant and Missed Deadlines
On Easter morning, Trump threatened to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges: "Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell. Praise be to Allah." It was his fourth missed Hormuz deadline. Tehran accused him of planning war crimes.
Two U.S. Aircraft Lost in a Single Day: F-15E Shot Down Over Iran, A-10 Hit Near Hormuz
Two U.S. aircraft lost on the same day: an F-15E shot down over Iran (one crew rescued, one missing — Iran offering a bounty) and an A-10 Warthog hit by Iranian fire near the Strait of Hormuz (pilot rescued). A rescue helicopter was also fired upon. Two days after Trump said the war was "nearing completion."
"Trust Has Been Broken": Former NATO Ambassador Says Trump Has Destroyed the Alliance
Former NATO Ambassador Daalder says Trump has broken the foundational trust of the alliance. Trump threatened to pull from NATO and stop Ukraine weapons sales because allies refused to join his Iran war. France closed its airspace to U.S. warplanes. Spain barred U.S. bombers.
Hegseth Fires Army Chief of Staff During an Active War — Replaced by His Own Former Aide
Hegseth ousted Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George during the Iran war and replaced him with Gen. LaNeve — Hegseth's own former military aide. George was the latest in a purge of 12+ senior military leaders. Hegseth wants officers who "implement his vision."
TIME: Hegseth Was "Taken Aback" by Iran's Response — Wiles Ordered Aides to Stop Sugarcoating
TIME reveals Hegseth was stunned by Iran's retaliation: "Whoa, we're really in this now." Wiles warned Trump the war threatens Republican midterms. She ordered aides to be "more forthright with the boss" — an admission they'd been telling him what he wanted to hear.
Trump Claims Iran War "Nearing Completion" — Then Promises 2-3 More Weeks of "Extremely Hard" Strikes
In a prime-time address on Day 33, Trump said the war is "nearing completion" and Iran's military is destroyed. In the same speech, he promised 2-3 more weeks of "extremely hard" hits. Iran denies requesting a ceasefire. Reuters says 2/3 of Iran's missiles are still intact.
White House Accidentally Uploads Video of Trump Admitting War Killed Healthcare and Childcare Funding
The White House mistakenly uploaded Trump's closed-press Easter lunch remarks to YouTube. In it, he admits there's no money left for healthcare or childcare because of the war, fantasizes about being king, and daydreams about seizing Iran's oil. The video was quickly deleted.
Hegseth's Broker Tried to Make Multimillion-Dollar Defense Investment Before Iran War
The Financial Times reported that Defense Secretary Hegseth's Morgan Stanley broker contacted BlackRock in February about a multimillion-dollar investment in a defense ETF holding Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman — weeks before the Iran war. The trade didn't go through only because the fund wasn't available yet.
Trump Willing to End Iran War Without Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
WSJ: Trump told aides he'll end the war even if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed — leaving the world's most critical oil chokepoint blocked. He wants allies to clean up the mess. Leavitt confirmed reopening Hormuz is "not a core objective."
Hegseth Holds Pentagon Worship Services, Tells Troops Iran War Is "God's Divine Plan"
Defense Secretary Hegseth led evangelical worship services at the Pentagon and told commanders to tell troops "President Trump has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon." Over 200 active-duty members reported religious coercion.
Lindsey Graham Spotted at Disney World Blowing Bubbles While Pushing for Ground Troops in Iran
Senator Graham — the loudest voice in Congress calling for ground troops in Iran — was photographed at Disney World riding rides, holding a bubble wand, and dining at Chef Mickey's during the DHS shutdown and Iran war. Megyn Kelly: "He goes to f***ing Disney World while they deploy to Iran."
"Your Hands Are Full of Blood": Pope Leo Rebukes Hegseth's War Prayers on Palm Sunday
Pope Leo used his first major address to rebuke Hegseth, quoting Isaiah: "Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood." Hegseth had prayed for troops to "rain violence and death on the enemy" in Jesus's name.
Pentagon Preparing Weeks of Ground Operations in Iran — Week 5 of a War Trump Is "Bored" With
The Washington Post reported the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran using Special Operations and conventional infantry. Marines and 82nd Airborne already deploying. Trump hasn't approved the plans — and is reportedly "bored" with the war.
Iran Destroys $300M U.S. AWACS Radar Plane on Saudi Base — First Ever Lost in Combat
An Iranian missile strike destroyed a $300 million E-3 Sentry AWACS at Prince Sultan Air Base — the first such aircraft ever lost in combat. Its radar dome was photographed on the ground. At least 10 service members injured. Without it, the U.S. loses vital battlefield awareness.
U.S. Can Only Confirm a Third of Iran's Missile Arsenal Destroyed After a Month of War
Reuters: U.S. intelligence can only confirm about a third of Iran's missiles destroyed after nearly a month of bombing. Another third's status is unclear — possibly buried in tunnels. Similar for drones. The Pentagon had touted a "90% reduction" in attacks.
FBI Director Patel's Personal Email Hacked by Iran — Was Warned Before Taking Office
Iran-linked hackers published 300+ emails and photos from FBI Director Kash Patel's personal Gmail. He had been warned in late 2024 about the breach before becoming FBI Director. The hackers sat on the materials for over a year before releasing them in retaliation for DOJ seizing their websites.
White House Officials: Trump "Bored" with Iran War — Wants to "Move On"
Four weeks into a war costing $25B+, with 13 U.S. troops and 1,900+ Iranians dead, a senior White House official said Trump is "getting a little bored with Iran" and "just wants to declare victory and move on." Aides are "just drinking the Kool-Aid."
Trump Claims Iran Offered to Make Him Supreme Leader: "I Said, No Thanks"
At a Republican fundraiser, Trump claimed Iran's leadership offered to make him their next Supreme Leader after the U.S. killed Khamenei. He said he turned them down. Iran has elevated Khamenei's son and denies any negotiations are taking place.
Iran Military Mocks Trump with "You're Fired" as 15-Point Peace Plan Rejected
Iran's military spokesperson told Trump "You are fired" and mocked him for "negotiating with yourself." Iran rejected the 15-point peace plan as "maximalist" and issued its own 5 conditions. The 82nd Airborne was ordered to deploy as Trump declared the war "won."
Trump's Iran War Briefings Are 2-Minute Videos of "Stuff Blowing Up"
NBC News revealed Trump receives daily 2-minute video montages of successful strikes as his war briefing — a "highlight reel" of "stuff blowing up." He wasn't told when 5 Air Force planes were hit. His resigned NCTC chief says dissenting views were blocked.
$580M in Oil Trades Minutes Before Trump's Iran Post — "Mind-Blowing Corruption"
6,200 oil futures contracts ($580M) traded in a single minute, 15 minutes before Trump reversed his Iran stance on Truth Social. $1.5B in S&P futures were bought 5 minutes before. A Nobel laureate called it "treason."
KC-135 Tanker Crashes in Iraq During Iran War — All Six Crew Members Killed
A KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during an Operation Epic Fury sortie, killing all six crew. A second KC-135 landed with damage. Not caused by enemy fire — an operational accident during a war with overstretched forces.
Iran War Costs Exceed All DOGE Savings in Two Weeks
At $11 billion per week, the Iran war cost $11.6B in its first days — exceeding the entire $9.4B in DOGE spending cuts passed by Congress. The Pentagon requested $200B in supplemental war funding. GOP lacked votes to fund it.
Claimed Iran Bombed Their Own School
After a U.S. missile strike destroyed an Iranian girls' school killing over 170 children, Trump claimed — without evidence — that Iran had bombed their own school, contradicting independent investigations, his own Pentagon, and multiple international observers.
"Shadow MAGA": Greene, Carlson, Kent Break with Trump Over Iran War
Greene accused the administration of "murdering children," questioned Trump's "mental state," and called Fox News "fake news." Tucker Carlson amplified the dissent. NCTC chief Joe Kent resigned in protest. A "Shadow MAGA" faction is fracturing the movement.
Iran Destroyed a $500M U.S. THAAD Missile Defense Radar in Jordan — Satellite Images Confirm
Satellite images show Iran destroyed the AN/TPY-2 radar for a U.S. THAAD missile battery at a Jordanian air base in the first days of the war — 500+ miles from Iran. The radar, worth $300-500M, is critical to U.S. missile defense across the Gulf. Similar sites in the UAE were also hit.
Three U.S. F-15Es Shot Down by Kuwait in Friendly Fire — $270M Lost on Day 2 of War
On the second day of the Iran war, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait by Kuwaiti air defenses in a friendly fire incident. All six crew ejected safely. A Kuwaiti F/A-18 reportedly fired on allied jets. Analysts called it "bizarre."
Launched Iran War During Peace Talks; Allies Refused to Help
Despite a "breakthrough" in Iran nuclear talks, Trump and Israel launched airstrikes killing thousands. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. When Trump demanded NATO help, allies refused. Germany: "This is not our war."
Withdrew from Iran Nuclear Deal — Iran Accelerated Enrichment
Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal while Iran was in full compliance. Without the agreement's constraints, Iran enriched uranium to 60% (near weapons-grade) and deployed advanced centrifuges. No replacement deal was ever achieved.