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PaperclipPerfector  4d ago (text post)   275 thread views

Transnational Thursday for June 25, 2026

Transnational Thursday is a thread for people to discuss international news, foreign policy or international relations history. Feel free as well to drop in with coverage of countries you’re interested in, talk about ongoing dynamics like the wars in Israel or Ukraine, or even just whatever you’re reading.

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US carries out fresh strikes against Iran after tanker struck in Hormuz, escalating hostilities

So how about that ceasefire? Despite proclamations that we had it sorted out this time, definitely for real, things are popping off in the Gulf again. Yesterday, Iran struck a tanker that wasn't abiding by their prescribed route through the Strait of Hormuz, and today the US struck at targets in Iran in retaliation (Trump also once again promised to destroy Iran in a threatening Truth).

Unclear if we're still giving them $300b.

Iran's strength is worrying, IMO. They hold the strongest hand of cards. We won't get any accurate information on the damage done (aided by Russian satellites) to US bases and forces, but I suspect it's significant, given how unafraid and bold Iran has seemed lately.

From Iran's POV, why should they make a deal now when a better deal might be offered later? There is every incentive to threaten and shoot ships for tolls until they can get nuclear deterrence, an isolated Israel, and war reparations.

That's what I'm saying. They have the upper hand and can't be forced into submission.

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