Prof. John Mearsheimer on Iran War:

The United States has lost this war.

It can't figure out how to solve this war.

This is what happens when you go around the world slaying monsters.

Russian State Duma Defense Committee chairman Andrei Kartapolov says striking the Zelensky presidential office and the Verkhovna Rada makes no sense because neither is a real decision-making center:

Zelensky doesn't appear there. He sits in a bunker.

The office has two guards and five cleaners. Is there any point in wasting expensive munitions on essentially an empty place?

Russian official Vyacheslav Volodin said Russia could use weapons that would “leave no trace of anyone” if “attacks on civilians continue.”

Trump posts about the “deep state.”

Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich on Lebanon:

The most effective way to stop Hezbollah is simply to announce that for every drone, 10 buildings in Beirut will be destroyed.

If there were seven drones, then 70 buildings. If there were 15, then 150.

And if the buildings in Beirut run out, then we move on to Tyre, Sidon, and the Beqaa Valley.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

We are changing the Middle East. Iran is far weaker today, even if it has not yet collapsed — and that too is a goal we will achieve, with God’s help.

Look at what Gaza looks like. Look at what Lebanon looks like.

We are completely changing the equations.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

We are striking our enemies hard — not with one blow, but with 100 blows.

Have we finished? Not yet.

The war must end with there being no Hamas in Gaza. Period.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

We are in 60% of the Gaza Strip, and there will be no reconstruction without demilitarization and without completing the mission — the destruction of Hamas.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

I’m convinced Netanyahu — and I take my hat off to him and give him full credit for this — knew how to bring Trump and the United States to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel against the Iranian threat.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

We have the most supportive administration that has ever been in the White House.

There has never been anything like it.

A tanker 60 nautical miles east of Muscat, Oman, reported an external explosion near the port-side stern at the waterline.

Crew and ship are safe, but some fuel leaked into the sea.

Marco Rubio in Armenia:

Your entire team here in Armenia are blazing a trail toward a brighter and more independent future for Armenia.

We’re very happy to be here to show our support for your courage, your vision, and your dedication.

We can’t wait to do more together.

NetBlocks says internet access is gradually returning in Iran after an 88-day nationwide blackout.

The US plans to significantly reduce the military forces and equipment it commits to NATO in Europe, increasing pressure on European allies to fill the gaps themselves.

Proposed reductions include fighter jets, strategic bombers, warships, submarines, drones, and aerial refueling aircraft.

Washington still intends to maintain nuclear deterrence in Europe, but wants Europeans to handle most conventional defense responsibilities.

Source: Spiegel

Italian PM Meloni:

If you do not know how to defend yourself, if you ask someone else to guarantee your security, you will pay for it in terms of autonomy, sovereignty, and the ability to defend your national interests.

Defense spending is the price of freedom, and I want Italy to be a free nation.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned recent U.S. strikes in southern Hormozgan province as a “gross violation” of the ceasefire, warning Washington would bear responsibility for the consequences.

“The United States committed a gross violation of the ceasefire in the Hormozgan region over the past 48 hours,” the ministry said, calling the attacks “aggressive and unjustified.”

Ursula von der Leyen said that the security challenges currently affecting the Baltic states — including drone incidents, cyber threats, and disinformation — could also impact other parts of Europe in the future.

She emphasized the importance of improving Europe’s defense capabilities, preparedness, and coordination in response to these developments.

Turkish President Erdogan spoke by phone with Iranian President Pezeshkian about Türkiye-Iran relations and regional issues.

Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to peace, stability, and diplomatic efforts.

📸 U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter made a precautionary landing in a rice paddy near Pyeongtaek, South Korea on May 18.

The aircraft touched down after the crew detected a possible engine issue mid-flight.

Both pilots were unharmed and the helicopter sustained no damage.

NEW: Syrian authorities have recovered more than 70 rockets and bombs designed to deliver chemical weapons, along with sarin precursor ingredients, from remnants of Assad's chemical weapons program.

18 suspects were arrested in connection with the program.

Source: Reuters