Also...what is the strategy? They were in talks for a new nuclear deal but then attacked, with a changing narrative of the goals.

Trump: I have the absolute right to charge tariffs in another form, and have already started...

That'll help calm things down.

Trump on Navy escorts through Strait of Hormuz: It will happen soon

When was this? If we are claiming 'land back' the surely the Turks or the Mamluks have a claim to the area? Or maybe Europe from the crusades? The Egyptians probably have a pretty solid claim. It's a political nightmare created by the old empires, ...

Trump: We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and...

This must be a significant risk to the US. The global hegemon, unable to provide vassals with arguably this most critical service...freedom to trade. History shows this was an early indicator of the fall of the British Empire. Things are different ...

"Risk Of Attack Is Too High": US Navy Refuses To Provide Escorts To Ships Transiting Hormuz...

And the earth is flat.

EU's Von der Leyen: Europe's reliance on fossil fuels has resulted in an additional €3 billion...

It'll be down to the re-insurers whether the ships make an attempt or not. Currently, something like 95% of insurance has been pulled. Once US finalises it's underwriting position, they can attempt to sail (en-mass).

Iran "taking steps" to deploy mines in Straits of Hormuz: CBS

That's the theory. The practise is probably quite different. You need to assume that even without major shipping, there will be traffic. The cost of blowing everything out of the water would get high very quickly. Assume a few fishermen get blown up ...

Iran "taking steps" to deploy mines in Straits of Hormuz: CBS

TACO just needs to find a reason good enough to walk away. 'He's a careless man whi smashes up lives and returns into his money' Great Gatsby...almost.

Trump Signals Possible End to War, Floats Removing Oil Sanctions

I await, and hope for a TACO. This reads like trump knows he has FAFO.

Trump says war could be over soon: CBS

Boots on the ground is a soundbite. It probably appeals to Pete and Don as it has a macho ring to it. The reality (i believe) is putting US boots on the ground is in the interest of Isreal and Iran, not the US. Isreal gets reduced risk (economic and ...

Trump tells The Post there’s no reason to panic over Iran war oil-price surge: ‘I have a plan...

You ar absolutely right...working in Belgium a few years ago and someone said something a bit stupid, the Belgian next to me rolled his eyes and said "noorden" (or something close) as if to explain. Even a tiny country has a north south divide.

Trump: Wants Iran's leadership structure gone and wants to ensure his own list of possible...

Certainly no expert. I do suspect that if SA or any other middle east dictator displeased the US, the narrative would focus on their less benign activities.

Oil tanker hit by "large explosion" off the coast of Kuwait, causing major oil spill

That logic should worry US middle eastern allies like Saudi Arabia.

Oil tanker hit by "large explosion" off the coast of Kuwait, causing major oil spill

made me chuckle...but you're showing your age.

Trump on Iran warfront: On a scale of 1-10 I'd rate it a 15

The sexed up dodgy dossier.

Oil tanker hit by "large explosion" off the coast of Kuwait, causing major oil spill

UKMTO is an international monitor so it doesn't mean it's a UK ship (but it could be). This is pretty messed up news for global commerce, as it appears to show that Iran can close the straights.

Container ship hit while transiting Hormuz: UKMTO says

Agree...this is the reason that 'aligned' countries pay thier dues to the US empire (and put up with mad despots from time to time). The US guarantees (to a greater degree) freedom to trade. It's not panic but does show the economic impact globally ...

Trump: Ordered USDFC to provide insurance and guarantees for all maritime trade, especially...

It looks like Iran's tactic is to put economic pressure on the region, and so force the gulf states pressure US/Isreal to persue peace talks. It's a game of chicken now. Iran is willing to crash the global economy (unless US gets Isreal back under ...

IRGC Commander: Strait of Hormuz is closed, Iran to set on fire any ship trying to pass