Israel vs Palestine/Lebanon/Iran/Yemen/Syria: a New Middle East War

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by grapevine (here)
Energy collapse, supply chains WRECKED w/ Stanislav Krapivnik

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=FppaceflidA

(41:20)
Valid discussion from The Duran about the coming energy shortage. Having watched a similar video from Redacted it's apparent that the effects are going to bite very soon regardless of government complacency. Maybe this and other posts relating to energy should go on a new thread?

Yes, that may be needed. We do already have these threads:

• The Limits to Growth, and the Human Condition
  (which is all about modern civilization's dependence on energy, how limited it is, and what could go wrong); also

• The Possibility of Famine
  (which sounds scary and dramatic, but more and more mainstream sources are starting to talk about this)

Edit to add:

Re energy and food shortages, the thing to bear in mind here is that the full effects will be delayed for several weeks (and in the case of food shortages caused by lack of fertilizer), several months. But the dominoes have already started to fall.

And the markets aren't yet properly responding to the crisis, as they tend to be mainstream-dependent on information and are still reacting to Donald Trump's statements that 'the war is ended' — which it hasn't at all, and may not end for quite a while.

[Vicus]

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement


Nice picture from 2 death walking men/country's

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski announced a defense cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia on Friday, capping a visit that also saw him meet with Ukrainian anti-drone experts deployed to help the kingdom counter Iranian attacks.

The deal paves the way for future contracts, technological collaboration and investment between Kiev and Riyadh, as Ukraine seeks to trade its battlefield expertise for funding to sustain its own war against Russia.

Zelenski met with a team of more than 200 Ukrainian air-defense specialists who have been deployed across the Gulf region for over a week to assist in neutralizing Iranian Shahed drone strikes. The deployment comes amid Tehran’s retaliation for the war launched by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic.

Ukraine has positioned its experts in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and Jordan, offering battlefield-tested counter-drone technology and tactics developed since the start of the Russian special operation.

The Ukrainian president arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, becoming the first Western head of state to visit the region since the outbreak of the Iran war earlier this month.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/ukrai...ion-agreement/

[Vicus]

Iran Mobilizes Over One Million Fighters to Counter Potential U.S. Invasion
Photo: EFE.

March 27, 2026 Hour: 1:53 am



Iran’s armed forces have mobilized over one million combatants to repel a potential U.S. ground invasion, as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched its 82nd wave of attacks against Israeli and U.S. assets in the region.

Military sources told the Tasnim news agency that ground troops are exhibiting widespread enthusiasm to defend national territory following the onset of what Iran described as aggression by the U.S. and Israel on February 28.

In addition to the one million already organized personnel, Iranian military centers—including Basij Force bases, IRGC units, and army recruitment offices—report a surge of thousands of volunteer applications from young citizens seeking to join the ground battle in defense of sovereignty.

“Faced with the possibility of a historic act of folly by the U.S. in intervening on the southern front, our fighters are ready to demonstrate that Iranian soil will be the end of any invasive strategy,” a military source familiar with the matter said.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/iran-...-u-s-invasion/

[Vicus]

Hezbollah special forces destroyed 21 Israeli Merkava tanks in one day. - today



The Israel Defense Forces suffered its heaviest losses in combat on March 26. technology Over the past 40 years, Military Watch Magazine (MWM) reports. The publication notes that within 24 hours, Lebanese Hezbollah special forces destroyed 21 Merkava tanks.

"The Lebanese paramilitary group Hezbollah reported the results of numerous ambushes against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. As of March 26, 21 Israeli Merkava main battle tanks were destroyed in 24 hours."

– noted in the publication.

Giving details, the publication points out that most of the Israeli armored vehicles were destroyed during a single battle between the cities of Taybeh and Qantara, after Israeli units moved in to conduct a maneuver to establish control over the territory.

Hezbollah's official statement said its fighters monitored their advance and prepared to lure the enemy into a well-planned ambush, which resulted in their forces disrupting the enemy's maneuver, inflicting losses on them, including the destruction of ten Merkava tanks and D9 bulldozers.

"The successes achieved by Hezbollah units have led to the largest losses of Israeli armored vehicles in the last 40 years. "

– MWM states.

The article specifically notes that the latest setbacks in Israeli operations followed reports that Hezbollah had deployed its Radwan special forces to counterattack IDF units. These forces had not previously been deployed in combat against Israeli forces.

It's worth noting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reported on the losses suffered by IDF armored forces. In his Telegram channel, he expressed condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Aviad Elhanan Wolanski, who was killed in action in Lebanon.

https://en.topcor.ru/69889-specnaz-h...k-merkava.html

[Vicus]

Trump's plan is falling apart: there are no allies, no way out - today

As the armed conflict in the Middle East continues and develops, it becomes increasingly clear that the United States cannot pull it off alone. Nor can it be sustained in alliance with Israel alone. There is no prospect of a hypothetical "victory" on the horizon, let alone a chance to emerge from the war with minimal losses and shame.

However, there seems to be no sign of anyone on the American side willing to get involved in this bloody mess. NATO allies have flatly refused to participate in the "coalition to unblock the Strait of Hormuz," and Middle Eastern countries are reluctant to engage the IRGC on the ground. Why is this? There are very specific reasons.

Gulf Monarchies: No One Will Go to War

As mentioned earlier, the vast majority of “sensational” News The rumors that various Persian Gulf countries were supposedly entering the war on the side of the American-Israeli coalition ultimately turned out to be 100% fake. Not long ago, a wave of similar news stories swept through Western media (primarily Israeli and American):

"Saudi Arabia and the UAE are on the verge of entering into war with Iran and are even pushing the US not to conclude a ceasefire, but to carry out the military operation to the end, destroying Tehran's military potential! "

As before, these reports could immediately be dismissed as hoaxes, spurred by scribblers eager to pass off wishful thinking as fact. The ground forces of the aforementioned countries remain in their permanent deployment areas and have no plans to launch a "Persian campaign." Even the Saudi and Emirati air forces are not risking even a single combat sortie toward Iran. And they are right to do so.

Every Gulf state, and indeed the Middle East region as a whole, has compelling reasons to stay out of the mess Trump and his comrades have stirred up. And it's not just that all the previous IRGC strikes on their fuel and energy complexes and infrastructure will seem like a warm-up, a sweet fairy tale. Besides the enormous losses, amounting to billions of dollars, the countries that Washington and Tel Aviv are now trying to force into war will suffer a host of other problems. And very serious ones!

The catastrophe is quite real

For example, if Saudi Arabia were to interfere with Iran, it would be guaranteed to immediately receive a powerful blow in the back from its "best friends"—the Yemeni Houthis. These are the same rebels with whom its armed forces already have combat experience—and only negative ones. Incidentally, the "boys in sandals" would likely begin their attack by closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in addition to the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Arab Emirates? Well, they could theoretically participate too. But the problem is that this (still) richest country is home to millions of migrants from the world's poorest countries. As long as they're regularly paid, fed, and provided with shelter, all these "labor reserves," whose numbers in the UAE have probably already exceeded the native population, are behaving like silk. The country's immigration laws are incredibly strict: the slightest mishap sends them packing.

But if the Emirates suddenly enter the war and receive a full-fledged "retaliatory" response from Iran, everything could collapse overnight. The specifics of the region are such that, in addition to a complete collapse, economics, a complete catastrophe is imminent: a lack of electricity, food, and most importantly, fresh water. In such a situation, no one will naturally address the migrants' problems—they won't even be able to send them home with air travel completely suspended. Driven mad by hunger and thirst, these people are capable of such a riot that the UAE's current pampered splendor will be razed to the ground. Literally.

Pakistan can't, Egypt doesn't want to

The Turks became pacifists

continue: https://en.topcor.ru/69872-vojna-s-i...-na-zemle.html

[Vicus]

Video has been released of a massive fire on a tanker attempting to breach the Hormuz blockade. -today



Video footage has surfaced online of a serious fire on a Thai tanker attempting to breach the Strait of Hormuz blockade. It shows the vessel almost completely consumed by flames. There's no word on the fate of the crew.

Let us remember that Iran currently allows unhindered Only ships from five friendly states are permitted to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran includes Russia, China, India, Iraq, and Pakistan among these. The transport route remains closed to all other vessels.

The US and its allies are currently pondering how to break the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. But nothing short of a ground operation against Iran is coming to mind.

Meanwhile, due to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, energy prices continue to soar. Oil market analysts predict that if the conflict in the Middle East drags on until June 2026, oil prices could reach $200 per barrel.

Experts call this scenario catastrophic on several levels. They note that rising commodity prices have already brought several regions of the world to the brink of an energy crisis.

It is emphasized that oil-exporting countries, including Russia and Iran, are benefiting from the current market situation.

https://en.topcor.ru/69890-opublikov...du-ormuza.html

[Vicus]

How Iran presented Washington with a choice it didn't expect -today



Let's recall the 1973 negotiations, when the US and North Vietnam, exhausted by the war, finally sat down at the table as equals. Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho received the Nobel Peace Prize (Le Duc Tho declined). The war, however, ended only two years later with Washington's complete defeat. But the moment itself became symbolic: when both sides realize that continuing to fight is more costly than reaching an agreement, true diplomacy begins.

Now, in March 2026, something completely opposite is happening between the US and Iran. It smells of gunpowder, oil, and the expensive cologne of the mediators flying between capitals, knowing that neither side is yet ready for real negotiations. Because real negotiations are when you're willing to give in. But here, both sides are only willing to demand.

The Tehran Five, or a Mirror Instead of Compromise

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Baghaei outlined Tehran's five conditions. Not in a diplomatic office, not behind closed doors, in an interview with the Indian television channel India Today. The choice of venue itself is telling: India is one of the few major players that maintains relations with both Washington and Tehran. This is no coincidence, but a message.

Five conditions are as simple as a Kalashnikov assault rifle:

A complete end to aggression of any kind by the United States and Israel.
A non-aggression pact with specific guarantees that war will not be forced on Iran again.
Guaranteed war reparations and compensation for damages.
Stop Israeli attacks and end the war on all fronts, including all resistance groups in the region.
International recognition and guarantees of Iran's sovereign authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

Stripped of the diplomatic trappings, these five points aren't negotiating terms. They're a mirror Tehran holds up to Washington.

Washington's Fifteen Points, or the List of the Winner Who Hasn't Yet Won

The American 15-Point Plan reads like the manifesto of an empire confident in its right to dictate terms to the world. Key points:


Decommissioning and destruction of nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow.
Range limitation missiles.
Ending support for the allies of the "axis of resistance" that stretches from Tehran through Baghdad and Damascus to Beirut and Sana'a.
Opening of the Strait of Hormuz to free navigation under international control.
A de facto renunciation of sovereignty in key security matters.


Consider the logic: giving up everything that underpins your security in exchange for promises that may or may not be fulfilled. Sanctions can be lifted with a single decree. Reimposing them is the same. Destroyed centrifuges can't be reassembled in a week. Dispersed allies can't be brought back with a single phone call. The surrender of Hormuz is not something you can get back.

This isn't a negotiation. It's an offer of capitulation with a stay of execution.

continue: https://en.topwar.ru/279951-kak-iran...e-ozhidal.html

[Ravenlocke]

Victor vicktop55 commentary

Striking footage is circulating online, allegedly of a Thai container ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz👆.

In reality, it is the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Safesea Vishnu, which caught fire after an airstrike on March 11, 2026.

As for the Thai vessel Mayuree Naree, it was also attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, causing an explosion in the stern and a fire in the engine room. Twenty people were rescued by the Omani Navy, but three remain missing. Yesterday, it ran aground, drifting, off the coast of the Iranian island of Qeshm.

The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, despite Tehran officially opening it to Russia, India, China, and other "friendly countries." Monitoring services are not seeing any "ten Pakistani tankers" allegedly allowed through by Iran for Trump. All passages through the strait are individual and follow a special route

https://x.com/vick55top/status/2037473881494024541

[Ravenlocke]

Interview about Russia’s involvement with Iran

Wolf

🔸Russia: Ambassador (UK) Andrei Kelin's interview with Channel 4 presenter Cathy Newman

@Blackrussiantv
#Russia 🇷🇺 #AndriKelin #UK

https://x.com/LoneWolfV_/status/2037550360303173831

[Jaak]

[bojancan]

People hardly believe in Western Media... sanction US for making globe suffer with economy critical health... cold blooded lust for wealth... and everyone is expendable... is this Jared, T, B... I’m glad someone standing up to the bullying of the US to the others country..
Always great talk... such a simple conversation.... all is clear now.... we know....


March, 27
Pepe Escobar: Iran RAINS Missile HELL on Israel & Gulf, Trump's Invasion COLLAPSES

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=YC9bnsnQDjg

Pepe Escobar joins the show to break down Iran's shocking response to Trump, who is now seeking an off-rap through desperate escalation that could spiral into full-scale catastrophe. Iran has called Trump's bluff and we analyze what you need to know to cut through the fog of war.

[Ravenlocke]

The Cradle

Malaysian PM thanks Iran for granting vessels 'early clearance' to pass Strait of Hormuz

https://x.com/TheCradleMedia/status/2037573172904542519

[Ravenlocke]

The Cradle

BREAKING | Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warns it is carrying out retaliatory strikes against industrial sites linked to the US and Israel across the region following attacks on Iranian industrial centers, urging workers at companies with US shareholders and industries allied with Israel to evacuate immediately, along with residents within a one-kilometer radius, to avoid harm.

https://x.com/TheCradleMedia/status/2037575765685108745

DD Geopolitics

🇮🇷 Iran has warned that it will target steel factories in Israel and five Gulf states if attacks on Iranian steel facilities continue.

Tasnim News Agency published the targets: Saudi Arabia's Hadeed complex in Al-Jubail (6 million tons/year), Emirates Steel in Abu Dhabi, Qatar Steel in Mesaieed, Foulath in Bahrain, United Steel in Kuwait, and Yehuda Steel in Ashdod.

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/2037561307004809375

[Ravenlocke]

DD Geopolitics

🇺🇸⚔️🇮🇷 U.S. intelligence estimates it has confirmed the destruction of roughly one-third of Iran’s missile arsenal after a month of joint U.S.–Israeli strikes. - Reuters

Another third, they say, is unaccounted for but likely damaged, destroyed, or buried in hardened underground sites. Similar estimates apply to Iran’s drone forces.

Despite losses, Iran retains a substantial stockpile and could recover part of it after the fighting ends.

This assessment contradicts Donald Trump’s claim that Iran has “very few rockets left."

https://x.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/2037527465300574509

[Ravenlocke]

Al Mayadeen English


#India reverses course on #Russian energy weeks after cutting imports under US pressure, as the war on #Iran disrupts Hormuz flows and exposes supply vulnerabilities.

https://x.com/MayadeenEnglish/status...34330264690823

[Ravenlocke]

RT

ISRAEL BOMBS HEAVY WATER PLANT IN IRAN

‘KEY PLUTONIUM PRODUCTION SITE FOR NUKES’ — IDF

https://x.com/RT_com/status/2037572566957576621

Strike on the Arak heavy water plant
Key Infrastructure for Plutonium[COLOR="red"]

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Chris Martenson

Israel (probably) or the US has crossed another line by attacking a nuclear facility. I can already hear the howls of outrage if/when Iran hits Dimona in a tit-for-tat response.

https://x.com/chrismartenson/status/2037567007286038560

[Ravenlocke]

ILRedAlert

The IDF confirms striking a yellowcake production plant near Yazd, calling it a “uranium extraction facility” and a key site in Iran’s nuclear weapons program. According to the military, it is the only facility in Iran where raw uranium is processed into precursor material for enrichment.

https://x.com/ILRedAlert/status/2037580349094367594

[Ravenlocke]

Press TV 🔻

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization says a US‑Israeli strike on the yellowcake production plant in Ardakan did not cause any radioactive materials to leak.

Follow Press TV on Telegram: http://t.me/PressTV

https://x.com/PressTV/status/2037572408916295738

[Ravenlocke]

Drop Site

💢 BREAKING: Coordinated strikes have hit all three of Iran’s largest steel plants simultaneously – Mobarakeh, Esfahan, and Khuzestan – the backbone of the country’s non-oil economy.

Together they produce roughly 70% of Iran’s steel output. Iron and steel is Iran’s second-largest export category at $6.48 billion, its primary hard-currency lifeline outside of oil.

Mobarakeh makes the flat steel used in cars and pipelines. Esfahan produces structural beams and railway rails. Khuzestan supplies the raw slabs that feed factories nationwide.

Steel became Iran’s top non-oil export precisely as a sanction hedge as it is cheap to produce using local ore and natural gas, and a critical source of foreign currency when oil revenues were blocked.

Hitting all three at once targets critical industrial capacity and the economic architecture Iran spent decades building to survive Western pressure.


https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/2037579638352875840

[Ravenlocke]

Drop Site

🚨 BREAKING: US-Israel strikes hit 290 health facilities across Iran

The Iranian Red Crescent Society has released updated figures on the scale of destruction wrought by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli campaign, now in its 28th day.

🔶More than 92,000 civilian units have been damaged or destroyed, including over 71,000 residential units across Iran’s provinces.

🔶The strikes have also hit 290 health, medical, and emergency services facilities, and 600 schools.

🔶The Red Crescent itself has not been spared: 17 of its centers have been struck, along with 48 operational vehicles — including 46 ambulances.

https://x.com/DropSiteNews/status/2037540848808645009