Iran Watch

Kurds do not ‘trust’ US to back them against Iran – Axios — RT World News– www.rt.com

pgnewser March 9, 2026 0

Blurb:

They reportedly have had bad experiences acting as Washington’s proxy in past conflicts

Iraq’s Kurds are against joining the US attacks on Iran, and have voiced concerns about being left facing Iranian retaliation with no ground or air defense support, Axios reported on Saturday.

The CIA began working to arm Kurdish forces hostile to the Islamic Republic after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran last Saturday, according to CNN. While US President Donald Trump initially voiced support for Kurds getting involved in the conflict, he backpedaled on the idea on Saturday.

“The Kurds must not be the tip of the spear in this conflict,” Axios wrote, citing a senior official from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Iraq.

Iran’s miscalculation has ‘destroyed everything’, Qatar’s PM says | World News– news.sky.com

pgnewser March 9, 2026 0

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Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani has described Iran’s strikes on Gulf countries as a “dangerous miscalculation” – warning the escalation risks destabilising the region and sending shockwaves through the global economy.

Speaking to the media for the first time since Qatar has come under repeated missile and drone attacks, the prime minister told Sky News that the country had entered what he called “a very difficult period” – but praised the professionalism of its defence and security forces.

For a man who has mediated some of the world’s most complex crises, what stood out to me was how angry he was about Iran’s actions.

“It is a big sense of betrayal,” he told me. “Just an hour after the start of the war, Qatar and other Gulf countries have been attacked. We made clear that we were not going to take part in any wars against our neighbours.”

Putin humiliates Trump as Russian President breaks silence on Iran’s new leader | World | News– www.express.co.uk

pgnewser March 9, 2026 0

Blurb:

Vladimir Putin has congratulated the new Supreme Leader of Iran with a statement that risks infuriating Donald Trump. The Russian leader sent a congratulatory message to Iran’s Supreme Leader-elect Mojtaba Khamenei, reaffirming his continued support and solidarity with Tehran.

A statement posted on the Kremlin’s website on Monday read: “Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication. I am confident that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials.” The statement, signed off by Putin himself, also reiterated Russia‘s “unwavering support” for Tehran and expressed solidarity with its “Iranian friends”. The leader confirmed that Russia has been and will remain a “reliable partner of the Islamic Republic”.

He has strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which pressured the Assembly of Experts to select him, Iran International reported.

Despite the connection to the military branch, he is not a high-ranking cleric and has never held an official role in the regime. He did, however, serve in the Iranian armed forces during the war with Israel.

Investigation further suggests it was the US that struck an Iranian school, killing 165– www.channelnewsasia.com

pgnewser March 9, 2026 0

Blurb:

JERUSALEM: The investigative group Bellingcat says a newly released video “appears to contradict” United States President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran was responsible for an explosion at an Iranian school that killed over 165 people at the start of the war raging in the Mideast.

It comes as mounting evidence points to US culpability for the Feb 28 strike, which hit a school adjacent to a Revolutionary Guard base in Minab, Iran, in the country’s southern Hormozgan Province.

Experts interviewed by The Associated Press, citing satellite image analysis, say the school was likely struck amid a quick succession of bombs dropped on the compound.

The video shared by Bellingcat is a three-second clip of a video taken the day the school was struck and circulated Sunday by Iran’s semiofficial Mehr news agency.

 

Republicans confront the massive cost of Trump’s Middle East war– www.politico.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

Blurb:

 

Republicans on Capitol Hill are preparing to confront a staggering price tag for the war in the Middle East after closed-door briefings this week detailed the rapid consumption of expensive munitions and the lack of any firm deadline for the end of the military campaign.

Asked how much the Iran offensive would cost, House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) didn’t sugarcoat it.

“A lot,” he replied.

To avoid "US boots on the ground", Washington considers enlisting separatists in Iran– www.france24.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

Blurb:

Top US officials, including the Defense Secretary have said that sending US troops into Iran could not be ruled out. But given public opinion in the US, such a move would come with political consequences for Donald Trump and the Republicans, especially with the midterm elections approaching in November. However, there are reports that the White House is looking to enlist and even arm separatist groups in the region to accomplish having “boots on the ground.”
from www.france24.com

Democratic divisions brew over funding Trump’s Iran war– www.washingtonexaminer.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

Blurb:

Democrats are looking ahead to the next battle after losing a fight in Congress this week to rein in President Donald Trump’s war against Iran: Making sure he doesn’t have the money to wage it.

Democrats are vowing to wield their Senate filibuster power against more spending to fund the president’s war efforts after both chambers this week failed to curb Trump’s military campaign through war powers resolutions, and the administration weighs an emergency funding request.

“Good luck,” Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), a leadership member, told the Washington Examiner. “What Democrat is going to vote to fund an illegal war that is turning into a bigger ham-handed disaster every minute?”

US strikes Iranian drone carrier (VIDEO) — RT World News– www.rt.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

Blurb:

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released a video of what it said were strikes on Iran’s drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri.

The footage shows two explosions rocking a large vessel at sea. “Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire,” CENTCOM wrote on X.

CENTCOM said earlier that the vessel was hit during the first wave of strikes launched on Saturday.

A former container ship, the Shahid Bagheri joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 2025. According to Press TV, its 180-meter runway was designed to host surveillance and combat drones and helicopters.

Tim Sheehy Injures Anti-War Protester: ‘The Senator Broke His Hand!’– crooksandliars.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

Blurb:

Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) was accused of breaking the hand of Marine veteran and anti-war activist Brian McGinnis.

During a break in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, McGinnis put his hand through a hole in the wall to prevent Capitol Police from removing him from the room.

A video recorded by another anti-war activist showed Sheehy getting in on the melee by grabbing McGinnis and attempting to force him through the doorway.

“His hand! His hand! Oh!” one onlooker shouted.

Pete Hegseth Addresses Possible Refugee Surge Following US Military Action In Iran– dailycaller.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the United States has no plans to admit a new wave of Middle Eastern refugees as the conflict with Iran unfolds.

President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social video early Saturday that the U.S. military launched Operation Epic Fury alongside Israel’s Operation Lion’s Roar. During a press briefing about the Iran attack, a reporter asked whether the Trump administration had safeguards in place to prevent a surge of refugees entering the United States.

“I‘m wondering if there‘s any safeguards put in place to make sure that the American people aren‘t having to have another wave of refugees?” one reporter asked.

53 Democrats Vote Against Reaffirming Iran as World’s Leading State Sponsor of Terrorism– gellerreport.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

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53 Democrats just voted against reaffirming that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism — something State Departments of both parties have declared since 1984.

They’re sick.

Canada’s military chief says allies to talk defending Gulf states from Iran – National– globalnews.ca

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

Blurb:

Canada’s defence chief Gen. Jennie Carignan said allies are in talks about possibly helping Persian Gulf states defend themselves against bombing from Iran.

Speaking to reporters at a defence and security conference in Ottawa Thursday, Carignan said a meeting is set for early Friday morning to discuss such a proposal among allied militaries and the Canadian Armed Forces would present a recommendation to the government.

“The Gulf states must also indicate what they need,” Carignan said in French. “We are in communication with them to get an idea of the needs because it’s clear that if they don’t need us… we won’t look at options to support them.”

Defense Contractor–Funded Think Tank Warns of Weapons Shortage After Iran Strikes– readsludge.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

Blurb:

A top expert from the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned National Public Radio listeners over the weekend that U.S. munitions stockpiles could soon run short after the Trump administration’s strikes on Iran. The interview did not disclose that CSIS receives millions of dollars from major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman, that stand to profit from the push to replenish those weapons.

The appearance came as the Pentagon prepares a potential $50 billion funding request to replenish weapons used in the Trump administration’s unauthorized attacks on Iran. The strikes have killed more than 1,000 people in Iran so far and six U.S. service members.

Trump’s War on Iran Could Screw Over US Farmers– www.wired.com

pgnewser March 6, 2026 0

Blurb:

Global oil and gas prices have skyrocketed following the US attack on Iran last weekend. But another key global supply chain is also at risk, one that may directly impact American farmers who have already been squeezed for months by tariff wars. The conflict in the Middle East is choking global supplies of fertilizer right before the crucial spring planting season.

“This literally could not be happening at a worse time,” says Josh Linville, the vice president of fertilizer at financial services company StoneX.

The global fertilizer market focuses on three main macronutrients: phosphates, nitrogen, and potash. All of them are produced in different ways, with different countries leading in exports. Farmers consider a variety of factors, including crop type and soil conditions, when deciding which of these types of fertilizer to apply to their fields.

Sri Lanka Reveals Chilling Discovery At Site Of Sunken Iranian Warship– trendingpoliticsnews.com

pgnewser March 5, 2026 0

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Sri Lanka’s navy rushed into the Indian Ocean after receiving a distress call from an Iranian warship, but what it found looked like a scene from a disaster film: oil slicks, empty life rafts and bodies in the water after the vessel was sunk by a U.S. torpedo strike.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament on Wednesday that Sri Lanka launched a rescue effort after a distress signal from Iran’s IRIS Dena, which had 180 people on board. Navy ships and aircraft were sent to the area.

When Sri Lankan forces arrived, the ship was gone.

“There was no sign of the ship, only some oil patches and life rafts,” navy spokesman Cmdr. Buddhika Sampath said. “We found people floating on the water.”

Sri Lanka’s navy said crews recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 people.

Iran Claims to Have Enough Uranium to Produce 11 Nuclear Weapons– slaynews.com

pgnewser March 5, 2026 0

Blurb:

U.S. negotiations with Iran broke down after Iranian officials openly declared their intention to enrich uranium to levels capable of producing nuclear weapons, according to President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

Witkoff revealed the details in an interview with Fox News, describing a moment during the talks when Iranian negotiators made their position unmistakably clear.

“The Iranians made it clear from the start that they believe they have an undeniable right to enrich all the uranium they possess,” Witkoff said.

DAVID BLACKMON: Geopolitical Risks In The Strait Of Hormuz And Implications For Global Energy Markets– dailycaller.com

pgnewser March 5, 2026 0

Blurb:

Recent developments in the Middle East, including U.S. military actions against Iranian targets and reported damage to key export infrastructure like Kharg Island, have once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of global energy supplies.

Iran’s threats to fire on tankers trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz have created an insurance crisis for shippers, forcing oil prices to rise. At the same time, Iranian attacks on Qatar’s LNG infrastructure led the world’s second largest exporter to suspend production.

A new analysis from Enverus Intelligence Research finds that these events introduce a significant risk premium to oil prices, with Brent crude potentially facing an additional $10 to $15 per barrel if disruptions escalate. The firm’s baseline forecast had Brent at around $63, but prolonged instability in the region could push prices higher as markets price in supply concerns. Given that the Brent price had already risen by more than $9/bbl as of Tuesday, this seems a conservative projection unless the situation is quickly resolved.

ABC Accosts Iranian Kurd Chief With Forced “Forever War” Narrative– www.newsbusters.org

pgnewser March 5, 2026 0

Blurb:

It is one thing to watch the Elitist Media be as unpredictably biased as they go about their business. It is entirely another to watch them inject their biases into stories from the weirdest angles, as ABC’s James Longman just did.

Watch as the network’s Chief International Correspondent James Longman closes out the videotaped portion of his report by foisting the American “forever war” terminology upon an Iranian Kurdish leader who may soon send his troops to take on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC):

Hegseth Signals Prolonged US Commitment In Iran– thefederalist.com

pgnewser March 5, 2026 0

Blurb:

THE PENTAGON — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signaled prolonged U.S. military involvement in Iran on Wednesday morning, stating a surge of forces is “accelerating, not decelerating.”

Hegseth held a press conference at the Pentagon with Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to give an update on developments in the joint U.S.-Israel war with Iran and “Operation Epic Fury.”

“As President Trump said, more and larger waves are coming. We are just getting started,” Hegseth said. “We are accelerating, not decelerating. Iran’s capabilities are evaporating by the hour, while American strength grows fiercer, smarter and utterly dominant. More bombers and more fighters are arriving.”

The Energy Squeeze China’s in Over Operation Epic Fury Is Just a Foretaste of What Is Yet to Come – RedState– redstate.com

pgnewser March 5, 2026 0

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I never thought I would say this, but this week has convinced me that the Trump Administration is possibly the first administration in decades to execute a politico-military strategy and shape events rather than just bounce, pinball-like, from one flashing light to another. Bear with me as I lay out what I think is going on, and feel free to excoriate me in the comments if you disagree.

Chris Hayes Compares Trump Bombing Iran to 9/11 Terrorists– www.newsbusters.org

pgnewser March 5, 2026 0

Blurb:

MS NOW All In host Chris Hayes made a morally obscene analogy on his Monday show as he lamented that the United States allegedly does not appreciate the fact that the people who die in war are real human beings. To prove his point, Hayes tried to claim that the terror Americans felt after 9/11 is “commonplace” in other parts of the world because of “the kinds of war of aggression that Donald Trump just started.”

Hayes started with what may have seemed to be a friendly reminder that this war is taking place in the real world with real people being caught in the middle, “But outside these borders, war is having a bomb dropped on your daughter’s elementary school, seeing some alert or getting a panicked call, or on your apartment building, or the hospital where you are receiving care. Death from above. And when you only view war through our perspective, the understanding that bombs are never coming for us, it becomes nothing more than an abstraction. Gets far too easy to wave away the loss of human life. It’s priced in. It’s the cost of doing business.”