Former CIA Director John Brennan:

I tend to believe Iran more than I do Donald Trump, because he could not acknowledge the truth even when he’s slapped in the face with it repeatedly.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Israel:

I revere the state of Israel. I’m proud to support the state of Israel.

I deeply, deeply oppose Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, his opposition to the two-state solution, and deeply oppose how he is indulging the far right as it relates to what’s going on in the West Bank.

Q: Do you regret using the word ‘apartheid’ to describe Israel?

Gavin Newsom: I used it in this context — and I reference why I used it — a Tom Friedman article in that same sentence where Tom used it in the context of the direction that Bibi is going.

And that is a legitimate concern I have, that I share — that direction, if that vision of the far right that Netanyahu is indulging leads to full annexation of the West Bank, then that’s a word you may hear others use.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a national energy emergency due to risks from the Middle East conflict.

He warned of potential fuel supply disruptions and rising oil prices.

The government formed a committee to secure the supply and distribution of essential goods.

Iran keeps mocking Trump.

IRGC fighter sending off a Sejil missile.

Iran’s Sejil missile is a domestically built, solid-fuel, two-stage ballistic missile with a ~2,000 km range.

It can carry a ~700 kg warhead.

Tucker Carlson: How do Israelis view Americans?

Avraham Burg (former Knesset Speaker): We think you are so childish and naive.

Carlson: Why?

Burg: Because you are.

Former Knesset speaker Avraham Burg said that since 1967, Israeli extremists have made at least five attempts to destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

Iran halted gas exports to Türkiye after the Israeli strike on the South Pars field.

Türkiye relies on Iran for ~14% of its gas but can offset it short-term with supplies from Russia/Azerbaijan and stored reserves.

The duration is unclear.

Source: Bloomberg

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Russia is benefiting financially from the Iran war, as oil prices jumped from ~$70 to over $100, boosting state revenues.

This surge lets Moscow delay planned fiscal tightening, including changes to its reserve fund rules and possible spending cuts.

Energy income is expected to spike (up ~70% month-to-month), easing short-term budget pressure despite sanctions and war costs.

Officials now plan to keep current rules for now, possibly pushing reforms to 2027.

Source: Reuters

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Apartheid Commander Testifies on Cradock Four Murder in South Africa

Notorious Apartheid Police Commander Eugene de Kock (Prime Evil) testified to a South African hearing over the 1985 "Cradock Four" killings, part of renewed probes into apartheid-era crimes & accountability gaps in post-1990 justice processes.

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BIG: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is urging Trump to continue the war against Iran, calling it a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East and potentially weaken or remove Iran’s government.

He thinks Iran is a "long-term threat that must be decisively dealt with."

Source: NYT

MORE: MBS has also pushed for strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Source: NYT

Rothschild bank was searched in Paris on Friday as part of the Epstein investigation.

Source: AFP

MQ-9 Drones Deployed to Nigeria to Boost Counter-insurgency

U.S. deployed MQ-9 drones to Nigeria to support intelligence & training operations against insurgent groups, marking an expanded security partnership after sending 200 troops last month.

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QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on some long-term LNG supply contracts, affecting customers in Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China.

Source: Reuters

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif:

Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond.

Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.

Iran has taken a tougher position in possible negotiations, demanding major concessions such as guarantees against future attacks, compensation, and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

It also refuses to limit its missile program.

Source: Reuters

Ukrainian Starlink-guided drones hit and destroyed a Russian Bastion coastal missile launcher in Crimea, with a second hit triggering an explosion and missile detonation, highlighting weakened air defenses.

The K-300P Bastion is a Russian mobile coastal defense missile system designed to target ships and land targets from long range.

Missiles: P-800 Oniks (supersonic); can also use newer hypersonic Zircon.