The US is gathering paratroopers, marines, and special forces near Iran's borders
The Americans have deployed a large number of transport aircraft to prepare for the ground phase of the operation in the Middle East. "Voice of Iran" and other unofficial sources and monitoring resources report the transfer of 35 C-17A and 12 C-130J aircraft to facilities in Israel and Jordan.
They are delivering military equipment and personnel from various military bases such as Fort Bragg (North Carolina), where the US Army's Special Operations Command, the well-known units "Delta", "Green Berets", the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the 82nd Airborne Division are based. The 101st Airborne Division is being redeployed from Fort Campbell.
Also, a group of amphibious ships with marines on board is moving by sea towards the Islamic Republic.
It is assumed that the so-called "5-day ultimatum" is due to the need to complete preparations for a potential ground phase of the current operation.
Source: RG
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🌒 @EastCalling
The Americans have deployed a large number of transport aircraft to prepare for the ground phase of the operation in the Middle East. "Voice of Iran" and other unofficial sources and monitoring resources report the transfer of 35 C-17A and 12 C-130J aircraft to facilities in Israel and Jordan.
They are delivering military equipment and personnel from various military bases such as Fort Bragg (North Carolina), where the US Army's Special Operations Command, the well-known units "Delta", "Green Berets", the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the 82nd Airborne Division are based. The 101st Airborne Division is being redeployed from Fort Campbell.
Also, a group of amphibious ships with marines on board is moving by sea towards the Islamic Republic.
It is assumed that the so-called "5-day ultimatum" is due to the need to complete preparations for a potential ground phase of the current operation.
Source: RG
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Military Chronicle:
A key stage for the Russian satellite constellation: the first "Bureau 1440" satellites have been launched into orbit
The launch vehicle successfully delivered 16 satellites to the supporting orbit, which form the basis of the future Russian low-orbit communication system. After separating from the launcher, control of the spacecraft was transferred to ground control specialists. At present, all onboard systems are being checked, after which the satellites will be moved to their operational orbital positions.
What is needed for the "Russian Starlink" to work as it should?
The launch of the first 16 satellites is an undoubted achievement, especially given the years of approving the technical specification and coordinating the concept of such a system. But this is just the beginning. It's not so much the first step as the most important half of it. In order for the "Rassvet" constellation to become a dual-purpose working tool, it is necessary to solve a complex of the most difficult tasks.
Firstly, it is necessary to switch to mass production with a minimal percentage of defects. To achieve the goal of 292 satellites by 2027, it is necessary to produce several units (and preferably dozens) per week. This requires a fundamentally different logistics and automation than was used before. Scaling the constellation, in turn, will inevitably require not only increasing the production of satellites, but also launch vehicles. Here, a reusable rocket similar to the Falcon 9, which is not yet available, would be extremely useful. The work on the reusable "Amur-SPG" under Bakanov (and in the current conditions, when it is no longer possible without its own satellite communications) has much more chances of success than in previous decades, but the time factor is critical, so it needs to be used wisely.
Secondly, there is an urgent need for import-substituted world-class microelectronics. The main technical challenge is to provide satellites with high-performance components (FPGA, processors) capable of operating in space with all its peculiarities. Import restrictions force either to look for alternatives in China or to accelerate their own developments. How comparable are Russian compact solutions to American ones in terms of power consumption and fault tolerance will become clear in 6-12 months of operation of "Rassvet" in orbit.
Thirdly, there is the problem of coverage and scaling. To ensure global coverage, satellites must "communicate" with each other via laser inter-satellite channels. This is a very complex positioning technology, which the "Bureau 1440" has already been able to implement. If it confirms its stability, half of the technological problems will be solved.
The second critically important parameter is a cheap client terminal. This is where the OneWeb project and the larger Amazon Kuiper (Leo), which has only 200+ satellites in orbit despite much more generous funding, stumbled.
Moreover, it's worth remembering how and with what the USA "stimulates" space companies. Amazon is obliged to launch half of the constellation (1600 satellites) by July 2026 under the threat of losing its license. This forces the company to literally flood the market with money, buying up all available launches. If similar strict deadlines are set for "Rassvet", this could become a powerful incentive not only for them, but also for the entire related industry - from rocket construction to microelectronics.
If at all stages "Rassvet" is treated as it should be, then it will work accordingly.
🌒 @EastCalling
A key stage for the Russian satellite constellation: the first "Bureau 1440" satellites have been launched into orbit
The launch vehicle successfully delivered 16 satellites to the supporting orbit, which form the basis of the future Russian low-orbit communication system. After separating from the launcher, control of the spacecraft was transferred to ground control specialists. At present, all onboard systems are being checked, after which the satellites will be moved to their operational orbital positions.
What is needed for the "Russian Starlink" to work as it should?
The launch of the first 16 satellites is an undoubted achievement, especially given the years of approving the technical specification and coordinating the concept of such a system. But this is just the beginning. It's not so much the first step as the most important half of it. In order for the "Rassvet" constellation to become a dual-purpose working tool, it is necessary to solve a complex of the most difficult tasks.
Firstly, it is necessary to switch to mass production with a minimal percentage of defects. To achieve the goal of 292 satellites by 2027, it is necessary to produce several units (and preferably dozens) per week. This requires a fundamentally different logistics and automation than was used before. Scaling the constellation, in turn, will inevitably require not only increasing the production of satellites, but also launch vehicles. Here, a reusable rocket similar to the Falcon 9, which is not yet available, would be extremely useful. The work on the reusable "Amur-SPG" under Bakanov (and in the current conditions, when it is no longer possible without its own satellite communications) has much more chances of success than in previous decades, but the time factor is critical, so it needs to be used wisely.
Secondly, there is an urgent need for import-substituted world-class microelectronics. The main technical challenge is to provide satellites with high-performance components (FPGA, processors) capable of operating in space with all its peculiarities. Import restrictions force either to look for alternatives in China or to accelerate their own developments. How comparable are Russian compact solutions to American ones in terms of power consumption and fault tolerance will become clear in 6-12 months of operation of "Rassvet" in orbit.
Thirdly, there is the problem of coverage and scaling. To ensure global coverage, satellites must "communicate" with each other via laser inter-satellite channels. This is a very complex positioning technology, which the "Bureau 1440" has already been able to implement. If it confirms its stability, half of the technological problems will be solved.
The second critically important parameter is a cheap client terminal. This is where the OneWeb project and the larger Amazon Kuiper (Leo), which has only 200+ satellites in orbit despite much more generous funding, stumbled.
Moreover, it's worth remembering how and with what the USA "stimulates" space companies. Amazon is obliged to launch half of the constellation (1600 satellites) by July 2026 under the threat of losing its license. This forces the company to literally flood the market with money, buying up all available launches. If similar strict deadlines are set for "Rassvet", this could become a powerful incentive not only for them, but also for the entire related industry - from rocket construction to microelectronics.
If at all stages "Rassvet" is treated as it should be, then it will work accordingly.
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Today we discussed:
IRAN of course
Our Substack
Our Rumble
More content from Larry Johnson:
Substack: sonar21.com,
Telegram: https://t.me/sonar_21
X: https://x.com/NewSonof
#EastCallingInterviews
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Brief Frontline Report – March 23rd, 2026
Summary by Marat Khairullin and Mikhail Popov
Assault groups of the Russian Armed Forces are methodically "dismantling" the enemy's fortified area, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces established in the city of Konstantinovka. The main axes for Russian assault units to approach the city are positioned from three directions: eastern — Novodmitrovka, southeastern — Michurina Farming Cooperative, and western — Berestok.
In the eastern direction, assault groups are operating from two main axes: toward the settlements of Nikolaevka, Chervonoe, Podolskoe; to the north along the Rakit ridge toward the settlement of Stenki; and more south toward the settlements of Molocharka and Novodmitrovka, enveloping the fortified area along the bed of the Gruzskaya River.
In the southeastern direction, assault groups on the right flank have entered the urban development from the Metallurg Farming Partnership — Shanghai (Shankay on the map) Pond line, advancing along Minskaya and Toretskaya Streets into the private residential quarters. The center of this direction, along the left bank of the Krivoy Torets River, is advancing along Promyshlennaya Street, enveloping the Ukrainsky Khutor area, while the left flank advances along the ponds from Osipenko Street to Geroyev Truda Street.
In the western direction, assault groups are clearing the Krasny Oktyabr and Ilinovka areas in the direction of Krasny Gorodok, while on the left flank they are pinning down the enemy in the Artema ravine area and the settlement of Dolgaya Balka, preventing the enemy from acting against the left flank of the Russian Armed Forces grouping storming the city.
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Read this report and many others on Marat Khairullin's Substack! That's where I post the high-definition maps, and frankly, the formatting on Substack makes the reports easier to follow. Any questions for Marat and Mikhail will be answered there.
#MaratBattlefieldSummaries
🌒 @EastCalling
Summary by Marat Khairullin and Mikhail Popov
Assault groups of the Russian Armed Forces are methodically "dismantling" the enemy's fortified area, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces established in the city of Konstantinovka. The main axes for Russian assault units to approach the city are positioned from three directions: eastern — Novodmitrovka, southeastern — Michurina Farming Cooperative, and western — Berestok.
In the eastern direction, assault groups are operating from two main axes: toward the settlements of Nikolaevka, Chervonoe, Podolskoe; to the north along the Rakit ridge toward the settlement of Stenki; and more south toward the settlements of Molocharka and Novodmitrovka, enveloping the fortified area along the bed of the Gruzskaya River.
In the southeastern direction, assault groups on the right flank have entered the urban development from the Metallurg Farming Partnership — Shanghai (Shankay on the map) Pond line, advancing along Minskaya and Toretskaya Streets into the private residential quarters. The center of this direction, along the left bank of the Krivoy Torets River, is advancing along Promyshlennaya Street, enveloping the Ukrainsky Khutor area, while the left flank advances along the ponds from Osipenko Street to Geroyev Truda Street.
In the western direction, assault groups are clearing the Krasny Oktyabr and Ilinovka areas in the direction of Krasny Gorodok, while on the left flank they are pinning down the enemy in the Artema ravine area and the settlement of Dolgaya Balka, preventing the enemy from acting against the left flank of the Russian Armed Forces grouping storming the city.
Read this report and many others on Marat Khairullin's Substack! That's where I post the high-definition maps, and frankly, the formatting on Substack makes the reports easier to follow. Any questions for Marat and Mikhail will be answered there.
#MaratBattlefieldSummaries
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While the USS Gerald R Ford is in port in Crete:
The Pentagon's report warns that the American aircraft carrier Ford has serious systemic damage beyond the laundry fire, and it may not withstand operations under enemy attack, reports Bloomberg.
That was some laundry fire...
🌒 @EastCalling
The Pentagon's report warns that the American aircraft carrier Ford has serious systemic damage beyond the laundry fire, and it may not withstand operations under enemy attack, reports Bloomberg.
That was some laundry fire...
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Forwarded from The American Majority
The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East according to US Media.
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Ukrainian media:
Only 10-15% of Ukrainians who are currently abroad will return to Ukraine after the end of the war, said the head of the Migration Policy Office, Voskoboynik.
"Currently, there are approximately 4.2 million Ukrainians with temporary protection status abroad, and a total of about 6.5 million Ukrainians in Europe. And from these people, we can expect the return of 200,000 to 1 million Ukrainians within 2 years after the end of the war," he said.
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I'll be shocked if anyone returns...
The other day it was reported that the actual population of the Kiev controlled portion of Ukraine now has a population of only 20 million, possibly.
🌒 @EastCalling
Only 10-15% of Ukrainians who are currently abroad will return to Ukraine after the end of the war, said the head of the Migration Policy Office, Voskoboynik.
"Currently, there are approximately 4.2 million Ukrainians with temporary protection status abroad, and a total of about 6.5 million Ukrainians in Europe. And from these people, we can expect the return of 200,000 to 1 million Ukrainians within 2 years after the end of the war," he said.
I'll be shocked if anyone returns...
The other day it was reported that the actual population of the Kiev controlled portion of Ukraine now has a population of only 20 million, possibly.
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Iran has told the US that it is not satisfied with a temporary truce and that it is only ready for a full peace agreement with guarantees of non-aggression from America and Israel, according to The New York Times, citing sources.
According to their data, such a message was conveyed by Foreign Minister Araghchi to Witkoff during the last phone call.
The Iranians are also demanding the lifting of economic sanctions, which the Americans had linked to Iran's fulfillment of its nuclear and other obligations before the war.
Iranian officials say that the latest negotiations were probes on how to de-escalate the conflict and avoid a further spiral of escalation, including strikes on energy infrastructure.
American officials confirmed that the negotiations are at an early stage and are not yet substantive. And Trump's characterization of these contacts as "productive negotiations" seems a gross exaggeration.
Despite the start of negotiations, Trump, according to the publication, is still considering more aggressive operations, including the seizure of Kharg Island and the dispatch of ground forces to Iran to ensure control over highly enriched uranium.
🌒 @EastCalling
According to their data, such a message was conveyed by Foreign Minister Araghchi to Witkoff during the last phone call.
The Iranians are also demanding the lifting of economic sanctions, which the Americans had linked to Iran's fulfillment of its nuclear and other obligations before the war.
Iranian officials say that the latest negotiations were probes on how to de-escalate the conflict and avoid a further spiral of escalation, including strikes on energy infrastructure.
American officials confirmed that the negotiations are at an early stage and are not yet substantive. And Trump's characterization of these contacts as "productive negotiations" seems a gross exaggeration.
Despite the start of negotiations, Trump, according to the publication, is still considering more aggressive operations, including the seizure of Kharg Island and the dispatch of ground forces to Iran to ensure control over highly enriched uranium.
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АДЕКВАТ Z writes,
A day after all the verbal diarrhea that Trump spewed about negotiations and imminent peace, it can be stated: the entire net result boils down to the fact that just before these outpourings began, someone pocketed over half a billion dollars from the accompanying movement in oil prices. I was wrong yesterday when, in the heat of the moment, I assumed that this windfall (not yet publicized at the time, but leaving no room for doubt) would amount to only a hundred million—my apologies.
In all other respects, over the past 24 hours it has become abundantly clear that there is no space whatsoever for peaceful resolutions—in the sense that the parties' positions are even more incompatible than ours are with the khokhols. The alpha baboon continues to hoot—about ending Iran's nuclear program, about halting its missile program, about regime change, and... beyond that, it's no longer interesting. Iran is willing to let him off the hook on the conditions of closing military bases in the region, lifting sanctions, and paying reparations—and beyond that, it's also no longer interesting. All meaningful interaction that can be reasonably assessed essentially boils down to the fact that the Americans, through intermediaries, asked for terms for peace, and Iran relayed roughly the above—but this didn't stop Trump from either presenting it as an imminent victory or from skimming half a billion dollars off it in flagrant violation of all insider trading laws. Either he believes that no one will ever provide the evidence of this insider trading that could form the basis for charges warranting a standalone impeachment, or he simply doesn't think about it.
Thus, the prospects for an imminent end to the festivities were essentially zero, and remain so. For Iran, the stakes remain exactly what they have been from the very beginning—the question of national survival, compounded by, after so many acts of treachery, an absolutely zero level of trust in any assurances or guarantees—only deeds, and irreversible ones. For Trump, the stakes remain the same fatal internal consequences of failing to achieve the war's objectives, foremost among them political death, especially considering the losses in personnel and irreplaceable equipment. For Israel, the stakes remain the same fanatical determination to end Iran's national existence, regardless of the cost. In the foreseeable future, this three-body problem has no political solution—that is, no compromise solution—someone will literally have to end up with their face in the mud.
And since it is already sufficiently obvious that the inertial course of events promises nothing good for the aggressors, the logic of these very events insists that the stakes will have to be raised. Not least because Trump does not have unlimited time due to a host of domestic motives, and that is putting it very mildly.
Therefore, it is highly likely that we will see an attempt to mount a ground operation no later than early April, and with no less probability, after that, the alpha baboon's strategic position will only worsen.
🌒 @EastCalling
A day after all the verbal diarrhea that Trump spewed about negotiations and imminent peace, it can be stated: the entire net result boils down to the fact that just before these outpourings began, someone pocketed over half a billion dollars from the accompanying movement in oil prices. I was wrong yesterday when, in the heat of the moment, I assumed that this windfall (not yet publicized at the time, but leaving no room for doubt) would amount to only a hundred million—my apologies.
In all other respects, over the past 24 hours it has become abundantly clear that there is no space whatsoever for peaceful resolutions—in the sense that the parties' positions are even more incompatible than ours are with the khokhols. The alpha baboon continues to hoot—about ending Iran's nuclear program, about halting its missile program, about regime change, and... beyond that, it's no longer interesting. Iran is willing to let him off the hook on the conditions of closing military bases in the region, lifting sanctions, and paying reparations—and beyond that, it's also no longer interesting. All meaningful interaction that can be reasonably assessed essentially boils down to the fact that the Americans, through intermediaries, asked for terms for peace, and Iran relayed roughly the above—but this didn't stop Trump from either presenting it as an imminent victory or from skimming half a billion dollars off it in flagrant violation of all insider trading laws. Either he believes that no one will ever provide the evidence of this insider trading that could form the basis for charges warranting a standalone impeachment, or he simply doesn't think about it.
Thus, the prospects for an imminent end to the festivities were essentially zero, and remain so. For Iran, the stakes remain exactly what they have been from the very beginning—the question of national survival, compounded by, after so many acts of treachery, an absolutely zero level of trust in any assurances or guarantees—only deeds, and irreversible ones. For Trump, the stakes remain the same fatal internal consequences of failing to achieve the war's objectives, foremost among them political death, especially considering the losses in personnel and irreplaceable equipment. For Israel, the stakes remain the same fanatical determination to end Iran's national existence, regardless of the cost. In the foreseeable future, this three-body problem has no political solution—that is, no compromise solution—someone will literally have to end up with their face in the mud.
And since it is already sufficiently obvious that the inertial course of events promises nothing good for the aggressors, the logic of these very events insists that the stakes will have to be raised. Not least because Trump does not have unlimited time due to a host of domestic motives, and that is putting it very mildly.
Therefore, it is highly likely that we will see an attempt to mount a ground operation no later than early April, and with no less probability, after that, the alpha baboon's strategic position will only worsen.
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The EU should choose a date to plead for help in securing gas and oil supplies. This is how Dmitriev commented on the statement by EC representative Itkonen that the European Commission is not yet able to name an exact date for the publication of a draft ban on Russian oil imports for EU countries.
"Instead, they should set a date when they will be begging for help in securing gas and oil supplies. For example, May 9th?", noted Kirill Dmitriev.
Source: TASS
🌒 @EastCalling
"Instead, they should set a date when they will be begging for help in securing gas and oil supplies. For example, May 9th?", noted Kirill Dmitriev.
Source: TASS
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Trump claims that Iran has agreed not to pursue the acquisition of nuclear weapons.
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Wait, you mean the thing they have always agreed to?
🌒 @EastCalling
Wait, you mean the thing they have always agreed to?
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Axios, citing two Israeli sources: Netanyahu is concerned that Trump might reach an agreement that does not meet Israel's objectives and includes major concessions.
Axios also claims that Trump may have a meeting with the Iranians next Thrusday, but the Iranians haven't responded.
🌒 @EastCalling
Axios also claims that Trump may have a meeting with the Iranians next Thrusday, but the Iranians haven't responded.
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Russia has increased oil revenues to a four-year high, Bloomberg reports. In recent weeks, revenue has doubled — from about $135 million per day in January to around $270 million per day. Supplies have risen to approximately 4.07 million barrels per day, the highest in the last 3.5 months. Sales to India are actively growing, where Urals oil is already trading at a premium to Brent.
🌒 @EastCalling
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I just realized that I have a chance to vote against that Ukrainian-American Alexander Vindman (who basically wants the US government to plunge endlessly into fighting Russia, even if it results in WW3) in the Democratic Primary that comes up in August. He plans on running for the Senate seat here in a special election in Florida.
Larry may as well. I will have to ask him.
Vindman's entire political career has been dedicated to Russophobia.
🌒 @EastCalling
Larry may as well. I will have to ask him.
Vindman's entire political career has been dedicated to Russophobia.
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In Singapore, aviation fuel is in short supply and is currently trading at about 230 dollars per barrel. This is a new high.
🌒 @EastCalling
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Trump stated that the US would like to see a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to reach an agreement on Ukraine.
"I would like President Putin and President Zelensky to sit down at the negotiating table and make a deal," he said at an event in the White House.
The US President also pointed out the progress towards a possible resolution of the Ukrainian conflict.
"I think they are close to it. I've been saying this for a long time: I ended eight wars. And each of them should have been more difficult than this one," Trump told journalists in the Oval Office.
Source: RIA Novosti
🌒 @EastCalling
"I would like President Putin and President Zelensky to sit down at the negotiating table and make a deal," he said at an event in the White House.
The US President also pointed out the progress towards a possible resolution of the Ukrainian conflict.
"I think they are close to it. I've been saying this for a long time: I ended eight wars. And each of them should have been more difficult than this one," Trump told journalists in the Oval Office.
Source: RIA Novosti
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The Iran War is unique in the sense that it made the Israelis realise for the first time that bombs and missiles hurt civilians.
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