John Bolton:

It’s a mistake to send the vice president. You don’t let your adversary pick your negotiation team.

Trump wants a way out — and Vance will try to find it.

Professor Robert Pape on Iran War:

The United States has suffered its worst strategic defeat since the Vietnam War.

This may even become a bigger defeat than Vietnam.

Iran has emerged in just 40 days as a rising fourth center of world power.

Professor Robert Pape:

Iran has enough enriched uranium for 10 to 16 nuclear weapons.

You could expect a nuclear test in six months — maybe a year.

There is nothing the United States or the world can do about that.

Trump Vs Former Loyalists: Fierce Clash Ravages MAGA Camp

A full-scale political rupture is tearing through the MAGA movement, with Trump & his former loyalists exchanging insults - including claims he is “controlled,” a “slave,” & “Epstein class” - as he lashes out, calling them all "low IQ".

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Prof. John Mearsheimer:

It is widely recognized that it is the Israelis who led us into this disastrous war.

It’s the Israelis who are preventing us from getting a ceasefire.

The American public’s views on Israel are undergoing a sea change. This situation only gets worse with the passage of time.”

When a country loses a war, everybody goes back to the causes. When you win, you celebrate. When you lose, you ask: How did this happen?

When it’s a disastrous loss like this, people demand answers.

The evidence is clear — it was the Israelis who led him by the nose into this disaster.

U.S.–Israeli relations are going to be badly damaged.

Prof. John Mearsheimer:

This is all going to destroy the Trump presidency.

He may remain in office, but he’s damaged goods in a truly serious way.

He thinks he has the Midas touch… This is not like all the previous cases he got away with.

There’s no way he’s not going to take a huge political hit.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was seriously injured in the airstrike that killed his father.

He reportedly suffered severe facial injuries and possible leg loss, leaving him disfigured, but is said to be mentally sharp and still involved in decisions via remote communication.

Source: Reuters

Iran can’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully because it can’t find or remove all the sea mines it placed, according to U.S. officials.

Source: NYT

Melania Trump's Surprise Move Reopens Epstein Debate, Baffles White House

Melania Trump denied Epstein links & called for hearings on a suddent press release, creating confusion inside the White House & reviving scrutiny of the case as officials & lawmakers react to her unexpected intervention.

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BREAKING: The United States has agreed to release frozen Iranian assets.

Tehran views the release of its assets as a test of goodwill and a new indication toward reaching a lasting agreement.

Source: Reuters

US-Iran Talks Begin Amid Claims of Frozen Iranian Asset Release

U.S. & Iran teams in Islamabad hold talks to end a six-week war, but Iran demands commitments on Lebanon & sanctions. Iranian sources have also claimed the U.S has agreed to release frozen Iranian assets.

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Zelensky:

Ukraine will respond “blow for blow” to any violation of the truce.

JD Vance meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif.

White House official:

Reports regarding approval to release Iranian assets are false claims.

Trump:

Massive numbers of completely empty oil tankers, some of the largest anywhere in the World, are heading, right now, to the United States to load up with the best and “sweetest” oil (and gas!) anywhere in the World.

We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined - and higher quality. We are waiting for you. Quick turnaround!

Iranian media say Tehran has set its red lines in talks via Pakistan: control over the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, release of frozen assets, and a genuine, stable ceasefire across relevant regions.

Trump:

Iran is a failing nation.

Djibouti President Guelleh Wins 6th Term in Landslide

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh won a sixth term with 97.81% of the vote, extending his rule since 1999 as limited opposition & high turnout highlight concerns over political competition.

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