Despite Trump’s repeated claims that Iran is beginning to capitulate, Tehran believes it has the three Ms on its side: “munitions, markets, and the midterms.”
The most revealing part of this reporting is how easily U.S. officials can manufacture a storyline and watch it ricochet through the press untouched. Iran says no talks are happening; the White House says they are; the media prints the White House version anyway. It’s not diplomacy — it’s information laundering.
Not to simplify a complicated situation, but I think there are really only two **fundamental** barriers to a negotiated end of conflict:
1) Trump's ego
Trump has proven over time that he is incapable of ceding any battle, even at the expense of winning a broader picture. He is tactical by nature, not strategic. His ego comes first in all matters and is his only consideration. Trump and his ego are one, inseparable. I don't believe he can tolerate any scenario in which Iran could claim victory. He is driven to humiliate.
The war is at an impasse right now. Despite Israel’s and some regional players’ desire for a return to the full scale war, it will not be easy for the U.S.
This is an extremely unpopular war, at home and abroad.
People are exhausted and fatigued from the live streamed unspeakable carnage that took place daily in Gaza over the course of the past three years.
And despite their unwavering loyalty and support to the U.S. the civilian and military leadership in Pakistan is in a bind.
Their civilians (sunnis (80-85%) and shias (10-20%)) are united in their opposition to this illegal and unprovoked war against their brothers in Iran. Unlike the GCC nations where almost all prominent clerics and influencers are doing the government’s bidding, and telling their citizens not to support Iran or show solidarity with Iran, the Pakistani leadership has not had much success. Some popular figures have come out and reminded people of the Iranian government’s past actions via proxies, but people aren’t buying it. And I’m sure Pakistani leadership grasps the implications for Pakistan if hostilities resume.
Also, a full scale, wider conflict will have far reaching, catastrophic consequences for the whole region, even the world.
For example, even if the aggression doesn’t restart, and a resolution is reached now, shipping lanes open, millions or tens of millions are at risk for famine, goods and services will still sky rocket, shortages will likely happen, millions will plunge into poverty.
History will never look kindly upon this crisis that was entirely man made and purposeful.
Thank you for your clear understanding and reporting. It’s certainly not easy to get this type of journalism these days.
The problems as I see them are of course Trumps ego, and Netanyahu’s satanic desire to bomb everyone no matter what but also the lack of sensible people in Trumps team. Maybe Vance is the best of them but that’s not saying much.
Come on America we know you have educated, sane experts. Get them into a group and get this done.
Hi all 👋 Please accept my apologies upfront. While this is another magnificent piece that is so unlikely to be found elsewhere as to make a search for it redundant, I just have a few words more broadly on what is fast becoming the beloved, truly independent, DSN, not just some other 'independent' news sure. I have been a long time follower of Ryan and Jeremy's reporting. That The Intercept lost out on these 2 giants of political reporting, it is very much my, and I suspect the hundreds of thousands of others, gain. To see the recent inclusion of a South American bureau is very exciting, and I cannot wait to see the future plans DSN have unfold.
For me, the entirety of the DSN portfolio is essential. I do not mean for me as a reader (although that is true), but as a 'template' perhaps others could follow. If the idea of a free to pursue the truth as seen fit by a 'global newsroom' seemed a bit fanciful, well, seeing is believing. The more that believe, the more we may see others following where DSN leads.
Thank you for indulging me. I hope anyone reading this is having as good a day as possible. All the best,
Any chance Don will call Vlad to get instructions for how to handle the Iran disaster? Vlad could congratulate Don for his many accomplishments and thank Don for weakening the U.S. and NATO and dropping sanctions on Russian oil.
Would negotiations sponsored by the United Nations and including those bombing and being bombed, with all sides, including Lebanon, asked to be monitored by UN peacekeeping troops and international naval presence (from neutral national fleets from around the world) with international Peacekeepers added to all borders between Israel and other nations? Can peacekeepers from international nations enforce what is decided about the Strait, controlled by International naval presence, that is OUT of the hands of USA and Isreli or Iraninan Navy and off limits to any of those involved in there war? This will allow humanitarian aide and fertilizer supplies, and other essentials , as a priority. ALL sides in this war will agree to abide by the terms of the UN Ceasfire and negotiations based on global humanitarian needs and long term recovery, including reparations agreed upon after the war. Without such agreement, world-wide boycotts of resisting nations, will take place, affecting distribution of goods through the Straits. If someone is using these seas as weapons, it should be the world, by way of the UN, not one or two nations.
The polls are showing that a clear majority of Americans think this illegal attack on Iran was a mistake -- and I'm certain that majority will only increase as the price of gas continues to increase.
Taliban also went up to Moscow where their peace deal with Trump was facilitated. Many of them were on the UN terrorist black list . Putin is in the EPSTEIN files, he uses Iranian drones on Ukrainian civilians, and he supplies Israel with wheat and oil in great quantity without sanction. He also is looking old as hell. The road to peace is through Moscow? The road to peace is surely through USA Congress rejecting a billion dollar a day declaration of war for Israel and voters rejecting Trumpism the at the ballot box.
I am so thankful for Jeremy and the DropSiteNews team and their clear and documented reporting. This is so timely!
that is why I actually paid to subscribe
Witkoff and Kushner. Dumb and dumber.
Corrupt and corrupter.
The most revealing part of this reporting is how easily U.S. officials can manufacture a storyline and watch it ricochet through the press untouched. Iran says no talks are happening; the White House says they are; the media prints the White House version anyway. It’s not diplomacy — it’s information laundering.
Not to simplify a complicated situation, but I think there are really only two **fundamental** barriers to a negotiated end of conflict:
1) Trump's ego
Trump has proven over time that he is incapable of ceding any battle, even at the expense of winning a broader picture. He is tactical by nature, not strategic. His ego comes first in all matters and is his only consideration. Trump and his ego are one, inseparable. I don't believe he can tolerate any scenario in which Iran could claim victory. He is driven to humiliate.
2) Israeli influence over US policy
What's really to add?
The war is at an impasse right now. Despite Israel’s and some regional players’ desire for a return to the full scale war, it will not be easy for the U.S.
This is an extremely unpopular war, at home and abroad.
People are exhausted and fatigued from the live streamed unspeakable carnage that took place daily in Gaza over the course of the past three years.
And despite their unwavering loyalty and support to the U.S. the civilian and military leadership in Pakistan is in a bind.
Their civilians (sunnis (80-85%) and shias (10-20%)) are united in their opposition to this illegal and unprovoked war against their brothers in Iran. Unlike the GCC nations where almost all prominent clerics and influencers are doing the government’s bidding, and telling their citizens not to support Iran or show solidarity with Iran, the Pakistani leadership has not had much success. Some popular figures have come out and reminded people of the Iranian government’s past actions via proxies, but people aren’t buying it. And I’m sure Pakistani leadership grasps the implications for Pakistan if hostilities resume.
Also, a full scale, wider conflict will have far reaching, catastrophic consequences for the whole region, even the world.
For example, even if the aggression doesn’t restart, and a resolution is reached now, shipping lanes open, millions or tens of millions are at risk for famine, goods and services will still sky rocket, shortages will likely happen, millions will plunge into poverty.
History will never look kindly upon this crisis that was entirely man made and purposeful.
pretty amazing that I cannot trust my own government leader because he’s a convicted felon pedophile and as a serial liar and con man
Its probably a good idea for Iran to get Russia and China more deeply involved. Israel can see
the possible escalation that their fearless bombing might bring in the heavy hitters.
What a Doofus! Trump lies so much even he can't keep up with it, much less truth.
Thank you for your clear understanding and reporting. It’s certainly not easy to get this type of journalism these days.
The problems as I see them are of course Trumps ego, and Netanyahu’s satanic desire to bomb everyone no matter what but also the lack of sensible people in Trumps team. Maybe Vance is the best of them but that’s not saying much.
Come on America we know you have educated, sane experts. Get them into a group and get this done.
Hi all 👋 Please accept my apologies upfront. While this is another magnificent piece that is so unlikely to be found elsewhere as to make a search for it redundant, I just have a few words more broadly on what is fast becoming the beloved, truly independent, DSN, not just some other 'independent' news sure. I have been a long time follower of Ryan and Jeremy's reporting. That The Intercept lost out on these 2 giants of political reporting, it is very much my, and I suspect the hundreds of thousands of others, gain. To see the recent inclusion of a South American bureau is very exciting, and I cannot wait to see the future plans DSN have unfold.
For me, the entirety of the DSN portfolio is essential. I do not mean for me as a reader (although that is true), but as a 'template' perhaps others could follow. If the idea of a free to pursue the truth as seen fit by a 'global newsroom' seemed a bit fanciful, well, seeing is believing. The more that believe, the more we may see others following where DSN leads.
Thank you for indulging me. I hope anyone reading this is having as good a day as possible. All the best,
Dave 👋
Any chance Don will call Vlad to get instructions for how to handle the Iran disaster? Vlad could congratulate Don for his many accomplishments and thank Don for weakening the U.S. and NATO and dropping sanctions on Russian oil.
Would negotiations sponsored by the United Nations and including those bombing and being bombed, with all sides, including Lebanon, asked to be monitored by UN peacekeeping troops and international naval presence (from neutral national fleets from around the world) with international Peacekeepers added to all borders between Israel and other nations? Can peacekeepers from international nations enforce what is decided about the Strait, controlled by International naval presence, that is OUT of the hands of USA and Isreli or Iraninan Navy and off limits to any of those involved in there war? This will allow humanitarian aide and fertilizer supplies, and other essentials , as a priority. ALL sides in this war will agree to abide by the terms of the UN Ceasfire and negotiations based on global humanitarian needs and long term recovery, including reparations agreed upon after the war. Without such agreement, world-wide boycotts of resisting nations, will take place, affecting distribution of goods through the Straits. If someone is using these seas as weapons, it should be the world, by way of the UN, not one or two nations.
The polls are showing that a clear majority of Americans think this illegal attack on Iran was a mistake -- and I'm certain that majority will only increase as the price of gas continues to increase.
This article is fire.
I will add to Jon Notabot's astute remarks:
as I've said before, Trump only knows how to negotiate real estate deals
Iran rightly sees Witkoff and Kushner as Israel's lackeys - they have more trust in Russia
where are the US military and nuclear experts?
we've had enough of Trump's performative show-boating -he's less interested in peace than the Iranians
Taliban also went up to Moscow where their peace deal with Trump was facilitated. Many of them were on the UN terrorist black list . Putin is in the EPSTEIN files, he uses Iranian drones on Ukrainian civilians, and he supplies Israel with wheat and oil in great quantity without sanction. He also is looking old as hell. The road to peace is through Moscow? The road to peace is surely through USA Congress rejecting a billion dollar a day declaration of war for Israel and voters rejecting Trumpism the at the ballot box.