Althouse: "My voice is hoarse because I've been screaming at Iranians all day."

April 15, 2026

"My voice is hoarse because I've been screaming at Iranians all day."

Said Trump, just now, in an interview on Fox Business.

176 comments:

Saint Croix said...: ha ha ha

I shouldn't laugh, but I did.; 4/15/26, 6:52 AM
n.n said...: Gone with the wind.; 4/15/26, 7:35 AM
Little Excursion™️ said...: It is ironic that Trump posted a picture of himself as Jesus when you would struggle to find three wise men and a virgin there nowadays.; 4/15/26, 7:58 AM
imTay said...: If he yells at them loud enough, they will give up their sovereignty, all of their weapons, their oil, any deterrent they might have, forgive the murder and destruction, and wait drinking their tea for the Israeli assassinations that will inevitably come, so that the Iranian Quislings can be installed and the West and Israel can take back control of the oil they seized when they overthrew the democratically leader of Iran in 1953 and installed the Shah's police state, enforced by SAVAK, the Gestapo type secret police force the CIA, French spy agencies, and the Mossad set up for him.

We lost control of the oil in 1979, and this cannot obviously stand that the Iranian people have control of their own oil. That's what all of the protests were about, to give the oil back to the West.; 4/15/26, 8:05 AM
Howard said...: Gemini AI says:
does Adderall cause someone's voice to become hoarse?
+4
Yes, Adderall can cause a hoarse voice. As a stimulant, it commonly causes dry mouth and dehydrates vocal fold tissues, leading to hoarseness, vocal changes, or sore throat. It can also cause increased talkativeness or strain, leading to vocal fatigue.
The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab
The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab
+3
Key Reasons for Adderall-Induced Hoarseness:
Vocal Dryness: Adderall reduces saliva production and dries out the protective mucosal layer on the vocal cords, increasing friction and potential damage.
Increased Vocal Strain: The stimulant effect can cause people to speak faster or more often, straining the voice.
Insufflation (Snorting): Snorting Adderall can directly damage throat tissue, leading to chronic hoarseness, soreness, and throat irritation.
The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab
The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab
+4; 4/15/26, 8:07 AM
Jamie said...: Geez, we're back on "No Blood For Oil"? Why not go even further back and revitalize "War is bad for children and other living things"?; 4/15/26, 8:14 AM
Little Excursion™️ said...: Trump says a lot of things:
2/6-“They want to make a deal badly”

3/2-“They want to make a deal badly”

3/16-“They want to make a deal badly”

3/24-“They want to make a deal badly”

3/25-“They want to make a deal badly”

4/1-“They want to make a deal badly”

4/13-“They want to make a deal badly”

4/14-“They want to make a deal badly”

Declaring victory in Trump's war with Iran and de-escalating is by far the smartest move Trump can make right now. It would have been better weeks ago. Calling it a victory after weeks of escalation isn’t strategy—it’s damage control. Still, a late off-ramp is better than no off-ramp at all.; 4/15/26, 8:14 AM
narciso said...: They really do want to die, irgc commanders he will oblige them; 4/15/26, 8:17 AM
Wince said...: I asked Perplexity again this morning to tell me "what are the strongest arguments against US war with Iran."

Now tell me which, if any, of these arguments are still valid much less dispositive, and how. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

The strongest arguments against a U.S. war with Iran are that it would likely be costly, destabilizing, and hard to control, while also resting on shaky legal and strategic grounds. Recent analysis highlights risks of retaliation, regional escalation, damage to global energy markets, and long-term blowback against U.S. interests.

Main strategic case
Iran can retaliate through missiles, drones, proxies, cyberattacks, and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, so a strike is unlikely to stay limited. Even if U.S. forces inflict major damage, the conflict could widen across the region and become prolonged rather than decisive.

Legal and diplomatic case
A major argument is that attacking Iran may not meet the standard for self-defense under international law, especially if the justification is preventive rather than a response to an actual armed attack. Critics also argue that shifting rationales — regime change, missile limits, nuclear prevention, or protection of Iranian civilians — weaken the legal and moral case.

Nuclear and security case
War could make the nuclear problem worse, not better, by pushing Iran to harden its program, reduce cooperation, and accelerate weaponization incentives. Several analyses note that previous U.S. leaders avoided strikes partly because they feared exactly this outcome.

Economic case
The most immediate economic risk is disruption to oil shipping and a spike in energy prices, which could hit the U.S. and the wider world. Broader instability could also raise anti-U.S. sentiment and make it harder for Washington to build coalitions on other major issues.

Political case
Public opinion data show Americans are wary of military action and many believe it would make the U.S. less safe in the long run. That matters because an unpopular war can drain political capital fast, especially if casualties rise or the conflict expands.

Strongest version in one sentence
The best argument against war is that it would likely not solve the Iran problem, but instead create a wider conflict, increase nuclear and terrorist risks, damage the global economy, and leave the U.S. worse off strategically.; 4/15/26, 8:18 AM
Iman said...: You will know them by their butthurt and mewling support for the enemy.; 4/15/26, 8:19 AM
narciso said...: 'Walls are closing in' again; 4/15/26, 8:21 AM
Achilles said...: imTay said...

If he yells at them loud enough, they will give up their sovereignty, all of their weapons, their oil, any deterrent they might have, forgive the murder and destruction, and wait drinking their tea for the Israeli assassinations that will inevitably come, so that the Iranian Quislings can be installed and the West and Israel can take back control of the oil they seized when they overthrew the democratically leader of Iran in 1953 and installed the Shah's police state, enforced by SAVAK, the Gestapo type secret police force the CIA, French spy agencies, and the Mossad set up for him.

We lost control of the oil in 1979, and this cannot obviously stand that the Iranian people have control of their own oil. That's what all of the protests were about, to give the oil back to the West.

Yes. Exactly.

And if you don't like it and you think China should have it instead of us move to China and help them take it from us.

Stop being a whiny coward and go help the people you think are the good guys. You are a traitor here.; 4/15/26, 8:21 AM
Little Excursion™️ said...: How many times has Trump said the war is very close to over? 15? When your foreign policy is a Ponzi scheme.

Has anyone in the Trump administration explained to him what a Pyrrhic victory is?

The question to ask is whether the Iranian government cares about this? Or would they rather cement their position in power by harming the U.S. economy and the world economy sufficiently that no future U.S. President tries to bother them?; 4/15/26, 8:24 AM
narciso said...: https://x.com/TankerTrackers/status/2044392870937792738; 4/15/26, 8:24 AM
Dave Begley said...: VDH made a good point. Regime change will come to Iran but it won’t come right away. It took time in Eastern Europe after the Berlin Wall fell.

People don’t seem to get it. The blockade is cutting off Iran’s revenue. They have nothing to sell other than oil.

Regime change is a sure thing and not a single American will die. Just watch.; 4/15/26, 8:25 AM
Dave Begley said...: Mewling!; 4/15/26, 8:25 AM
Achilles said...: Some people are mad when US installed dictators repress Shia muslims.

But they are OK with people repressing the Persians.

The Persians or the Shia will be repressed. Someone is going to be killed. The Shia killed far more Persians during this war than we have killed Shia.

But some people think it is bad to be involved or pick who gets repressed. They are just cowards who belong in Europe with the Euroweenie losers.; 4/15/26, 8:28 AM
Howard said...: Gemini goes into the details to justify this summary paragraph:

A U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is designed to rapidly cripple the Iranian economy, with significant effects expected within days to a few weeks. Due to Iran's high dependency on southern shipping lanes—through which over 90% of its roughly $109.7 billion annual trade passes—a blockade would likely create acute shortages of food and fuel, forcing rationing and creating severe domestic shortages, according to April 2026 reports.; 4/15/26, 8:29 AM
narciso said...: They hate the west see foucault the pederast who khomeini would have delighted to pick the right stone; 4/15/26, 8:31 AM
narciso said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4/15/26, 8:31 AM
Little Excursion™️ said...: At some point there will be more pressure on the US than Iran. China holds a lot of US debt, as do the US allies.

Sure, spooking The Bond Markets isn’t wise, but when it get’s to the point of it isn’t much worse than what countries are going through or facing anyway, it becomes a realistic lever.

Iran is no doubt going through a tough time, but their floor is much higher, while for the US and its ‘allies’ the floor is lower and a long way down.

Diplomacy is the only answer, a negotiated settlement which is probably more like a long term ceasefire.

This is rapidly turning into one of Trump's most ill thought out moves, and there have been many.; 4/15/26, 8:33 AM
Howard said...: Crucial Import Reliance: The vast majority of Iran's shipping, including imports of grain, passes through the Strait.
Import Exposure: Iran faces high import dependency for staples, including rice (77%), soybeans (95%), and vegetable oils (91%), often transported through the Gulf.
Regional Context: The Gulf region, including Iran, relies heavily on these maritime routes for the majority of their grain imports.
Fertilizer Risk: A significant portion of raw materials for fertilizers, essential for domestic agriculture, also passes through the Strait, meaning a blockage impacts both imports and domestic production.
Council on Foreign Relations
Council on Foreign Relations
+4
Due to this bottleneck, any sustained disruption or blockade of the Strait of Hormuz severely impacts Iran's food supply chain.
Facebook
Facebook; 4/15/26, 8:33 AM
Howard said...: LE: The United States economy is far more elastic than Iran. I was frankly surprised by the Gemini summary of how severe a blockade will affect Iranian food supplies.; 4/15/26, 8:35 AM
Achilles said...: Howard said...

Crucial Import Reliance: The vast majority of Iran's shipping, including imports of grain, passes through the Strait.
Import Exposure: Iran faces high import dependency for staples, including rice (77%), soybeans (95%), and vegetable oils (91%), often transported through the Gulf.

Howard is highlighting the reason why the US is going to win.

But you will only really understand this when you apply his above paragraph to China.

China and the Globalist rulers are the real enemy here.; 4/15/26, 8:36 AM
Howard said...: Runaway inflation on the cost of food in Iran started back in 2024 and has escalated acutely since the war started on February 28th of this year.

Gemini answers the question does approaching starvation and food shortages help Instigate people to revolt:

Approaching starvation is a powerful, often decisive catalyst for revolutions and mass unrest, acting as a "tipping point" that converts systemic discontent into violent action against governments. Hunger, high food costs, and fear of starvation frequently trigger social upheavals by delegitimizing leadership, turning passive dissatisfaction into active insurrection.
The Citizens Handbook
The Citizens Handbook
+3
Key Aspects of Hunger as a Revolutionary Motivator:
Tipping Point for Action: While political injustice may exist for years, food scarcity often acts as the final spark that breaks the social contract. The French Revolution is often cited as an example where food shortages triggered rebellion.
"Three Meals Away" Concept: The maxim that "no society is more than three meals away from revolution" highlights how rapidly food scarcity can lead to a complete breakdown of order.
Fear of Hunger: The fear of future starvation is often a more powerful agent of destabilization than current hunger itself, compelling people to risk rebellion.
Combined Factors: Starvation rarely acts alone; it usually converges with high inequality, government corruption, and political repression to initiate revolution.
Policy Failure: Revolutions often arise when a government fails to address food shortages, proving its incompetence and inciting population anger.
Reddit
Reddit
+5; 4/15/26, 8:41 AM
Achilles said...: This is why China was never going to be able to take Taiwan by force.

At any point if a US President decided it was time for China to be stopped all they had to do was shut off the oil and food.

The key point came when Trump decided to actually be America First. His first limited attempts to stop Iran didn't actually solve the main problem. The main problem was Chinese mercantilism.

This happened sometime recently after we bombed the first nuclear lab and it looks like AGI was the catalyst for this change.; 4/15/26, 8:42 AM
Iman said...: Raylan Givens
@JewishWarrior13
🚨WATCH: From C14 (English subtitles) After the Iranian delegation returned from Pakistan empty-handed, President Pezeshkian erupted, shouting at members of the delegation. In an exclusive quote obtained by C14, he told associates, “We are weeks away from collapse. They are cutting off our main source of income - I don’t know how we will pay salaries.”

https://x.com/JewishWarrior13/status/2044127375152091301?s=20; 4/15/26, 8:42 AM
Little Excursion™️ said...: It’s reported that Iran has approximately 170 million barrels of oil floating at sea—likely near China—plus additional volumes held in its shadow fleet. In addition, Iran’s key export terminals (Kharg Island, Lavan, Sirri, and Jask) hold an estimated 40 million barrels, which are primarily used for domestic needs.

At $100 per barrel, Iran is currently selling an average of 1.7 million barrels per day to China (its 2025 average) while liquidating the 170 million barrels of floating inventory over six months. This would generate roughly $42 billion in revenue during that period alone.

To put this in perspective: Iran’s total annual oil revenue was only about $55 billion even before the latest round of sanctions. It’s fair to say Iran had this scenario well planned in advance.

There's a joke in Iran that after all these years of negotiating with the West, this is the best sanctions relief they've received...; 4/15/26, 8:43 AM
Howard said...: How are the Iranian people going to eat that money?; 4/15/26, 8:45 AM
Peachy said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4/15/26, 8:47 AM
Saint Croix said...: The cool bit is not Trump yelling at Iranians, but the President of Iran yelling at his negotiators for walking away without a deal.; 4/15/26, 8:48 AM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Time to dust off that 25th Amendment, if his voice is hoarse. You know, like hoar. Hoary is a synonym for "old."; 4/15/26, 8:48 AM
Peachy said...: Islamic theocracy , the #1 sponsor of Terror - is sovereign?

SOVEREIGN?

No. No. No. Islamic Theocracy can be overthrown.

The Iranian people want to overthrow the male Islamic theocracy.; 4/15/26, 8:48 AM
Peachy said...: The Democratic party is controlled by a mob-like Trillion-club communist heirarchy.
25th amendment those fuckheads; 4/15/26, 8:50 AM
Howard said...: China is hampered by geographical choke points as well:

The geographical reliance of China on maritime chokepoints within the "First Island Chain" makes a U.S. Navy blockade technically feasible, yet strategically high-risk and difficult to sustain. By controlling bottlenecks like the Malacca, Lombok, and Sunda Straits, the U.S. could severely restrict fuel and food imports, but Chinese defenses and land-based supply routes present major obstacles.
Defense Priorities
Defense Priorities
+4
Geographic and Strategic Factors:
The First Island Chain Chokepoints: China’s maritime trade must pass through narrow straits (Malacca, Lombok, Sunda, Bashi Channel, Miyako Strait) bounded by Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
"Distant" Blockade Strategy: Instead of close-in blockades, which are threatened by China's Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) missiles, the US would likely focus on controlling these key chokepoints far from China's coast.
Submarine and Mining Capability: Submarines and remote mining of these bottlenecks are considered the most effective tools to block shipping while minimizing risk to US ships.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
+3
Limitations to Effectiveness:
Overland Imports: A total blockade is likely impossible, as China could increase fuel imports via pipelines from Russia and Central Asia.
High Risk and Cost: A blockade in the South China Sea would expose US ships to substantial risk from Chinese missiles.
Global Economic Shock: A blockade would severely disrupt the global economy, likely creating intense diplomatic pressure on the U.S. to end the disruption.
Strategic Resilience: China could likely withstand a short-to-medium term blockade through rationing and strategic reserves.
Reddit
Reddit
+4
While geographically enabled, an effective blockade would require immense effort and high levels of risk to the U.S. Navy, likely requiring a long-term strategy rather than a swift resolution.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
+2; 4/15/26, 8:54 AM
Saint Croix said...: And forget what Trump says, it's what he does that you need to watch.

It never occurred to me that we ought to put up a blockade on Iran. Of course! It seems obvious in retrospect. They are utterly dependent on oil sales. Trump has cut off the money spigot.

Remember, Biden freed up $6 billion in frozen assets. Iran immediately went on a murder and hostage spree, via their Hamas proxies. Trump cuts off all their money. This is amazing. He's winning a war while totally minimizing American casualties.

We're going to win.; 4/15/26, 8:55 AM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: That was cool, Saint Croix.; 4/15/26, 8:58 AM
Howard said...: This is why China is making such a big push to expand their Navy:

Maritime powers are generally more successful because they leverage secure geography (a "moat") to focus on wealth-generating global commerce, alliances, and maritime commons, rather than expensive territorial defense. This approach yields higher economic growth, technological advancement, and a "positive-sum" approach to trade, whereas continental powers often drain resources through land-based warfare and exclusive territorial control.
U.S. Naval Institute
U.S. Naval Institute
+4
Why Maritime Powers Succeed:
Geographical Security ("Moats"): Maritime powers (e.g., UK, USA) often have natural barriers (oceans) that provide defense, allowing them to invest in commerce and naval power rather than constant, massive land armies.
Wealth Generation vs. Territorial Acquisition: Maritime powers prioritize trade and control of the seas, creating wealth and economic interdependence. In contrast, land powers often pursue resource-draining territorial expansion.
Positive-Sum Trade Networks: Maritime powers facilitate a "rules-based order" of open sea lanes, encouraging global commerce (90% of trade by weight). This produces economic growth for the collective, whereas continental powers often create exclusive economic zones that are less efficient.
Institutional Strength: Maritime nations frequently possess stable, often democratic, institutions that encourage long-term economic growth, innovation, and trust, which are critical for maintaining alliances and international trade networks.
Technological and Naval Superiority: Since the Industrial Revolution, maritime powers have used their economic strength to dominate technological advancements and control maritime choke points.
YouTube
YouTube
+7
Contrasting with Continental Powers:
Continental powers (e.g., Russia, historical France) are often forced to secure land borders, leading to constant military expenditures on land forces. They often operate in a "negative-sum" environment where gaining territory often results in significant costs and economic inefficiency compared to the commercial wealth generated by sea powers.
U.S. Naval Institute
U.S. Naval Institute
+3; 4/15/26, 8:58 AM
Saint Croix said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4/15/26, 8:59 AM
Howard said...: China is considered a hybrid, or, more accurately, a continental power with rising maritime aspirations. Historically a land-based power, China is transforming into a "maritime great power" by building a massive blue-water navy to protect its commercial sea lanes and littoral claims, while maintaining a large army for land security.
Modern War Institute -
Modern War Institute -
+5
Key aspects of China's power status include:
Continental Power: China's geography and history emphasize territorial integrity and overland security in Eurasia.
Maritime Ambitions: It now possesses the world's largest navy by vessel count and is rapidly developing naval and coast guard capabilities to control its "near seas" (South China Sea, East China Sea).
Economic Dependence on Sea: Around 60–70% of China's economy depends on maritime trade, driving its requirement to secure maritime routes beyond its coastal borders.
Hybrid Strategy: China is a revisionist power navigating between traditional inland dominance and the need for global maritime power projection.
Modern War Institute -
Modern War Institute -
+7; 4/15/26, 9:01 AM
narciso said...: They need oil to fuel their navy sudan cant supply enough venezuelas out of the picture; 4/15/26, 9:02 AM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Hey Lil Skurvy, it was Trump depicted as a 1st century person "laying on hands." IMO it is to Trump's credit that as soon as someone said it looked like Jesus he put out a statement ("I thought it was a doctor") and deleted it. It takes a big man to admit he made a mistake, right? Do you know the original artist's intent?; 4/15/26, 9:02 AM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Why do people act like China doesn't even NEED oil? It's a weird lefty thing I noticed ever since the war started. And even if it was a small need, oil is critical. Can't be substituted in many cases. It is in fact the most useful and efficient portable energy storage system man has ever devised.; 4/15/26, 9:06 AM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Still not a fan of long-form AI writing here. WTF.; 4/15/26, 9:07 AM
Peachy said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4/15/26, 9:07 AM
Old and slow said...: Jesus Howard, what the hell happened to you? You used to write your own posts, I think. Now it's acres of AI from you. It's a useful tool, not a replacement.; 4/15/26, 9:10 AM
Peachy said...: More, please. Esp. if it angers the Tucker leftists.; 4/15/26, 9:15 AM
Peachy said...: cut a paste AI - ugh.; 4/15/26, 9:15 AM
Peachy said...: The Iranian people want to be free of Islamic Theocracy - and the Israel hating right and democratic commie left - stand shoulder to shoulder with each other, and with the Islamic Theocracy, and are cheering for the Islamic Theocracy.
Sad.; 4/15/26, 9:18 AM
Peachy said...: Never forget the Chinese Communists and the evil elite in the Dem party - brought us a virus that brought the world to its knees.; 4/15/26, 9:20 AM
DINKY DAU 45 said...: WAR is almost over=MARKET UP WAR= Gonna destroy civilization =Market Down Pals with China now (forget chi-coms rhetoric let them pass (XI'S in picture soon. What a plan! Still working on partnership with Iran to split fees for ships to go through.50-50? BLOOD AND ROSES (smithereens)150 cases in courts now for voter suppression for MID TERMS Blues lookin to do an ORBAN on them. Its tiresome,be over soon use RULE 62; 4/15/26, 9:31 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: The goal of Iran Regime Change isn't "Freedom" - its chaos and civil war. There's zero reason for an American to care what Iranians do in their own country. They can change regime's on their own. And don't need us to "help" by killing 2000 civilians and "destroying their civilization".

Israel and Bibi have been demanding we attack Iran for 25 years. Y'know because they were "Mad Mullahs" who were going to get Nukes on thursday if we didn't. LOL. Actually it was destroy Iran as power in the middle east. Which has zero to do with the USA. Or our interest.; 4/15/26, 9:32 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: Of course the Neo-cons have already moved on to another "Great threat" - China. I dunno what they think Trump can do about China. They own much of our debt. They produce much of what we need. They're 5000 miles away and have nukes.

But y'know with warmongers its always somebody somewhere who needs to be fought and worried about. If they are not screeching about "Mooslims" than its "Oh poor Ukraine and that evil Putin" or its "Our noble Kurd allies" or "The Chinese are takin' over the world!!"; 4/15/26, 9:37 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: Meanwhile, the Democrats want to get rid of Immigration laws and any enforcement. They want open borders, and millions of foreigners from anywhere pouring into the country every year. But dont look to the warmongers - those great patriots (LOL) to stop them. The great neo-con Ben Shapiro said "I don't give a damn about the browning of America", and that's pretty much true of Miss Lindsey, Mark Levin, Erick Erickson, Tom Cotton, etc.

NeoCon Inc. - Invading the world, and inviting the world since 1992.; 4/15/26, 9:40 AM
Leland said...: At some point there will be more pressure on the US than Iran.

Marxists are hoping this will be the case.; 4/15/26, 9:41 AM
Peachy said...: RC Cola says:
"There's zero reason for an American to care what Iranians do in their own country"; 4/15/26, 9:56 AM
Ampersand said...: There's an infinite loop of discourse built around the process by which the government takes action to eliminate problem X and in doing so creates problem Y. We all participate in it., and in the end we merely confirm our priors.; 4/15/26, 9:57 AM
Howard said...: In a few posts, I completely justified Trump's strategy to win the war with Iran and exposed how this is a huge threat to China. Naturally, he has to have the balls to risk the midterms to pull it off.

You people are constantly asking for facts. I'm providing them via Gemini. I find it useful because sometimes I am surprised by the answers

Today, for instance, I didn't realize how quickly the blockade could work. That led me to the use of starvation as a revolution catalyst. I also had no idea if Adderall caused ones voice to go hoarse. See, I don't rely on my personal opinion of morality and politics to evaluate what's going on. I find AI a powerful tool to check myself.

Be that as it may, you can skip it
Totally up to you.

I ignore 67% of the comments and 38% of the posts on this blog. Try exerting free will by being your own filter rather than attempt to control what other people post.; 4/15/26, 10:01 AM
Yancey Ward said...: Poor Little Bich- sold all his stock at the bottom and tried to short the markets and what do you know- we are almost at the all time highs again. Hey Bich, why don't you try going short again today.; 4/15/26, 10:02 AM
bagoh20 said...: This blog needs a sign: "No DUMPING"; 4/15/26, 10:06 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: Trump is still sending troops to the Gulf. And no deal has been signed. Look for full fledged war to break out again in 10-14 days. And then Oil futures will really go through the roof.; 4/15/26, 10:10 AM
hombre said...: You can’t treat with Islamists. They want to convert us or kill us unless we are Jews who they just want to kill. Think of trying to negotiate with a regime that just slaughtered 30,000 of its “subjects.” Really? Bomb them. Assassinate them. Ruin their economy. Arm and feed their dissidents. Fake negotiations for the benefit of the Euroweenies, Democrats and the UN antisemites.; 4/15/26, 10:10 AM
D.D. Driver said...: When I was a young litigator an older lawyer taught be a very important lesson. You NEVER (ever ever ever) make a threat that you do not intend to carry out. Trump has never learned this.

Let's recap what happened yesterday.

1.Trump started a "blockade" over the Strait.
2. China said: Fuck you. Stop us. We dare you.
3. Trump said: We are "reopening" the Strait.

This all happened in a single day. America is a joke. The world knows we are a paper tiger. A whole country of fake tough guys.

We are an even bigger embarrassment than when Obama was in charge because at least he didn't make "tough guy" threats and then pussy out.

If Trump throat is sore (and I have no doubt it is) it's not from yelling at Iranians, it's from throating Netanyahu's big meaty cock.; 4/15/26, 10:13 AM
Old and slow said...: I'm not interested in controlling what you post Howard, and yes, I do skip over AI generated piles of words. We all know how to use AI. You say that you " justified Trump's strategy to win the war", but you did no such thing. You just regurgitated AI slop. I'd be more interested if you had actually done the thinking yourself. I'll carry on skipping it.; 4/15/26, 10:13 AM
The judge said...: It is astounding how few people, even Americans, understand what Trump is accomplishing with his “incursion” into Iran. Maybe by the time Trump meets with Xi in May it will become more obvious. Even some Republicans Senators don’t get it. One clue: the security agreement with Indonesia.; 4/15/26, 10:16 AM
Yancey Ward said...: What kind of moron does one have to be to actually believe that Trump intended to blockade Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Qatar?; 4/15/26, 10:24 AM
Robert Cook said...: Trump should leave his neighbors alone and stop yelling at them because he doesn't like their hedges.; 4/15/26, 10:24 AM
Peachy said...: Leftists are always limber as they shimmy and twist under their desperate failure delusions and bad info.; 4/15/26, 10:26 AM
Michael Fitzgerald said...: 😆 Love that man!; 4/15/26, 10:26 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: Not too sure how "our" blockade of the Persian Gulf oil is supposed to work. We're not going to start WW 3 by stopping Chinese oil tankers. And cutting off our East Asian allies, Japan/Korea/Philippines from Oil doesn't make a lot of sense.

Maybe Man Carrying things is right: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXKBnGsZPiQ; 4/15/26, 10:27 AM
Robert Cook said...: "You can’t treat with Islamists. They want to convert us or kill us unless we are Jews who they just want to kill."

When you graduate to third grade you might--one hopes--develop a smidgen more about the complexities of the world. You can stop listening to comic books such as those Trump reads and reiterates, and maybe you won't make such silly comments.; 4/15/26, 10:30 AM
The judge said...: I rest my case.; 4/15/26, 10:33 AM
Howard said...: That's just like, your opinion, Man.; 4/15/26, 10:41 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: "You can’t treat with Islamists."

Guess we'll have to start bombing Saudi Arabia then.; 4/15/26, 10:47 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: “This all happened in a single day. America is a joke. The world knows we are a paper tiger. A whole country of fake tough guys.”

No doubt including the Iranian leaders who used to have a navy, an Air Force, a lot of missiles and missile launchers, a nuclear program rapidly approaching success, etc. and in very short order, lost it all to the American paper tiger. And we did it without the loss of a single America in Iran, and only maybe 16 in total in the regime.; 4/15/26, 10:48 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: Why do think Trump is going to risk WW3 to stop oil to China? Just the other day he was wanking on about increasing the number of Chinese College students in the USA to 500,000.; 4/15/26, 10:49 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: The USA isn't full of Fake tough guys. Its full of 'tough guys' who know they will never hear a shot fired in anger. They'll only have to fight with their mouths.; 4/15/26, 10:50 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: Nobody is braver, tougher, or more ruthless than a keyboard commando. Unless its a DC politician.; 4/15/26, 10:51 AM
Achilles said...: Old and slow said...

Jesus Howard, what the hell happened to you? You used to write your own posts, I think. Now it's acres of AI from you. It's a useful tool, not a replacement.

It is an expansion of your capabilities.

It helps you think. It helps you execute at speed and it provides endless mental energy.

Your ability to learn is only bounded by your ability to read now. Most of the leg work has been eliminated.

What Howard is doing is maximizing his output for the amount of mental energy and time expended. Howard is using it as an extension not a tool.; 4/15/26, 11:03 AM
Achilles said...: RCOCEAN II said...

Why do think Trump is going to risk WW3 to stop oil to China? Just the other day he was wanking on about increasing the number of Chinese College students in the USA to 500,000.

Why do you think China is willing to risk WW3 to stop oil to the US?

Really you just nee to move to China. You want them to win. Just go live there with your friends.; 4/15/26, 11:04 AM
Achilles said...: RCOCEAN II said...

Nobody is braver, tougher, or more ruthless than a keyboard commando. Unless its a DC politician.

Unless it is a fake good guy who thinks he is more righteous and gooder than everyone else.

Shia or Persians are going to get killed.

You want Persians to get killed. You are just too cowardly to admit it.; 4/15/26, 11:06 AM
narciso said...: Understanding their motivation doesnt prevent action; 4/15/26, 11:07 AM
Achilles said...: Robert Cook said...

Trump should leave his neighbors alone and stop yelling at them because he doesn't like their hedges.

Xi should leave his neighbors alone and stop yelling at them because he doesn't like their hedges.

Putin should leave his neighbors alone and stop yelling at them because he doesn't like their hedges.; 4/15/26, 11:08 AM
narciso said...: Trump orange-pilled the world - Don Surber https://share.google/swoWYw8Z2BYF8jdSj; 4/15/26, 11:09 AM
Achilles said...: Robert Cook said...

"You can’t treat with Islamists. They want to convert us or kill us unless we are Jews who they just want to kill."

When you graduate to third grade you might--one hopes--develop a smidgen more about the complexities of the world. You can stop listening to comic books such as those Trump reads and reiterates, and maybe you won't make such silly comments.

It is hilarious to watch a morally retarded socialist pretend like his level 3 moral code where we all share snacks is superior to anything else.

What happens when someone doesn't want to give you their stuff Cook?

You haven't even answered that basic question yet. That is why you will kill people who don't give you their stuff.; 4/15/26, 11:11 AM
D.D. Driver said...: No doubt including the Iranian leaders who used to have a navy, an Air Force, a lot of missiles and missile launchers, a nuclear program rapidly approaching success, etc. and in very short order, lost it all to the American paper tiger. And we did it without the loss of a single America in Iran, and only maybe 16 in total in the regime.

Oh yes!!! The amazing Iranian navy!!! How did we do it?! One of the greatest, most feared-navies in history! 🏆

Sure. We can beat up on Venezuela and Iran. But, China just called out bluff and we pissed our pants.; 4/15/26, 11:12 AM
Achilles said...: Howard said...

In a few posts, I completely justified Trump's strategy to win the war with Iran and exposed how this is a huge threat to China. Naturally, he has to have the balls to risk the midterms to pull it off.

You people are constantly asking for facts. I'm providing them via Gemini. I find it useful because sometimes I am surprised by the answers

Today, for instance, I didn't realize how quickly the blockade could work. That led me to the use of starvation as a revolution catalyst. I also had no idea if Adderall caused ones voice to go hoarse. See, I don't rely on my personal opinion of morality and politics to evaluate what's going on. I find AI a powerful tool to check myself.

Be that as it may, you can skip it
Totally up to you.

I ignore 67% of the comments and 38% of the posts on this blog. Try exerting free will by being your own filter rather than attempt to control what other people post.

People need to learn new skills.

AGI is already the discussion about steroids and fake tits.

You can cry about the cheating but fake tits are nice and so is being stronger.

Barry Bonds might not get in the hall of fame, but he has lots of money and is the best player in baseball history.; 4/15/26, 11:17 AM
Achilles said...: D.D. Driver said...

Oh yes!!! The amazing Iranian navy!!! How did we do it?! One of the greatest, most feared-navies in history! 🏆

Sure. We can beat up on Venezuela and Iran. But, China just called out bluff and we pissed our pants.

China will back down. They are not as stupid as you people are.

If China actually tries to fight they will find out what the difference between a nuclear power navy and a diesel powered navy is.; 4/15/26, 11:20 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: “Why do think Trump is going to risk WW3 to stop oil to China? Just the other day he was wanking on about increasing the number of Chinese College students in the USA to 500,000.”

And how is China going to attack us? They have a lot of town water navy ships and boats, but little in the way of a blue water navy. Yes, they supposedly have a modern carrier, but don’t have much experience operating it. Certainly not in combat. Which we have been doing fairly constantly for over 80 years now. Similarly, they have a modern Air Force - but little ability to operate it very far from China. They have nuclear weapons, but we have more of them, and the ability to quickly deploy them around the world. Including Boomers sitting off their coasts.

This might not slow the Mad Mullahs in Iran down. But it will slow the ChiComs down. They are slow and cautious, used to planning over the decades, not days.; 4/15/26, 11:22 AM
D.D. Driver said...: It is hilarious to watch a morally retarded socialist

I hear MAGA deride socialists, but what the fuck you think TRUMP is? The only president in my lifetime to bully private companies into giving the federal government equity in private corporations?

What do you call it when the government starting taking over private companies?

What do you call it when Trump and his cronies steal private property to give it to Taiwanese conmen (Foxconn--I love how "fox" and "con" are both in the name but Donnie didn't see it coming)?

What do you call it during COVID when Trump used DHS to institute a national eviction moratorium that prevent property owners from kicking dead beats out of their own homes?

What do you call the new "Trump Account" wealth redistribution scam?

What do you call all the free COVID welfare money during his first term?

Is it only socialism if the Democrats do it?

Seems to me, Achilles, you fucking love socialism. Seems to me that you to get rock hard over socialism as long as Donnie gives it to you the way you like it. He hits all your right spots. I guess its the singer not the song.; 4/15/26, 11:24 AM
D.D. Driver said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4/15/26, 11:25 AM
D.D. Driver said...: China will back down. They are not as stupid as you people are.

They didn't need to because Trump pussied out.; 4/15/26, 11:25 AM
narciso said...: The ones pj o rourke satirized kissing andropovs wrinkly ass; 4/15/26, 11:28 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: “ Sure. We can beat up on Venezuela and Iran. But, China just called out bluff and we pissed our pants.”

That’s silly. Sure, the Chinese navy is formidable along its own coasts, and in the Formosa Strait. It has little capacity, and no experience, operating further away.; 4/15/26, 11:29 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: Again this entire "war" has nothing to do with the USA. We're doing for Israel. So no, I don't want us stopping Chinese tankers just to see what will happen.; 4/15/26, 11:30 AM
Achilles said...: RCOCEAN II said...

Again this entire "war" has nothing to do with the USA. We're doing for Israel. So no, I don't want us stopping Chinese tankers just to see what will happen.

You are going full retard now.; 4/15/26, 11:33 AM
Kevin said...: We're not going to start WW 3 by stopping Chinese oil tankers.

They said this about Russian oil tankers, yet we stopped them.

China is not going to run out of oil due to American efforts in Iran. What China is learning is that the US has the ability to cut off its oil, should it choose to do so.

Right now, China can get all the oil it needs -- it's available on the market at $95/barrel. They can even get it from Venezuela, but AT FULL PRICE.

What China cannot do is get oil from Iran at the discounted prices it was paying. There is a big difference between "no oil" and "pay the market rate".

Their fear is having to pay the market rate going forward, which would have a negative impact on an economy used to running on below-market fuel. Their fear is the deal they signed with the previous Iranian leadership for 25 years of below-market oil will not be honored by the new regime once the war in Iran has ended. Their fear is all that oil on its way to China is about to be massively repriced.; 4/15/26, 11:34 AM
RCOCEAN II said...: And I remember all the warhawks telling us in 2022 and 2023 we had to stop Evil Putin because he was trying to CONQUER THE WORLD. And we had keep him outta the Donbass because OMG, it was key point in the World politics.

Don't hear much about the Donbass these days from the warhawks. Guess it really wasn't that important. Even though the wanted to risk WW3 over it in 2022-2023. That's why its impossible to take warhawks seriously. OMG, we need to go to war over X, or the sky will fall! And the next year they cant remember where X is. Its a JOKE.; 4/15/26, 11:35 AM
narciso said...: Crossing the streams with otto; 4/15/26, 11:36 AM
D.D. Driver said...: That’s silly. Sure, the Chinese navy is formidable along its own coasts, and in the Formosa Strait. It has little capacity, and no experience, operating further away.

So then why was Trump such a chicken shit?; 4/15/26, 11:37 AM
Kevin said...: Again this entire "war" has nothing to do with the USA.

The petrodollar and USD's unique status as the world's reserve currency say otherwise.; 4/15/26, 11:38 AM
Achilles said...: D.D. Driver said...

China will back down. They are not as stupid as you people are.

They didn't need to because Trump pussied out.

Xi needed something for the nightly news in China. I know you don't actually educate yourself but there are riots in China and tanks are in the streets.

China got one tanker through. They are running dozens more to the gulf of america right now. Reality is China is paying the US billions of dollars for oil.

Oil they need btw to power their Navy. Which is diesel powered.

Are you really so fucking stupid you cannot see the position Trump has put the United States in?; 4/15/26, 11:38 AM
Achilles said...: D.D. Driver said...

That’s silly. Sure, the Chinese navy is formidable along its own coasts, and in the Formosa Strait. It has little capacity, and no experience, operating further away.

So then why was Trump such a chicken shit?

Because Trump is going to defeat China without a war.

Trump is far more intelligent than you and he is a far better human being than you ever will be.

That is what makes you so mad.; 4/15/26, 11:42 AM
D.D. Driver said...: Are you really so fucking stupid you cannot see the position Trump has put the United States in?

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣; 4/15/26, 11:44 AM
D.D. Driver said...: Trump is far more intelligent than you and he is a far better human being than you ever will be.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣; 4/15/26, 11:44 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: And, no, China can’t really use economic weapons against us. They import most of their oil and gas, and we export the stuff. Their gas lines are miles long, right now, curb to curb. Middle class unemployment is rising quickly. And they are going to shut off Temu exports for that?; 4/15/26, 11:45 AM
narciso said...: Iran war latest: Ceasefire with US ‘to be extended by two weeks’ https://share.google/vUItEFxGe2l1PHKTo; 4/15/26, 11:48 AM
Howard said...: The certainty of failure is just as dumb as the certainty of success. It all hinges on Donald Trump's ability to withstand the risks of losing the midterm elections. He's playing a massive game of chicken.

One thing that cannot be refuted is the progress made controlling the strait of Hormuz without the use of ground troops is a huge victory. I think this was the biggest fear of the conservative opposition to the war with Iran. If you're not stuck on the ground, you can't get caught in a quagmire.; 4/15/26, 11:49 AM
D.D. Driver said...: "You can’t treat with Islamists."

Guess we'll have to start bombing Saudi Arabia then.</I.

Don't you love this shit. These pisslickers will tell you Trump is the greatest president of all time because of the incredible "Abraham Accords." Oh the Abraham Accords!!!

But on the other hand, we can trust Muslims so aren't Abraham Accords worthless? Which is it, MAGA?

Bonus points: Remember how the Abraham Accords were going to bring about peace in the Middle East? How is that working out you naive fucking children?; 4/15/26, 11:49 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: “Are you really so fucking stupid you cannot see the position Trump has put the United States in?”

“Trump is far more intelligent than you and he is a far better human being than you ever will be”

Well, you probably have to admit that he has Inga beat.

But the fact that Driver can’t keep up with how quickly Trump moves doesn’t mean that he is smarter than Trump.; 4/15/26, 11:50 AM
Achilles said...: Howard said...

The certainty of failure is just as dumb as the certainty of success. It all hinges on Donald Trump's ability to withstand the risks of losing the midterm elections. He's playing a massive game of chicken.

One thing that cannot be refuted is the progress made controlling the strait of Hormuz without the use of ground troops is a huge victory. I think this was the biggest fear of the conservative opposition to the war with Iran. If you're not stuck on the ground, you can't get caught in a quagmire.

Trump is acting as if the midterms don't matter. Which really they don't.

Either the SAVE act passes and republicans win by a land slide or we keep mail in voting and democrats mail in enough votes to win congress.

Either way the President controls the military and China can't hold out for 3 years.

We only have a few years where control of the US military matters.

Soon exceptional individuals will be able to overcome collective national action. The tipping point for this will happen before 2028.; 4/15/26, 12:03 PM
Iman said...: DeeDee the Mewling Mule.; 4/15/26, 12:14 PM
Iman said...: “far more intelligent” than DeeDee?

No bragging rights to be found there. So are 99% of humans on the Earth.; 4/15/26, 12:20 PM
Howard said...: Trump needs one of these fence sitters to break the filibuster rule to pass the SAVE Act: Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Mitt Romney (UT) or Bill Cassidy (LA); 4/15/26, 12:21 PM
narciso said...: Like jumbo shrimp; 4/15/26, 12:25 PM
RCOCEAN II said...: "And, no, China can’t really use economic weapons against us. They import most of their oil and gas, and we export the stuff."

Fact: As of early 2026, China holds an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 billion barrels of crude in combined strategic and commercial reserves, providing approximately 3 to 4 months (roughly 90 to 120+ days) of import coverage. These vast, often secretive, stocks are designed to buffer against supply disruptions, such as a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.; 4/15/26, 12:26 PM
Dr Weevil said...: D. D. Driver thinks he can refute a true statement by quoting it with a bunch of emojis following. The fact that he's too stupid to turn off italics competently just reinforces Achilles' point.

As for Trump supposedly chickening out, the last I heard was that 9 ships from Iranian ports all turned around and went back in the Gulf after being warned by US Navy ships, and as many as 40 ships from non-Iranian ports in the Gulf have exited the Gulf and gone on their way to wherever. Some are headed for China, but so what: the blockade is not of the entire Gulf, but just of Iranian ports. Similarly, the Iranians were not trying to blockade the entire Gulf, they were just trying to force everyone to pay them $2,000,000 to exit. From everything I've heard, they're no longer even trying to do that, and the US, by the way, is not charging ships a fee to exit the Gulf. The only requirement is that they come from any of the 6-7 countries in the Gulf that are not Iran.; 4/15/26, 12:28 PM
RCOCEAN II said...: In 2024, China imported 2 million barrels/day from Russia and 192 thousand from USA.; 4/15/26, 12:29 PM
RCOCEAN II said...: Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/chinas-crude-oil-imports-by-country/

Facts/numbers beat rhetoric.; 4/15/26, 12:31 PM
Aggie said...: ..."Fact: As of early 2026, China holds an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 billion barrels..."

I'm absolutely positive this might be true.; 4/15/26, 12:46 PM
Little Excursion™️ said...: US crude exports hit record as Iran war disrupts Middle East supplies ~ FT

‘Foreign sales could push up US petrol prices and increase political pressure on Trump administration to curtail exports
https://giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/actions/redeem/50718d14-c653-4e4b-81df-a32fe0c32c8f; 4/15/26, 12:50 PM
Leland said...: Remember how the Abraham Accords were going to bring about peace in the Middle East? How is that working out you naive fucking children?

Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are on the same side as Israel when it comes to Iran. And most of those countries, more than Israel, want Trump to finish the job of destroying the current Iranian regime.

Is that what you meant?; 4/15/26, 12:57 PM
Achilles said...: Howard said...

Trump needs one of these fence sitters to break the filibuster rule to pass the SAVE Act: Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Mitt Romney (UT) or Bill Cassidy (LA)

None of those people are fence sitters.

They are globalist traitors and every one of them depends on voter fraud to keep their seat.

80% of Americans want the SAVE act passed, but the current set of Senators includes enough Senators who depend on voter fraud to make sure it doesn't pass.

This is the natural devolution of a republic/democracy. This is how it always goes.

The current congress is a result of the corruption of the system and this corruption has created a system that resists the popular will of the voters it is supposed to serve.

Pretty soon someone is going to have to throw all of congress in jail and they will be called an authoritarian.

The best answer will be: "So?"; 4/15/26, 1:09 PM
Bruce Hayden said...: “US crude exports hit record as Iran war disrupts Middle East supplies ~ FT”

“‘Foreign sales could push up US petrol prices and increase political pressure on Trump administration to curtail exports”

And you could be hit by a meteor. Unlikely, of course, but possible.

But realistically, we are only in this position because of “Drill, baby. Drill!”

CA will, of course, be fucked. But that’s all on them. And they won’t vote for that many Republicans anyway.; 4/15/26, 1:15 PM
Achilles said...: RCOCEAN II said...

In 2024, China imported 2 million barrels/day from Russia and 192 thousand from USA.

Not the key metric.

How many barrels did China import from Iran and Venezuela is the key metric.

Now that number is 0.

Barrels imported from the US in 2026 will be 192,000 + -(-venezuelan imports + -iran imports) + Chinese Navy pretending they can even make it to the persian gulf on one tank of diesel.; 4/15/26, 1:17 PM
Bruce Hayden said...: “Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are on the same side as Israel when it comes to Iran.”

Iranian Shi’a are filthy idolators, at least in the purist view of the Saudi Wahabbi.; 4/15/26, 1:19 PM
Rabel said...: Mitt has left and gone away.; 4/15/26, 1:23 PM
Achilles said...: Leland said...

Remember how the Abraham Accords were going to bring about peace in the Middle East? How is that working out you naive fucking children?

Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are on the same side as Israel when it comes to Iran. And most of those countries, more than Israel, want Trump to finish the job of destroying the current Iranian regime.

Is that what you meant?

No, what he meant was he was trying to ignore the fundamental problem caused by Iran, China, and the Globalists that run Europe.

The new Abraham Accords will have Iran's signature on them and the globalists will no longer be able to kill and repress the Persian people while keeping their Shia Mullah proxies in power.; 4/15/26, 1:23 PM
Mason G said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4/15/26, 1:31 PM
Harun said...: "overthrew the democratically leader of Iran in 1953 and installed the Shah's police state, enforced by SAVAK, "

Did the Shah of Iran have the constituional power to remove the prime minister in 1953?

Short answer: it’s disputed—the Iranian constitution contained language that could be read as giving the Shah that power, but many contemporaries (including Mosaddegh) and later scholars argued that in practice he did not have the authority to dismiss a prime minister unilaterally.

Here’s the nuance.

1. The constitutional text (argument for the Shah’s power)
Iran’s 1906–1907 constitution (as amended) included Article 46, which stated that:

“The appointment and dismissal of ministers is effected by royal decree.”

On a literal reading:

The Shah could appoint and dismiss ministers, including the prime minister, by issuing a firman (royal decree).

This is the legal basis cited by monarchists for the Shah’s 1953 decrees dismissing Mosaddegh.

There was also precedent: earlier prime ministers had been appointed/dismissed by royal decree.

2. The constitutional practice (argument against the Shah’s power)
However, the same constitution also made:

The government responsible to parliament (Majles), not to the Shah.

Another key provision (often cited is Article 67):

A cabinet should fall if parliament expresses no confidence.

From this perspective:

The Shah was supposed to be a constitutional monarch (largely ceremonial).

His decrees required political legitimacy via parliament, not unilateral action.

Mosaddegh himself argued exactly this:

That the Shah “had no authority to dismiss him as a purely constitutional monarch.”

3. Why the issue became especially murky in 1953
The situation in August 1953 was legally chaotic:

Mosaddegh had dissolved parliament by referendum shortly before the coup.

With no Majles:

The normal parliamentary mechanism (vote of no confidence) no longer existed.

This strengthened the monarchist argument that the Shah’s reserve powers applied.

At the same time:

Critics argued this still did not justify unilateral dismissal, and the Shah’s act was tied to a foreign-backed coup.

4. What historians generally agree on
Most modern scholarship lands here:

The constitution was ambiguous by design—a compromise between monarchy and parliamentary rule.

Therefore:

The Shah’s action in 1953 can be argued as formally legal (textual reading)

but also politically illegitimate or unconstitutional (parliamentary reading)

Bottom line
Yes (textually): There was a clause (Article 46) that could be read as allowing the Shah to dismiss a prime minister by decree.

No (in constitutional practice): Many contemporaries and scholars argue that real authority lay with parliament, so dismissal without it was unconstitutional.

Reality: The constitution’s ambiguity—and the breakdown of normal institutions in 1953—means the question has never been definitively settled.; 4/15/26, 1:39 PM
Harun said...: ChatGPT gives a lot of weight to the view that the Shah maybe couldn't because the parliament had a similiar power....but why would that stop the Shah from also being able to do so?

And the PM had DISMISSED PARLIAMENT.

“The appointment and dismissal of ministers is effected by royal decree.”

"On a literal reading:

The Shah could appoint and dismiss ministers, including the prime minister, by issuing a firman (royal decree)."

That seems pretty clear to me.

I think there has been a huge amount of overselling the 1953 "coup" and also 1953 was 73 years ago. So only 80-90 year olds have any memory of it.

Its stupid to keep citing this as some key shit. Its not. The Shah was a bit corrupt, but guess what? The Ayatollah's son had a billion dollars of overseas real estate. How did he get that?

Sounds very corrupt.; 4/15/26, 1:42 PM
Harun said...: I look at the Live War Map of the region every day, and there are no longer any missile or drone attacks.

the IGRC are at least under enough control to stop attacks.

They did not shoot at our ships.

To me this suggests Iran plans to negotiate and must have felt severe pain. And they also just gave up their Hormuz card....without a shot. Why?

They probably can't really attack our ships and don't want more bombing.

If you only read the online propaganda you might be getting tricked....look at physical world signals.; 4/15/26, 1:47 PM
Harun said...: Its still possible Iran is preparing for some attack or will refuse to cooperate, etc. But they valued that cease fire enough to allow US navy ships to enter the Gulf and impose a blockade.; 4/15/26, 1:48 PM
Jamie said...: It all hinges on Donald Trump's ability to withstand the risks of losing the midterm elections.

And then what Achilles said about his behaving as if the midterms don't matter.

It appears, as others have noted, that Trump listened to the briefings and decided that arresting Iran's nuclear ambitions is more important than the midterms. And as for Trump himself: What else can they do to him that they haven't already done?

I freely admit that I dread the next two years of stridency and disingenuous garbage from the Democrats, but given Iran's efficacy in developing their conventional shield to protect their nuclear program, I guess we'll all just have to suffer through it. And maybe a Democrat president too, if they can field one who isn't a gross sexual opportunist or complete kook.; 4/15/26, 1:51 PM
Little Excursion™️ said...: If Republicans were actually interested in voter ID, they would pass a bill that automatically issued all 350 million Americans a U.S. citizenship document that all citizens could flash at their local polling stations.

But issuing a federal ID is conspicuously NOT part of their law because what they're really interested in doing is creating voter confusion and chaos.

Republicans want to suppress democracy, because they think voter suppression increases their chance of winning.

Meanwhile, back in objective reality, voter fraud incidents are stunningly close 0% according to all serious academic researchers.; 4/15/26, 1:53 PM
Mike (MJB Wolf) said...: Worth repeating as it is the only time in history that all the ME has allied with us against a rogue state:

Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are on the same side as Israel when it comes to Iran. And most of those countries, more than Israel, want Trump to finish the job of destroying the current Iranian regime.

Even the Persians in Iran are with us.; 4/15/26, 2:01 PM
Little Excursion™️ said...: Achilles is huffing some high grade copium" today.; 4/15/26, 2:20 PM
Jamie said...: Not sure why voting integrity is now your topic of choice, Little E, but how exactly do the Republicans in Congress pass a national ID law - which, by the way, is seen by many to violate the federalist principles of the Republican party - in the face of states like California that make it actually illegal to ask for ID from a voter?

what they're really interested in doing is creating voter confusion and chaos.

Sigh. I try - hard - not to lend credence to the aphorism that leftists always accuse their opponents of what they themselves are actually doing, but then we get statements like this.

WHO wants confusion and chaos? The side that wants in-person voting to be the default method, with ID presented to ensure that this voter is eligible to vote in this place, with limited early voting and no late counting? Or the side that sends out universal mailed ballots, willy-nilly, wherever they control enough of state governance to allow it, makes it illegal to confirm that the voter is (a) the person standing there and (b) eligible to vote in that place, and keeps extending the voting period forward and backward so that the maximum number of voters can vote before All the information is in about candidates or initiatives AND there is maximum opportunity for ballot fraud to make up any shortfalls? The latter approach sounds a lot more chaotic and confusing to me.

(You know that the 2020 issue wasn't "voter fraud" as you framed it. It was electoral interference at many levels and, potentially, ballot fraud - which is much harder to catch than, say, the same person voting in multiple districts or a bunch of non-citizens voting.); 4/15/26, 2:24 PM
Howard said...: Speaking of California, the home of fracked shale production back in the day:

California's proven crude oil reserves are estimated at approximately 1.27 billion to 2.3 billion barrels, with total potential reserves, including undeveloped and unconventional resources like the Monterey Shale, potentially exceeding 30 billion barrels. While proven reserves are declining, significant resources remain in mature fields.
California Policy Center
California Policy Center
+3; 4/15/26, 2:31 PM
Little Excursion™️ said...: The war in Iran launched by Trump and Netanyahu has attracted comparison to one of imperial history’s greatest embarrassments: the Suez Crisis.

Several generations of British leadership and its accumulated mistakes crashed in this imperial adventure well past its time.

Anthony Eden was broken by the paradigm that he had helped create and had long served. The paradigm was liberal imperialism, an oxymoron by the postwar era. The blinking yellow light should have been apparent to those watching the 1919 Paris peace conference. Possibly too many years in the shadow of Winston Churchill left Eden in mental thralldom to the older man's many blind spots about an empire whee the sun was setting rapidly. Big mistakes reach across the decades.

Trump is a willing prisoner of the duopoly of special interests whose mission has been for decades the creation of a Greater Israel in all of Palestine and now extended to de facto sovereignty over lands in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. The other half of the duopoly is American Empire, which is military-based hegemony over much of the Middle East by military power created and sustained by the voracious American military-industrial complex. This is an imperial project of immense scope and ambitious reach. The American
people have already cashed in one generation's worth of advancement in living standards on Iraq and Afghanistan. Will they support yet a third Republican-led fiasco?

One suspects that Trump's rapidly accumulating mistakes are creating a crisis that will eventually cause the American people to force a withdrawal from the region. It will be like Kabul 2021 all over again -- the big air force transports will lift off never to return again.; 4/15/26, 2:35 PM
Achilles said...: Howard said...

Speaking of California, the home of fracked shale production back in the day:

California's proven crude oil reserves are estimated at approximately 1.27 billion to 2.3 billion barrels, with total potential reserves, including undeveloped and unconventional resources like the Monterey Shale, potentially exceeding 30 billion barrels. While proven reserves are declining, significant resources remain in mature fields.
California Policy Center
California Policy Center
+3

Remember to separate interior California where all of the shale is from coastal enclave california.

Interior California is more like Nevada and Idaho than it is like LA and San Francisco.; 4/15/26, 2:44 PM
Howard said...: The Americas are set for petroleum

Proven Oil Reserves (Approximate Recent Data)
South America: ~323 billion barrels (primarily Venezuela's 303 billion, plus Brazil and Guyana).
North America: ~242 billion+ barrels (Canada ~163-168 billion, USA ~44-83 billion, Mexico ~6 billion).
Combined Proven: ~565 billion+ barrels.
Worldometer
Worldometer
+2
Estimated Recoverable Oil (Unconventional & Undiscovered)
Unconventional (Heavy Oil/Tar Sands): Over 3 trillion barrels of shale oil (N. America) and 40 billion barrels of recoverable heavy oil (S. America) exist.; 4/15/26, 2:44 PM
Michael Fitzgerald said...: As far as Trump blowing the midterms for the GOP, I'll posit the possibility that the president is making a calculation, a value judgments between two scenarios. If the Democrat Party wins the House, they will do everything within their power to thwart every objective of his presidency. If the GOP wins, they will not do everything in their power to help enact his policies, in fact, they will probably be instrumental in defeating them.

The President has decided that he has an opportunity to remake the "New World Order" to coin a phrase. An order in which the USA dominates, and USA citizens, and citizens of the world, benefit. The GOP is not on board with his plan.

In short, President Trump has decided that it is more important and beneficial to the world that rogue terrorist nations controlled by evil dictators are removed from power than it is that a feckless and traitorous Republican Party leadership has a majority in the USA Congress.; 4/15/26, 2:46 PM
Howard said...: Achilles: not exactly. One could say that the baseline range province of Nevada and Utah starts at the Sierra Nevada while the Cascade type region starts north of Sacramento. Most of the Great Central Valley is underlying by the Monterey shale which contains the Lion's share of oil in California.; 4/15/26, 2:48 PM
Howard said...: Basin and range, not baseline; 4/15/26, 2:48 PM
bagoh20 said...: "If Republicans were actually interested in voter ID, they would pass a bill that automatically issued all 350 million Americans a U.S. citizenship document that all citizens could flash at their local polling stations."

Are you trying to convince us you're stupid? You can stop now.

Can you see the Democrats, their judges, and their state governments going along with that? They would never let that happen because they want to cheat, and they would use the very same Republican arguments they usually resist to do it, and they would get "principled" Republican to join them. MAGA wants it done the only way it can possibly happen, like nearly all the rest of the world does it. Only American Democrats and the world's dictators fight voter ID.; 4/15/26, 2:52 PM
Howard said...: The Republicans are extremely limited in what they can pass because of the filibuster rule. Yes the Republicans were able to actually pass a bill. They also have the supreme Court that would make the national ID constitutional because national security; 4/15/26, 2:56 PM
bagoh20 said...: It's no surprise to me that Trump is willing to sacrifice the GOP to take a good shot at changing the world in a big way toward American dominance long term. I sure don't want him to pass up that shot for a bunch of corrupt Congressmen. If he accomplishes half of what he's shooting for, the American voters would be retarded to reject it and go back to stagnation and gradual failure. He's going big, like only he would.; 4/15/26, 2:58 PM
Howard said...: I can see Trump's backup plan for his final two years being the extensive use of executive orders to bypass a democratic controlled house and Senate.; 4/15/26, 3:02 PM
bagoh20 said...: "The war in Iran launched by Trump and Netanyahu has attracted comparison to one of imperial history’s greatest embarrassments: the Suez Crisis."

Oh, then we should definitely not do it. We should retreat and maybe even rearm the Islamist regime. I mean somebody made a comparison, someone who I'm sure has this totally new situation in a new place with new factions and new militaries all figured out, and is comparing things in good faith. Definitely got to give that great weight.; 4/15/26, 3:08 PM
Harun said...: Iran just suspended oil exports.

Does that sound like a regime about to fight a blockade?

No missile or drone attacks now for several days.

US destroyers transited the Strait.

IGRC seems to be under Iranian government control.

Cautiously optimistic.; 4/15/26, 3:10 PM
Harun said...: ""The war in Iran launched by Trump and Netanyahu has attracted comparison to one of imperial history’s greatest embarrassments: the Suez Crisis."

YES, ITS JUST LIKE THE SUEZ CANAL EXCEPT WE BLOCKADED IT SUCCESSFULLY AND THERE IS NO WORLD POWER TELLING US TO STOP THAT CAN ACTUALLY ENFORCE THAT.

LOL.; 4/15/26, 3:20 PM
Harun said...: A better historical example would be the UK blockading Germany in WW1 and starving them into submission.

Or the USA blockading Japan in WW2.; 4/15/26, 3:22 PM
bagoh20 said...: Today China agree to not send any military aid to Iran, and to work toward resolving the conflict.; 4/15/26, 3:22 PM
Mason G said...: "Today China agree to not send any military aid to Iran, and to work toward resolving the conflict."

Just imagine what Trump could accomplish if he wasn't just doing stuff randomly, causing chaos everywhere.; 4/15/26, 3:27 PM
Aggie said...: @MasonG: "...This is highly significant because when mature oil wells are shut, water from below can intrude into the reservoir – a process known as “water coning.”

In this situation, some of the oil becomes permanently trapped within rock pores and can no longer be recovered. Iran’s oil fields are already declining at a rate of 5–8% per year...."

Yeah, I've seen this in a couple of places. This is mostly not true, i.e., wrong. Water coning is a big problem, yes, but water coning happens when you are producing oil from a reservoir that also has a distinct water layer underlying the oil layer. Relative permeabilities in reservoirs almost always favor oil over water. Water is the fluid that can become trapped in pore space and is immovable, because of the capillary pressure effect.

You complete your wells to produce from zones above the water layer and take care not to overproduce, which will draw water up from below. You don't get a water coning problem when you shut the well in, you get water coning when you produce oil hard enough to substantially lower the reservoir pressure via depletion, and water starts moving toward the area of lower pressure, accordingly - including 'up'.

In my early days, we used to work over wells in the East Texas field that had been drilled in the 1930s, and had started to water cut, producing more and more water relative to oil. We would re-enter the wells and plug off the bottom parts, then move up and perforate to resume oil production in the upper layers. Usually the first thing you needed was a chain saw, to cut down the trees so the rig could have room to move in.; 4/15/26, 3:42 PM
Mason G said...: "Yeah, I've seen this in a couple of places. This is mostly not true, i.e., wrong."

My apologies, I am not a petroleum engineer. As it is not my intention to spread false information, I will delete my prior post.; 4/15/26, 4:03 PM
Aggie said...: "Forgo the immediate belief of what you read on the internet" - Benjamin Franklin.; 4/15/26, 4:06 PM
Aggie said...: My daily reinforcement of Dunning-Krueger.; 4/15/26, 4:07 PM
RCOCEAN II said...: Trump just tweeted in a social truth way that the blockade is off. The strait is now "permanently open". And this was done after talks with the Chinese. And the ChiComs have promised not to sent Iran weapons.

Of course Trump did this as a favor. Its not like the Chinese could retaliate in any way (LOL).; 4/15/26, 4:08 PM
RCOCEAN II said...: The Republican Senate is sabotaging Trump just like they did in the first term. Thune and the R leadership can pass the SAVE act and get around the filibuster, but they don't want to. Its that simple.

Its absolutely absurd how this bill can pass without a filibuster but that bill cant. Its just a game. And its sad so many conservatives can't see the Kabuki theater and con job.; 4/15/26, 4:13 PM
Mason G said...: "My daily reinforcement of Dunning-Krueger."

And Gell-Mann Amnesia.; 4/15/26, 4:20 PM
narciso said...: One must sift carefully like for nuggets of gold; 4/15/26, 4:52 PM
Harun said...: "Trump just tweeted in a social truth way that the blockade is off. The strait is now "permanently open". And this was done after talks with the Chinese. And the ChiComs have promised not to sent Iran weapons.

Of course Trump did this as a favor. Its not like the Chinese could retaliate in any way (LOL)."

He's going to China for a summit.

China needs oil.

China can pressure Iran.

So, I think this is another great signal.; 4/15/26, 5:02 PM
Harun said...: Imagine you're Iran. You might hope China could send you weapons. Instead China says, no, we can't. We suggest you take the deal.

Trump can reimpose the blockade any time he wants.; 4/15/26, 5:03 PM
Achilles said...: RCOCEAN II said...

Trump just tweeted in a social truth way that the blockade is off. The strait is now "permanently open". And this was done after talks with the Chinese. And the ChiComs have promised not to sent Iran weapons.

Of course Trump did this as a favor. Its not like the Chinese could retaliate in any way (LOL).

LOL is right.

China surrendered and we didn't have to fire a shot.

Now China pays the same for oil as we do and the Shia mullahs no longer get to profit from selling discount oil to France/China/India while slaughtering Persians

This is what America First actually looks like.

But for some people the real question is "How did the joooos benefit from this!!?!?!?!"; 4/15/26, 5:06 PM
Little Excursion™️ said...: "China agree to not send any military aid to Iran"

No, it's not fully accurate or confirmed—it's a claim made by Trump on Truth Social, but China has not publicly agreed to or confirmed any such deal.; 4/15/26, 5:17 PM
Peachy said...: We can count on Kak-bot for the facts.; 4/15/26, 5:18 PM
Little Excursion™️ said...: China treated energy security as a strategic priority for years (stockpiling, supplier diversification, electrification, coal backup). That foresight, combined with its authoritarian ability to ration/adjust prices and pivot supply chains, has blunted what looked like a vulnerability. It's a reminder that dependence on imported oil isn't destiny if you build buffers and alternatives aggressively.; 4/15/26, 5:56 PM
Yancey Ward said...: You really do have to admire Bich's record here- wrong every single day on every single topic for going on 3 years now. What an amazing streak.; 4/15/26, 6:14 PM
Saint Croix said...: Imagine you're Iran. You might hope China could send you weapons. Instead China says, no, we can't. We suggest you take the deal.

Trump can reimpose the blockade any time he wants.

The two non-lawyers on the right (Reagan and Trump) had the best foreign policy of my whole life. If Trump brings about peace in the Middle East, will he win the Nobel prize?

No he will not.

And he's fighting a war and so far his American casualties are under 20.

20!

I think Biden lost more American lives to Iran (via Hamas) than Trump has lost in this war.

It's astounding.; 4/15/26, 6:42 PM
Hassayamper said...: "Three Meals Away" Concept: The maxim that "no society is more than three meals away from revolution" highlights how rapidly food scarcity can lead to a complete breakdown of order.

It's NINE meals, actually. Going hungry for a couple of days is mildly unpleasant, but things really start to gnaw at you on the third day. It changes your brain chemistry. I've done 5 days with only water, and if I didn't know for a certainty that it was going to stop when I chose to stop it, I could see myself joining in the tumult of a populace driven to violence by their hunger.

Of course, as I've said repeatedly, what the Persian people need on their side right now - far more than hunger or financial collapse - is rifles, pistols, and plenty of them. I have heard several supposed experts say that they are soon to be in place, and that things will come to a bloody but quick denouement once the Crown Prince gives the signal.; 4/15/26, 7:25 PM
Aggie said...: Bombing the fleet of escape jetliners that the mullahs had sitting on standby was a brilliant tactical move. 'Now youse can't leave'.; 4/15/26, 9:11 PM
Howard said...: Hey Mason, don't beat yourself up. If you didn't post that error, we wouldn't have gotten Aggies excellent descriptive response. The biggest error that people can make is to be terrified of making mistakes. The second biggest error is to fail to admit you made a mistake and correct it. Hard knocks = Hard wired; 4/15/26, 9:21 PM
Original Mike said...: Little Excursion™️ said..."How many times has Trump said the war is very close to over?"

How many times have you said we lost?; 4/16/26, 4:36 AM
mikee said...: I, for one, suggest that the 47+ year long war of Iran against the West is indeed very close to over. On our part, we are ready to stop bombing the moment the Iranians stop being genocidal maniacs. Sort of exactly like Israel versus Hama/Hezbollah. That disctinction is the basic difference between us and them.; 4/16/26, 8:39 AM