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Conflict in the Middle East
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TopPocketFind · 16/07/2026 08:54

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/delhi-tells-shipowners-not-deploy-062305518.html

India has just put out an order to all shipowners to avoid deploying Indian seafarers to the Strait of Hormuz

OP posts:
TopPocketFind · 16/07/2026 09:34

US Central Command (Centcom) said targets included the southern port city of Bandar Abbas – home to key facilities belonging to the Iranian navy and Revolutionary Guards – in the strikes overnight to Thursday morning local time.

“The US military is holding Iran accountable at the commander in chief’s direction,” it said, referring to president Donald Trump.

OP posts:
trumpredcard · 16/07/2026 09:53

TopPocketFind · 16/07/2026 08:54

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/delhi-tells-shipowners-not-deploy-062305518.html

India has just put out an order to all shipowners to avoid deploying Indian seafarers to the Strait of Hormuz

If the Philippine government issues a similar order and ship owners comply Trump probably won't need a blockade.

The Indian gov't order doesn't address the problem for Indian crew already in the hot seat but relevant vessels might be unwilling to attempt any movement through the Strait.

DrPrunesqualer · 16/07/2026 10:58

trumpredcard · 16/07/2026 07:40

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/16/us-attacks-oil-tanker-strait-of-hormuz-iran-tehran-strikes

US disables unladen oil tanker using Hellfire missiles in strait of Hormuz amid concerns strikes could spiral into open conflict.

This from your link

Iran’s military spokesperson has said that the only way to reopen the strait of Hormuz was for the US to comply with the MOU. Experts have said that a lack of clarity in the terms of the MOU, and the inclusion of language that suggested Iran could take responsibility of the “safe passage of ships” in the strait, have contributed to the confusion that has characterised the Trump administration’s strategy over recent weeks

There really is no confusion in the language used for who controls the strait during the 60days
Clearly Trump signed it without understanding or worse reading it even
Or perhaps when it was eventually made public ( after being held back by the US ) and after criticism Trump is backtracking.

These comments by papers are spinning a yarn

RedTagAlan · 16/07/2026 11:11

DrPrunesqualer · 16/07/2026 10:58

This from your link

Iran’s military spokesperson has said that the only way to reopen the strait of Hormuz was for the US to comply with the MOU. Experts have said that a lack of clarity in the terms of the MOU, and the inclusion of language that suggested Iran could take responsibility of the “safe passage of ships” in the strait, have contributed to the confusion that has characterised the Trump administration’s strategy over recent weeks

There really is no confusion in the language used for who controls the strait during the 60days
Clearly Trump signed it without understanding or worse reading it even
Or perhaps when it was eventually made public ( after being held back by the US ) and after criticism Trump is backtracking.

These comments by papers are spinning a yarn

I have to hold my hands up an admit I might have made a bad mistake on the MOU. Because l read article 5 of the MOU as saying it is up to Iran to control the SoH for 60 days. "5. Upon the signing of this MoU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa. "

I am confused, as I think you are, as to why the press are so adamant it is not at all clear.

My error might be that I am quoting the MOU from PRC state media. So maybe the MOU I have is different from that published in the free world ?

I use this one :

Read the full text of the 14-point MoU between US and Iran - CGTN

Read the full text of the 14-point MoU between US and Iran

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran has been electronically signed by the leaders of both countries and has entered into force with immediate effect. Here...

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-06-18/Read-the-full-text-of-the-14-point-MoU-between-US-and-Iran-1O4dVjqMZs4/p.html

DrPrunesqualer · 16/07/2026 11:18

RedTagAlan · 16/07/2026 11:11

I have to hold my hands up an admit I might have made a bad mistake on the MOU. Because l read article 5 of the MOU as saying it is up to Iran to control the SoH for 60 days. "5. Upon the signing of this MoU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa. "

I am confused, as I think you are, as to why the press are so adamant it is not at all clear.

My error might be that I am quoting the MOU from PRC state media. So maybe the MOU I have is different from that published in the free world ?

I use this one :

Read the full text of the 14-point MoU between US and Iran - CGTN

This issued by the US and Iran
according to the bbc

Point 1: The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war, by signing this MOU, declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon and other provisions of this paragraph.

Point 2: The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs.

Point 3: The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in maximum 60 days, extendable with mutual consent.

Point 4: Immediately upon the signing of this MOU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. During this period, the traffic of vessels will be in proportion to the numbers of pre-war traffic being restored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal.

Point 5: Upon the signing of this MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days, only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa. The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start, and considering the need for removing the tactical and military obstacles and de-mining by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be instated within 30 days. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialog with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.

Point 6: The United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least $300 billion (£225 billion) for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The mechanism for the implementation of this plan will be finalised as part of a final deal within 60 days. All required licenses, waivers and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America.

Point 7: The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, i.e. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors resolutions and all unilateral U.S. sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed upon schedule. As part of the final deal, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue above mentioned, and express their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them.

Point 8: The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpiled enriched material, pursuant to a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon in accordance with the schedule mentioned in paragraph seven, with the minimum methodology to be down. Blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA. The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final deal. The final deal will confirm the provisions of this paragraph. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues above mentioned, and expressed their intention to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them.

Point 9: Pending the final deal, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree to maintain the status quo. The Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program, and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region.

Point 10: The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of this MOU and until the termination of sanctions, the U.S. Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives and all associated services including banking, transactions, insurances, transportation, etc.

Point 11: The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of the MOU, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree on the procedures related to the release of these funds. During the negotiations. Such funds, whether retain the original account or transfer, shall be made fully usable for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designed by the central bank. Ultimate beneficiary designated by the central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America undertakes to issue all necessary licenses and authorisations accordingly.

Point 12: The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed that an executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MOU and the future compliance of the final deal.

Point 13: After signing the MOU and subject to the beginning of the implementation of paragraphs one, four, five, ten and 11 of this MOU and the continuing implementation of these measures. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively.

Point 14: The final deal will be endorsed by a binding United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution.

No difference
point 2 is also relevant I think
point 5 absolutely no mention of the US being involved in the admin of the Strait at any time

RedTagAlan · 16/07/2026 11:31

@DrPrunesqualer

Thanks for the cut an paste. Yup. Exactly the same.

I can really only assume that the press are being diplomatic when they talk about the confusion about what it says. It sure would be helpful is Kushner, Witkoff or Vance could step up and explain what was verbally agreed with Iran when they discussed it. We can't trust Iran of course, but we are supposed to be able to trust what the USA says.

DrPrunesqualer · 16/07/2026 11:37

RedTagAlan · 16/07/2026 11:31

@DrPrunesqualer

Thanks for the cut an paste. Yup. Exactly the same.

I can really only assume that the press are being diplomatic when they talk about the confusion about what it says. It sure would be helpful is Kushner, Witkoff or Vance could step up and explain what was verbally agreed with Iran when they discussed it. We can't trust Iran of course, but we are supposed to be able to trust what the USA says.

I know we are supposed to re the US
but I think, at least with this administration, we really can’t any more.
If it was agreed the US was to have any involvement in the Strait that’s a big diversion from what’s in writing.
Too big imo
There would , at the very least, have been a passing reference in writing in the MOU

trumpredcard · 16/07/2026 11:37

According to BBC expert, the Iranian red line is their control of the SoH as per Point 5 of the MOU, but that there is a lack of clarity. As mentioned here many times.

Interestingly, the point was also made that despite the aggressive rhetoric on both sides, there appears to be a willingness for background diplomacy as well.

Twiglets1 · 16/07/2026 12:03

trumpredcard · 16/07/2026 11:37

According to BBC expert, the Iranian red line is their control of the SoH as per Point 5 of the MOU, but that there is a lack of clarity. As mentioned here many times.

Interestingly, the point was also made that despite the aggressive rhetoric on both sides, there appears to be a willingness for background diplomacy as well.

The willingness for background diplomacy is implied on the Iranian side I think by Ghalibaf saying that Iran should “use the tools of diplomacy and negotiation to achieve and consolidate national interests” (in addition to continuing with armed resistance, but still).

It's rare for them to openly talk about "diplomacy and negotiation" though Trump has often said Iran want to do a deal, they don't normally say anything publicly suggesting they want to negotiate.

Then again, there are different factions within Iran so it's possible he says one thing but the more hardline don't agree with using diplomacy and negotiation.

TopPocketFind · 16/07/2026 13:47

Iran tells Houthis to close Red Sea gateway if US hits power network, sources say

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-tells-houthis-close-red-sea-gateway-if-us-hits-power-network-sources-say-2026-07-16/

Summary
Houthis await signal to hit shipping, source says
Red Sea disruption would deepen energy crisis
Saudi Arabia takes threat seriously, regional source says

OP posts:
DrPrunesqualer · 16/07/2026 14:33

TopPocketFind · 16/07/2026 13:47

Iran tells Houthis to close Red Sea gateway if US hits power network, sources say

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-tells-houthis-close-red-sea-gateway-if-us-hits-power-network-sources-say-2026-07-16/

Summary
Houthis await signal to hit shipping, source says
Red Sea disruption would deepen energy crisis
Saudi Arabia takes threat seriously, regional source says

An obvious escalation at This point I think

DrPrunesqualer · 16/07/2026 14:36

DrPrunesqualer · 16/07/2026 14:33

An obvious escalation at This point I think

Edited

.for reference

US - Iran Peace agreement Part 3
trumpredcard · 16/07/2026 14:52

DrPrunesqualer · 16/07/2026 14:33

An obvious escalation at This point I think

Edited

This war with Iran is like an uncontrolled and powerful wildfire, rapidly approaching an explosive heat point with the world as colateral damage.
I look back to 25 Feb and think Trump really is a weapons grade ass. Led by donkeys indeed.

DrPrunesqualer · 17/07/2026 10:14

US hitting civilian infrastructure

heres a breakdown
from AlJazeera

Names and importance of some Iranian sites hit by US

Bandar Khamir Bridges, located in the Hormozgan province, is a key transportation route connecting local communities. Damage to such bridges can disrupt mobility, logistics and access between coastal areas and internal parts of the country.

Railway Infrastructurenear Bandar Abbas is a critical logistics route linking the country’s main southern port gateway with inland transportation networks. It is also important for cargo movement, trade and supply chains.

Iranshahr Airportlocated in the Sistan and Baluchestan province is a major regional aviation facility, supporting transportation, emergency services and connectivity in southeastern Iran.

Chabahar Maritime Traffic Control Radar is a key aviation monitoring system responsible for airspace surveillance, flight coordination, maritime traffic and aviation safety in a strategically located coastal region.

Sirik located in the Hormozgan province is a strategically located coastal area near the Strait of Hormuz.

Qeshm Island, also in Hormozgan province, is strategically important and the largest island near the Strait of Hormuz with significance in maritime trade, commercial activity and overseeing the Strait of Hormuz.

Ahvaz in Khuzestan province is one of Iran’s most important industrial centres, with major significance due to its oil, energy and economic infrastructure.

Bushehr in Bushehr province is a key Persian Gulf coastal location with importance in maritime activity, energy infrastructure and regional connectivity.

trumpredcard · 17/07/2026 11:15

This shows Trump's desperation in advance of the mid terms. He needs to show a win. The question of whether this bombardment will bring Iran to agreeing a ceasefire will depend on the level of pain the nation is willing to endure as well as the level its leaders are willing to impose on Iranians.

Level 10 shit show.

RedTagAlan · 17/07/2026 11:31

trumpredcard · 17/07/2026 11:15

This shows Trump's desperation in advance of the mid terms. He needs to show a win. The question of whether this bombardment will bring Iran to agreeing a ceasefire will depend on the level of pain the nation is willing to endure as well as the level its leaders are willing to impose on Iranians.

Level 10 shit show.

There is also the matter of 20% of the worlds oil and fuel being cut off. As well as fertilizer and Helium.

Trump done an EO a few weeks back to do zero tariffs on fertilizer from Morocco. So there is defo a bit of "I'm all right Jack" about this. I suspect if there was not an alternate supply of fertilizer for him to grab, then he might have taken his own MOU a bit more seriously.

Twiglets1 · 17/07/2026 16:34

Summary from the Guardian:

The US military has struck a number of civilian infrastructure sites across southern Iran, including railway brides and a port facility, according to Iranian state media. The latest US attacks targeted six bridges, a railway station and port control tower, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported. Iranshahr airport was also reportedly hit.

Eight people were killed and 20 others wounded in the US attacks across Iran last night, according to the country’s health ministry.

Iran retaliated by firing on Middle Eastern nations hosting US bases, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened “more crushing” attacks if US forces continued to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure. The IRGC has said it targeted US radar systems and military aircraft in Qatar to “punish the aggressor”, with Doha saying it had intercepted a missile attack.

The IRGC claimed to have “targeted American fighter jets and tankers stationed in Jordan”, resulting in “the destruction of several US refuelling aircraft and warplanes and serious damage to many more of them”. The US did not immediately comment on the claim.

Kuwait’s energy ministry said one of its power and water desalination plants was attacked by Iran, resulting in a fire and damage to the facility. Meanwhile, the Jordanian military said earlier that it shot down three incoming missiles launched by Iran this morning.

The prime minister of Iraqi Kurdistan, Masrour Barzani, has denounced the “unjustified attacks” on the region that he blamed on Iran. “While urging the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop this escalation, we also call on the Iraqi federal government and the international community to end these violations,” he said in a statement issued by his office.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jul/17/us-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-donald-trump-israel-lebanon-latest-news-updates

OP posts:
TopPocketFind · 17/07/2026 18:34

The US has now bombed seven bridges around Bandar Abbas, Iran, effectively cutting off the city.

Iranian media reports two disabled brothers were killed in a US strike on the unfinished Khamir Bridge, Iran.

Two US missiles have hit the Iranian oil tanker Belma N I 22 while it was docked at Kharg Island, Bushehr's deputy governor says.

USAF is deploying a large number of refuelling tankers to Israel.

OP posts:
DrPrunesqualer · 18/07/2026 03:18

Apart from clearly highlighting the US as the perpetrators of the school bombing it goes
so much further aswell

The very worrying issue going forward is that the US have no one updating the information on civilian buildings and infrastructure since

They can’t then be sure what they are hitting now either ! ???

RedTagAlan · 18/07/2026 03:38

DrPrunesqualer · 18/07/2026 03:18

Apart from clearly highlighting the US as the perpetrators of the school bombing it goes
so much further aswell

The very worrying issue going forward is that the US have no one updating the information on civilian buildings and infrastructure since

They can’t then be sure what they are hitting now either ! ???

The US have been using AI to identify targets since day 1 apparently.

RedTagAlan · 18/07/2026 04:30

Re AI being used for identifying targets, remember there was that row between an AI company and the Dpt of War. Because the Dpt was using it for things the AI company said it should not be used for.

Twiglets1 · 18/07/2026 06:33

The BBC report that Centcom said it had ended its strikes at 21:30 ET (02:30 BST) after several hours.

"U.S. forces employed fighter aircraft, aerial drones, and warships in addition to other assets," it said in its statement.

Iran's state-run Fars agency had said two oil tankers "exploded and caught fire while passing through a mined route south of the Strait of Hormuz". Later, Centcom posted on X: "Like most IRGC claims, this is false."

Shipping traffic in the vital Strait of Hormuz has largely stopped amid the continuing tit-for-tat strikes by US and Iranian forces. The strait normally accounts for about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Explosions were heard in the central city of Yazd and at Qeshm island and the port of Bandar Abbas next to the strait, Iranian state media reported.

On Friday, Iran's armed forces claimed to have attacked multiple US military facilities across the Gulf region in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and – for the first time – Syria, which the US denied.

Earlier, Kuwaiti officials said Iranian drone strikes had injured a number of their soldiers, while a power plant and water desalination stations had also been damaged.

Sources have told the BBC's US partner CBS news that several American service members were injured during Iranian attacks on two Jordanian bases over the past week.

Washington denied Tehran's earlier claims that its forces hit civilian infrastructure in Iran, including bridges, a train station and an airport. Provincial authorities in the affected region, Hormozgan province, said seven people were killed in the attacks.

BBC Verify and BBC Persian have verified footage of damage to Gariveh Bridge, after night videos showed a ball of flames on top of it.

Daylight images showed a crumbled stretch of road with rubble around the broken bridge.

A White House spokesperson told the BBC the US had "carried out strikes exclusively on military targets, including military logistics infrastructure".

Friday marks one week of nightly US attacks since peace talks with Iran collapsed, as tensions over the future of the Strait of Hormuz hampered efforts to broker a permanent ceasefire.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy748n8zx8ro

Images shared on Friday showed a damaged bridge in Iran's southern Hormozgan province.

US strikes hit Iran for seventh consecutive night

The US command says it is conducting more strikes to degrade Iran's armed forces, as Iran reports explosions near the Strait of Hormuz.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy748n8zx8ro

trumpredcard · 18/07/2026 07:22

RedTagAlan · 18/07/2026 04:30

Re AI being used for identifying targets, remember there was that row between an AI company and the Dpt of War. Because the Dpt was using it for things the AI company said it should not be used for.

Do you recall how that was resolved, if at all?

eta
It reminds me of the issues where Trump used music for his rallies etc and the artist asked him not to do so. He ignored them and continued to use the music anyway. I guess Kid Rock didn't have any good songs.🤔

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