China Providing Shoulder-Fired Missiles to Iran
China will soon supply Iran with somewhere between 300 to 400 air-defense missile launchers that can be fired from a fighter’s shoulder.
These portable units will use Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, which are infrared-guided and designed to attack low-flying aircraft and drones.
Iran’s plan is to use the weapons to make up for the fact Iran’s current short-range air defenses have been disabled by US and Israeli attacks.
China will soon supply Iran with somewhere between 300 to 400 air-defense missile launchers that can be fired from a fighter’s shoulder.
These portable units will use Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 missiles, which are infrared-guided and designed to attack low-flying aircraft and drones.
Iran’s plan is to use the weapons to make up for the fact Iran’s current short-range air defenses have been disabled by US and Israeli attacks.
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Escalation Between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia
Recently, Iran called upon its terrorist proxy in Yemen, the Houthis, to set up a naval blockade in the Red Sea against Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis set up the blockade—and since then, have attacked at least three Saudi oil tankers. Two were fired upon last week, and another Saudi tanker was attacked with ballistic missiles yesterday “for violating the maritime blockade,” according to the Houthis.
In response, the US and Saudi Arabia have coordinated their efforts to intercept drones being fired at Saudi energy infrastructure by the Houthis as well as by Iranian-backed terrorists in Iraq.
All of this is happening because the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ordered the Houthis to set up the blockade in the Red Sea Strait. As with the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is doing all it can to prevent the export of oil and gas from the region.
Reuters also reported that on Monday, the Houthis “targeted a number of sensitive crude oil supply and transport sites linking eastern Saudi Arabia to the critical Red Sea oil export hub of Yanbu.”
The result is that the US and Saudi Arabia have now joined forces to strike Iran’s terrorist militias in Iraq, which have also been targeting American forces in the region. This marks a significant transition for Saudi Arabia, which has long resisted getting involved in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Recently, Iran called upon its terrorist proxy in Yemen, the Houthis, to set up a naval blockade in the Red Sea against Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis set up the blockade—and since then, have attacked at least three Saudi oil tankers. Two were fired upon last week, and another Saudi tanker was attacked with ballistic missiles yesterday “for violating the maritime blockade,” according to the Houthis.
In response, the US and Saudi Arabia have coordinated their efforts to intercept drones being fired at Saudi energy infrastructure by the Houthis as well as by Iranian-backed terrorists in Iraq.
All of this is happening because the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ordered the Houthis to set up the blockade in the Red Sea Strait. As with the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is doing all it can to prevent the export of oil and gas from the region.
Reuters also reported that on Monday, the Houthis “targeted a number of sensitive crude oil supply and transport sites linking eastern Saudi Arabia to the critical Red Sea oil export hub of Yanbu.”
The result is that the US and Saudi Arabia have now joined forces to strike Iran’s terrorist militias in Iraq, which have also been targeting American forces in the region. This marks a significant transition for Saudi Arabia, which has long resisted getting involved in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
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Both Trump and Netanyahu Say Meeting Was Productive
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the meeting as “good and productive.”
Netanyahu said the meeting was “excellent” and “one of the best we’ve ever had.” He said, “It was a meeting with full cooperation, with mutual support, with understanding on the joint goal that Iran won’t have nuclear weapons, and also other goals.”
The two heads of state met for 90 minutes. Afterward, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Obviously, many important subjects were discussed.” This would have included talk about the tentative US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and the possibility of Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the meeting as “good and productive.”
Netanyahu said the meeting was “excellent” and “one of the best we’ve ever had.” He said, “It was a meeting with full cooperation, with mutual support, with understanding on the joint goal that Iran won’t have nuclear weapons, and also other goals.”
The two heads of state met for 90 minutes. Afterward, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Obviously, many important subjects were discussed.” This would have included talk about the tentative US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and the possibility of Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel.
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Is a Blockade on Land Next?
According to The Washington Free Beacon, the US and Israel have discussed whether a land blockade would help bring greater pressure upon Iran, which, so far, has refused to surrender to the terms Trump has placed on the country.
A senior Israeli official is quoted as saying, “What if you just block the land? Iran can’t bring anything in, cannot take anything out.”
But the challenge is Iran’s size. It’s a large country that shares borders with seven other countries—some of which aren’t likely to be cooperative with US or Israeli efforts toward a land blockade.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, the US and Israel have discussed whether a land blockade would help bring greater pressure upon Iran, which, so far, has refused to surrender to the terms Trump has placed on the country.
A senior Israeli official is quoted as saying, “What if you just block the land? Iran can’t bring anything in, cannot take anything out.”
But the challenge is Iran’s size. It’s a large country that shares borders with seven other countries—some of which aren’t likely to be cooperative with US or Israeli efforts toward a land blockade.
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Iran’s Strategy
Historian and political commentator Victor Davis Hanson has a read-worthy column that came out this morning on the American Greatness website.
The subtitle on the piece reads, “Iran’s rulers are not playing to win the war today—they are playing to survive long enough to fight another one tomorrow.”
In the column, Hanson says, “We know the tired Iranian strategy by now. We might call it ‘theocratic rope-a-dope.’ For the theocrats and their terrorist proxies, survival means outlasting Trump, waiting for the next cash-laden Democratic administration, and using ‘moderates’ to play good cop while haggling away months.”
My perspective on all this is that there is one very significant reason Iran is willing to play this this game: We’re less than 100 days from the US midterm elections. If Democrats make significant gains in Congress, that will make it much more difficult for Trump to continue carrying out his agenda for Iran.
And even before the US midterms, Israel has an election on October 27. If Netanyahu loses, it’s unlikely Israelis will replace him with another prime minister who has been so fiercely diligent about Israel’s security.
But we can take comfort in the fact that no matter what schemes Iran comes up with, and no matter how elections turn out, ultimately, it is God’s plans that will prevail. Nothing will prevent God from bringing to pass what He intends to do.
Historian and political commentator Victor Davis Hanson has a read-worthy column that came out this morning on the American Greatness website.
The subtitle on the piece reads, “Iran’s rulers are not playing to win the war today—they are playing to survive long enough to fight another one tomorrow.”
In the column, Hanson says, “We know the tired Iranian strategy by now. We might call it ‘theocratic rope-a-dope.’ For the theocrats and their terrorist proxies, survival means outlasting Trump, waiting for the next cash-laden Democratic administration, and using ‘moderates’ to play good cop while haggling away months.”
My perspective on all this is that there is one very significant reason Iran is willing to play this this game: We’re less than 100 days from the US midterm elections. If Democrats make significant gains in Congress, that will make it much more difficult for Trump to continue carrying out his agenda for Iran.
And even before the US midterms, Israel has an election on October 27. If Netanyahu loses, it’s unlikely Israelis will replace him with another prime minister who has been so fiercely diligent about Israel’s security.
But we can take comfort in the fact that no matter what schemes Iran comes up with, and no matter how elections turn out, ultimately, it is God’s plans that will prevail. Nothing will prevent God from bringing to pass what He intends to do.
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Trump Cabinet at Camp David
President Trump and his Cabinet are now meeting at Camp David, a high-security presidential retreat facility in Maryland.
For US presidents, Camp David has frequently served as the site of major talks and decision-making. There is speculation that the Cabinet will use the time to discuss how to resolve the war against Iran, as well as develop strategies that will help the Republican Party to win the midterms.
President Trump and his Cabinet are now meeting at Camp David, a high-security presidential retreat facility in Maryland.
For US presidents, Camp David has frequently served as the site of major talks and decision-making. There is speculation that the Cabinet will use the time to discuss how to resolve the war against Iran, as well as develop strategies that will help the Republican Party to win the midterms.
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Breakthrough in Gaza?
Trump had originally hoped to implement his Gaza Board of Peace plans nearly 9 months ago. But because Hamas refused to disarm and step down, those plans had to be put on hold.
Yesterday, Trump announced that his Board of Peace has finally reached a deal in which Hamas will supposedly surrender its weapons and comply with the transfer of Gaza over to a new Palestinian government.
Trump announced on Truth Social that “a HISTORIC agreement” had been reached “for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY.”
Is this for real? I’m not so sure.
Here’s why: The terms were negotiated for many months with mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. We already know that Hamas’s top leaders have long been sheltered and supported by Turkey and Qatar. Both nations are strongly pro-Hamas.
Even if Hamas steps down and disarms, we can be sure that Turkey and Qatar will secretly allow Hamas to still have influence over the governance of Gaza. Hamas can easily work through back channels and intermediaries.
As for Hamas’s weapons, what will be done with them? If they’re merely put into storage, that will mean they can be reclaimed at some future date.
Worse, we’re now in a Catch-22 situation.
Hamas official Ghazi Hamad has said, “We will not take any steps regarding disarmament before Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip.”
And Israel has made it clear the IDF won’t withdraw until Hamas surrenders its weapons.
Finally, how will we know for sure the leaders appointed to the new Palestinian governing body can be trusted?
We know all too well how many of the UN’s relief workers in Gaza actually helped to advance Hamas’s terrorist agenda. What will prevent the new governing body from being infiltrated by the next generation of terrorists determined to wipe out Israel?
Trump had originally hoped to implement his Gaza Board of Peace plans nearly 9 months ago. But because Hamas refused to disarm and step down, those plans had to be put on hold.
Yesterday, Trump announced that his Board of Peace has finally reached a deal in which Hamas will supposedly surrender its weapons and comply with the transfer of Gaza over to a new Palestinian government.
Trump announced on Truth Social that “a HISTORIC agreement” had been reached “for the COMPLETE DISARMAMENT of Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza. This is a monumental step toward lasting PEACE and SECURITY.”
Is this for real? I’m not so sure.
Here’s why: The terms were negotiated for many months with mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. We already know that Hamas’s top leaders have long been sheltered and supported by Turkey and Qatar. Both nations are strongly pro-Hamas.
Even if Hamas steps down and disarms, we can be sure that Turkey and Qatar will secretly allow Hamas to still have influence over the governance of Gaza. Hamas can easily work through back channels and intermediaries.
As for Hamas’s weapons, what will be done with them? If they’re merely put into storage, that will mean they can be reclaimed at some future date.
Worse, we’re now in a Catch-22 situation.
Hamas official Ghazi Hamad has said, “We will not take any steps regarding disarmament before Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip.”
And Israel has made it clear the IDF won’t withdraw until Hamas surrenders its weapons.
Finally, how will we know for sure the leaders appointed to the new Palestinian governing body can be trusted?
We know all too well how many of the UN’s relief workers in Gaza actually helped to advance Hamas’s terrorist agenda. What will prevent the new governing body from being infiltrated by the next generation of terrorists determined to wipe out Israel?
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Trump Orders New Strikes Against Iran
Yesterday, Trump announced plans to “be hitting [Iran] very hard,” and the US State Department urged Americans in the Middle East to “consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation.”
The US embassy in Jordan said, “The situation in the Middle East remains fluid. The Iranian regime is unpredictable, as seen by its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or provocations.”
The new strikes could take place as early as this weekend. Earlier this morning, news reports said at least two options were being weighed by the president: (1) escalate the attacks against military infrastructure, or (2) begin targeting Iran’s energy grid, with a focus on parts of the grid that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps depends on the most.
From here onward, a special emphasis is being placed on getting the Iranian regime to surrender.
Yesterday, Trump announced plans to “be hitting [Iran] very hard,” and the US State Department urged Americans in the Middle East to “consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation.”
The US embassy in Jordan said, “The situation in the Middle East remains fluid. The Iranian regime is unpredictable, as seen by its recent decisions to attack areas in the region without warning or provocations.”
The new strikes could take place as early as this weekend. Earlier this morning, news reports said at least two options were being weighed by the president: (1) escalate the attacks against military infrastructure, or (2) begin targeting Iran’s energy grid, with a focus on parts of the grid that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps depends on the most.
From here onward, a special emphasis is being placed on getting the Iranian regime to surrender.
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Words of Encouragement
“Throughout the historical section of the Old Testament, we get a clear overview of how earthly history progresses within the banks of the river of God’s sovereign plan. The progressive revelation of prophecy plays out as it is fulfilled in real time and in real history. Though evil rulers in the seen and unseen realms tried to harm God’s people and thwart God’s plans, nothing could stop the messianic line of David from remaining intact. Nothing could prevent God’s promises from being kept or his prophesies from being fulfilled. All the winding events in the historical section of the Old Testament unflinchingly prepared the way for the Messiah to arrive.
“That should give us great confidence that even though we face many trials in life and often don’t see how God is going to work out his plans, he will surely accomplish his will in our lives and in world events. God never paces the floor of his throne room wondering what to do next. He is not surprised by the twists and turns of history. All is perfectly aligned with his overarching and unstoppable prophetic will. We are part of a truly amazing story, and we can confidently put our trust in a God who keeps his promises. His track record speaks for itself.”
Todd Hampson, The Chronological Guide to Bible Prophecy, pages 70-71
“Throughout the historical section of the Old Testament, we get a clear overview of how earthly history progresses within the banks of the river of God’s sovereign plan. The progressive revelation of prophecy plays out as it is fulfilled in real time and in real history. Though evil rulers in the seen and unseen realms tried to harm God’s people and thwart God’s plans, nothing could stop the messianic line of David from remaining intact. Nothing could prevent God’s promises from being kept or his prophesies from being fulfilled. All the winding events in the historical section of the Old Testament unflinchingly prepared the way for the Messiah to arrive.
“That should give us great confidence that even though we face many trials in life and often don’t see how God is going to work out his plans, he will surely accomplish his will in our lives and in world events. God never paces the floor of his throne room wondering what to do next. He is not surprised by the twists and turns of history. All is perfectly aligned with his overarching and unstoppable prophetic will. We are part of a truly amazing story, and we can confidently put our trust in a God who keeps his promises. His track record speaks for itself.”
Todd Hampson, The Chronological Guide to Bible Prophecy, pages 70-71
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Scripture: Our Sure Foundation and Hope
The wicked won’t always prosper. In the end, God will have the final say about their deeds and their destiny.
That’s the message of Psalm 37. Here, the psalmist speaks to the reader rather than to God. All of us can identify with the frustration that comes from seeing the success of the unrighteous and the suffering of the righteous.
In a series of exhortations, Psalm 37 assures us that God hasn’t missed a thing:
“Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb” (verses 1-2).
“In just a little while, the wicked will be no more…but the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace” (verses 10-11).
“Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous” (verses 16-17).
“Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off” (verses 37-38).
For the wicked, a day of reckoning and judgment is coming. It may not seem that way now, but God has promised He will punish injustice and make all things right.
As those who wait on the Lord, we need to take the long view in life. God may seem to have forgotten to judge the wicked and reward the righteous. But He hasn’t. The time will come. And once it does, the verdicts will be eternal—and the blessings we enjoy will last forever.
The wicked won’t always prosper. In the end, God will have the final say about their deeds and their destiny.
That’s the message of Psalm 37. Here, the psalmist speaks to the reader rather than to God. All of us can identify with the frustration that comes from seeing the success of the unrighteous and the suffering of the righteous.
In a series of exhortations, Psalm 37 assures us that God hasn’t missed a thing:
“Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb” (verses 1-2).
“In just a little while, the wicked will be no more…but the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace” (verses 10-11).
“Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous” (verses 16-17).
“Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off” (verses 37-38).
For the wicked, a day of reckoning and judgment is coming. It may not seem that way now, but God has promised He will punish injustice and make all things right.
As those who wait on the Lord, we need to take the long view in life. God may seem to have forgotten to judge the wicked and reward the righteous. But He hasn’t. The time will come. And once it does, the verdicts will be eternal—and the blessings we enjoy will last forever.
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Trump Calls Off Strikes Against Iran
A massive attack planned over the weekend was cancelled by Trump, who said he made the decision at the urging of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
Trump said that when he talked to the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, the prince said, “We would much prefer a deal as opposed to an attack, because you don’t know where these attacks lead.” The president added that Saudi Arabia also feels a deal with Iran is imminent.
In recent weeks, Iran has been attacking its neighbors—including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It’s very likely the Arab states feared that Iran would escalate its efforts, thus leading them to ask Trump to call off his latest plans.
Trump said negotiations will resume today, but nothing has changed with regard to the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The latest reports say a temporary deal may be reached to keep the Strait open for 60 days without fees.
But the Iranian Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baqaei denied that Iran is in talks with the US, and said Iran is currently in discussions with Oman about how to route ships through the Strait.
Baqaei added that “under no circumstances” will the Strait return to its former status as an international waterway.
A massive attack planned over the weekend was cancelled by Trump, who said he made the decision at the urging of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
Trump said that when he talked to the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, the prince said, “We would much prefer a deal as opposed to an attack, because you don’t know where these attacks lead.” The president added that Saudi Arabia also feels a deal with Iran is imminent.
In recent weeks, Iran has been attacking its neighbors—including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It’s very likely the Arab states feared that Iran would escalate its efforts, thus leading them to ask Trump to call off his latest plans.
Trump said negotiations will resume today, but nothing has changed with regard to the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The latest reports say a temporary deal may be reached to keep the Strait open for 60 days without fees.
But the Iranian Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baqaei denied that Iran is in talks with the US, and said Iran is currently in discussions with Oman about how to route ships through the Strait.
Baqaei added that “under no circumstances” will the Strait return to its former status as an international waterway.
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Even If Hamas Disarms, It Won’t Change
In 1988, when Hamas wrote up the Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement, it quoted Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the notorious terrorist group Muslim Brotherhood: “Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it.”
The covenant goes on to say that Hamas’s “fight with the Jews is very extensive and very grave, and it requires all the sincere efforts. It is a step that must be followed by further steps; it is a brigade that must be reinforced by brigades upon brigades from this vast Islamic world, until the enemies are defeated and Allah’s victory is revealed.”
In Part III of the charter, article 11, Hamas says, “The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine has been an Islamic Waqf throughout the generations and until the Day of Resurrection.” In other words, the land on which Israel stands is viewed as a forever Islamic Waqf that belongs to Allah. Hence Hamas’s call to jihad until Israel is eliminated.
Article 28 says, “The Arab states surrounding Israel are required to open their borders to the Jihad fighters…to enable them to play their role and to join their efforts to those of their brothers among the Muslim Brothers in Palestine…Israel, by virtue of its being Jewish and of having a Jewish population, defies Islam and the Muslims.”
Article 32 says, “Leaving the circle of conflict with Israel is a major act of treason and it will bring curse on its perpetrators.”
In 2017, Hamas wrote a new document that, according to some, softened its stance. But that’s not correct. After the 2017 document was released, Mahmoud al-Zahar, a senior Hamas official, said that “there is no contradiction between what we said in the [2017] document and the pledge we have made to God in our [1988] charter.”
Zahar continued, “The pledge Hamas made before God was to liberate all of Palestine. The charter is the core of [Hamas’s] position and the mechanism of this position is the document…When people say that Hamas has accepted the 1967 borders [in the land], like others, it is an offense to us.”
Zahar declared that even as of 2017, Hamas was still committed to the destruction of Israel: “We have reaffirmed the unchanging constant principles that we do not recognize Israel; we do not recognize the land occupied in 1948 as belonging to Israel and we do not recognize that the people who came here [Jews] own this land.”
In 1988, when Hamas wrote up the Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement, it quoted Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the notorious terrorist group Muslim Brotherhood: “Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it.”
The covenant goes on to say that Hamas’s “fight with the Jews is very extensive and very grave, and it requires all the sincere efforts. It is a step that must be followed by further steps; it is a brigade that must be reinforced by brigades upon brigades from this vast Islamic world, until the enemies are defeated and Allah’s victory is revealed.”
In Part III of the charter, article 11, Hamas says, “The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine has been an Islamic Waqf throughout the generations and until the Day of Resurrection.” In other words, the land on which Israel stands is viewed as a forever Islamic Waqf that belongs to Allah. Hence Hamas’s call to jihad until Israel is eliminated.
Article 28 says, “The Arab states surrounding Israel are required to open their borders to the Jihad fighters…to enable them to play their role and to join their efforts to those of their brothers among the Muslim Brothers in Palestine…Israel, by virtue of its being Jewish and of having a Jewish population, defies Islam and the Muslims.”
Article 32 says, “Leaving the circle of conflict with Israel is a major act of treason and it will bring curse on its perpetrators.”
In 2017, Hamas wrote a new document that, according to some, softened its stance. But that’s not correct. After the 2017 document was released, Mahmoud al-Zahar, a senior Hamas official, said that “there is no contradiction between what we said in the [2017] document and the pledge we have made to God in our [1988] charter.”
Zahar continued, “The pledge Hamas made before God was to liberate all of Palestine. The charter is the core of [Hamas’s] position and the mechanism of this position is the document…When people say that Hamas has accepted the 1967 borders [in the land], like others, it is an offense to us.”
Zahar declared that even as of 2017, Hamas was still committed to the destruction of Israel: “We have reaffirmed the unchanging constant principles that we do not recognize Israel; we do not recognize the land occupied in 1948 as belonging to Israel and we do not recognize that the people who came here [Jews] own this land.”
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China Rebukes Taiwan for War Drills
Every year, all of Taiwan’s military branches carry out live-fire exercises—known as the Han Kuang drills—to practice defensive resistance against a simulated invasion by China. This year’s drills will take place over a period of ten days, from August 5 to 14.
This year’s exercise will assume China will attempt a sea and air blockade of Taiwan, and focus on strategies for breaking a blockade and preventing Chinese military access to Taiwan. The drills will also focus on what is necessary to keep sea lanes open and protect vital infrastructure such as bridges, airports, and harbors.
There are two new developments for this year’s exercises. For the first time ever, Taiwan will mobilize two of its reserve brigades at full strength. And journalists will be permitted on the front lines to test the speed at which reporters can relay battlefield coverage without inadvertently revealing classified details about troop positions.
In response, China’s defense minister Dong Jun rebuked Taiwan for the planned exercises, saying that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will thwart any efforts toward “Taiwan independence.”
Every year, all of Taiwan’s military branches carry out live-fire exercises—known as the Han Kuang drills—to practice defensive resistance against a simulated invasion by China. This year’s drills will take place over a period of ten days, from August 5 to 14.
This year’s exercise will assume China will attempt a sea and air blockade of Taiwan, and focus on strategies for breaking a blockade and preventing Chinese military access to Taiwan. The drills will also focus on what is necessary to keep sea lanes open and protect vital infrastructure such as bridges, airports, and harbors.
There are two new developments for this year’s exercises. For the first time ever, Taiwan will mobilize two of its reserve brigades at full strength. And journalists will be permitted on the front lines to test the speed at which reporters can relay battlefield coverage without inadvertently revealing classified details about troop positions.
In response, China’s defense minister Dong Jun rebuked Taiwan for the planned exercises, saying that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will thwart any efforts toward “Taiwan independence.”
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Trump: “Every Last Chance” for Iran
Tensions are escalating again in the Arab Gulf region, with two commercial vessels attacked overnight near the Strait of Hormuz. A total of four ships have been attacked by Iran since last Friday.
Yesterday, while talking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said of Iran, “I want to give them every last chance before decapitation. Very tough to do…Hopefully they’ll come to their senses.”
In reference to the US naval blockade of Iran, Trump said that “nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a deal, or total surrender, is accomplished.”
But then Trump said, “I’m under no time constraint,” which raises the question: How long will this “last chance” continue before Trump takes action?
Tensions are escalating again in the Arab Gulf region, with two commercial vessels attacked overnight near the Strait of Hormuz. A total of four ships have been attacked by Iran since last Friday.
Yesterday, while talking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said of Iran, “I want to give them every last chance before decapitation. Very tough to do…Hopefully they’ll come to their senses.”
In reference to the US naval blockade of Iran, Trump said that “nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a deal, or total surrender, is accomplished.”
But then Trump said, “I’m under no time constraint,” which raises the question: How long will this “last chance” continue before Trump takes action?
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Jesus’ Message to Sardis: Wake Up!
The latest episode of the Foreshadows Report podcast is now available. We’re continuing our study of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, and the current episode is titled “Jesus’ Message to Sardis: Wake Up!”
Here’s the link so you can listen and share this with others: https://stevemillerresources.com/podcast/
The latest episode of the Foreshadows Report podcast is now available. We’re continuing our study of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, and the current episode is titled “Jesus’ Message to Sardis: Wake Up!”
Here’s the link so you can listen and share this with others: https://stevemillerresources.com/podcast/
Stevemillerresources
Foreshadows Report Podcast -
Foreshadows Report Podcast by Steve Miller Practical insights on current events and Bible prophecy. Keep watch and find hope!
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Anti-Israel Senate Candidate May Win Michigan Primary
Going into the early morning hours today, Abdul El-Sayed is ahead in the vote count in the Democratic primary for the US Senate seat for Michigan.
El-Sayed is a progressive who has been a severe critic of US aid to Israel. In a debate last month, he said, “We cannot continue to sell weapons to a country that is doing human rights abuses, genocide, and apartheid.”
Surprisingly (or not?), there are Jews in Michigan who organized a Jews for Abdul group to support his run for office. On the Abdul for US Senate website, under the headline “Jews for Abdul,” we read this: “Abdul’s election to the United States Senate would be advantageous for all, including for Jews, because of his strong opposition to antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.”
But then the website makes this admission: “Consistent with the views of nearly all the world’s human rights organizations and genocide scholars, including Israeli scholars, Abdul…has long called the war in Gaza a ‘genocide of the Palestinian people.’”
As we know all too well, there has been no genocide. The IDF has always targeted terrorists in Gaza. An overwhelming amount of effort was carried out by the IDF to move Gaza’s civilian population out of harm’s way many times during the war.
Avoiding civilian casualties has always been the IDF’s goal. Even this week in southern Lebanon, the IDF warned Lebanese civilians to evacuate regions that would soon be attacked to destroy Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure.
El-Sayed’s stand on Israel is based on terrorist propaganda—and his supporters, unfortunately, are perpetuating those falsehoods.
Going into the early morning hours today, Abdul El-Sayed is ahead in the vote count in the Democratic primary for the US Senate seat for Michigan.
El-Sayed is a progressive who has been a severe critic of US aid to Israel. In a debate last month, he said, “We cannot continue to sell weapons to a country that is doing human rights abuses, genocide, and apartheid.”
Surprisingly (or not?), there are Jews in Michigan who organized a Jews for Abdul group to support his run for office. On the Abdul for US Senate website, under the headline “Jews for Abdul,” we read this: “Abdul’s election to the United States Senate would be advantageous for all, including for Jews, because of his strong opposition to antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.”
But then the website makes this admission: “Consistent with the views of nearly all the world’s human rights organizations and genocide scholars, including Israeli scholars, Abdul…has long called the war in Gaza a ‘genocide of the Palestinian people.’”
As we know all too well, there has been no genocide. The IDF has always targeted terrorists in Gaza. An overwhelming amount of effort was carried out by the IDF to move Gaza’s civilian population out of harm’s way many times during the war.
Avoiding civilian casualties has always been the IDF’s goal. Even this week in southern Lebanon, the IDF warned Lebanese civilians to evacuate regions that would soon be attacked to destroy Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure.
El-Sayed’s stand on Israel is based on terrorist propaganda—and his supporters, unfortunately, are perpetuating those falsehoods.
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Rare Good News on Government Spending: F-47 and B-21 Projects Are AHEAD of Schedule
The US Air Force reports that progress on the development and building of both the F-47 stealth fighter jet and B-21 bomber is looking good—both are running ahead of schedule.
The B-21 is now doing test flights at Edwards Air Force Base and will become operational in 2027. And the F-47’s first flight is scheduled for 2028.
The US Air Force reports that progress on the development and building of both the F-47 stealth fighter jet and B-21 bomber is looking good—both are running ahead of schedule.
The B-21 is now doing test flights at Edwards Air Force Base and will become operational in 2027. And the F-47’s first flight is scheduled for 2028.
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Netanyahu: IDF Won’t Withdraw Until Hamas Disarms
Days after Trump announced his Board of Peace’s withdrawal plans for Hamas in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is not in agreement with the plan.
In a Facebook video, Netanyahu said the IDF will not pull back “from our current lines until Hamas is completely disarmed.”
In contrast, the Board of Peace plan calls on the IDF to return to the Yellow Line established in October 2025. Currently the IDF occupies more than 60 percent of Gaza; the Yellow Line would reduce Israel’s presence to 53 percent.
In the video, Netanyahu said, “Trump thinks—or his team thinks—that they can get Hamas to disarm and demilitarize Gaza. We are looking into it. They sent us a draft. We did not agree to it. It was not our draft. We sent it back for comments.”
Days after Trump announced his Board of Peace’s withdrawal plans for Hamas in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is not in agreement with the plan.
In a Facebook video, Netanyahu said the IDF will not pull back “from our current lines until Hamas is completely disarmed.”
In contrast, the Board of Peace plan calls on the IDF to return to the Yellow Line established in October 2025. Currently the IDF occupies more than 60 percent of Gaza; the Yellow Line would reduce Israel’s presence to 53 percent.
In the video, Netanyahu said, “Trump thinks—or his team thinks—that they can get Hamas to disarm and demilitarize Gaza. We are looking into it. They sent us a draft. We did not agree to it. It was not our draft. We sent it back for comments.”
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United Nations Just Now Expressing Alarm About Iranian Executions?
Iran has persecuted political dissenters for decades. One of the most tragic examples of this took place at the beginning of 2026, when the Iranian regime killed some 40,000 of its own people for daring to participate in protests against the government.
Back on January 19, 2026, the group UN Watch—which, among other things, seeks to hold the UN accountable for its poor record of defending human rights—reported that up to that date, the UN had been “mostly silent on the Islamic Republic’s violent crackdown against civilian protests.” By that time, an estimated 16,500 had been killed, and that was a conservative figure.
Yesterday, UN human rights chief Volker Turk spoke up about the most recent round of killings by the Iranian government: “I am alarmed by the rise in executions and death sentences issued in Iran since March, and that capital punishment continues to be used to instill fear among the population and suppress dissent.”
He added, “Persistent lack of fair trial and due process guarantees are deeply troubling. Confessions have allegedly been obtained under torture and other ill-treatment.”
Turk called on Iran to stop the torture and executions, saying, “Such punishment has no place in our world.”
It is very uncharacteristic of UN representatives to criticize Iran. That has been verified by UN Watch, which has kept track of how many resolutions the UN has issued each year against different countries. Since 2006, the UN has passed a massive 112 resolutions against Israel, and a meager 16 against Iran.
The UN has long turned a blind eye toward Iran’s brutality against its own people. So it is genuinely surprising when one of its own human rights experts is pushed to the point of expressing alarm.
Iran has persecuted political dissenters for decades. One of the most tragic examples of this took place at the beginning of 2026, when the Iranian regime killed some 40,000 of its own people for daring to participate in protests against the government.
Back on January 19, 2026, the group UN Watch—which, among other things, seeks to hold the UN accountable for its poor record of defending human rights—reported that up to that date, the UN had been “mostly silent on the Islamic Republic’s violent crackdown against civilian protests.” By that time, an estimated 16,500 had been killed, and that was a conservative figure.
Yesterday, UN human rights chief Volker Turk spoke up about the most recent round of killings by the Iranian government: “I am alarmed by the rise in executions and death sentences issued in Iran since March, and that capital punishment continues to be used to instill fear among the population and suppress dissent.”
He added, “Persistent lack of fair trial and due process guarantees are deeply troubling. Confessions have allegedly been obtained under torture and other ill-treatment.”
Turk called on Iran to stop the torture and executions, saying, “Such punishment has no place in our world.”
It is very uncharacteristic of UN representatives to criticize Iran. That has been verified by UN Watch, which has kept track of how many resolutions the UN has issued each year against different countries. Since 2006, the UN has passed a massive 112 resolutions against Israel, and a meager 16 against Iran.
The UN has long turned a blind eye toward Iran’s brutality against its own people. So it is genuinely surprising when one of its own human rights experts is pushed to the point of expressing alarm.
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Questioning Whether Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan Can Be Trusted
Earlier this week, Trump cancelled a major strike against Iran at the urging of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—all of which claimed Iran had become more willing to continue talks. In addition, both Qatar and Pakistan urged the US to return to the negotiating table.
However, in a news interview this morning, Jack Keane, a retired Army general, observed, “It is well known in the Middle East region region, by our intelligence services, by all the players, that the Pakistanis and the Qataris are compromised because they favor Iran at the expense of the United States. This is historical. This is not new.”
After stating that Pakistan and Qatar are compromised, Keane said, “And yet they’re mediators. So their influence here, I think, has played a part in misleading the United States in terms of Iran’s real intentions.”
With regard to Saudi Arabia, Keane said, “The fact of the matter is, the Saudis are not willing to sacrifice to rid the Middle East region of Iran’s aggression. They’re willing for us to make that sacrifice, for sure. They’re willing for Israel to make that sacrifice, for sure.”
On the Strait of Hormuz, Keane observed that Iran is “not going to give up the Strait of Hormuz. They think it’s a strategic asset.”
When asked if Iran was ready to arrive at a substantive agreement with Trump, Keane concluded, “My gut feeling here is no.”
Earlier this week, Trump cancelled a major strike against Iran at the urging of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—all of which claimed Iran had become more willing to continue talks. In addition, both Qatar and Pakistan urged the US to return to the negotiating table.
However, in a news interview this morning, Jack Keane, a retired Army general, observed, “It is well known in the Middle East region region, by our intelligence services, by all the players, that the Pakistanis and the Qataris are compromised because they favor Iran at the expense of the United States. This is historical. This is not new.”
After stating that Pakistan and Qatar are compromised, Keane said, “And yet they’re mediators. So their influence here, I think, has played a part in misleading the United States in terms of Iran’s real intentions.”
With regard to Saudi Arabia, Keane said, “The fact of the matter is, the Saudis are not willing to sacrifice to rid the Middle East region of Iran’s aggression. They’re willing for us to make that sacrifice, for sure. They’re willing for Israel to make that sacrifice, for sure.”
On the Strait of Hormuz, Keane observed that Iran is “not going to give up the Strait of Hormuz. They think it’s a strategic asset.”
When asked if Iran was ready to arrive at a substantive agreement with Trump, Keane concluded, “My gut feeling here is no.”
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What Trump Is Up Against
In an article titled “The Art of the Deal Is Doomed to Fail in Iran,” featured on the American Thinker website, Ted Noel offers this observation:
“President Trump is a master deal-maker…But his actions toward Iran have a major problem. There is no deal to be made…
“The basic issue in…deal-making is that both parties have related interests…
“[Trump] thinks that the mullahs and IRGC actually want peace where their people will prosper. The signatories to the Abraham Accords clearly operated within that framework…
“But Islamists such as those ruling Iran don’t share any goals with us. That means that there isn’t any way to make a deal with them. There never has been.”
In an article titled “The Art of the Deal Is Doomed to Fail in Iran,” featured on the American Thinker website, Ted Noel offers this observation:
“President Trump is a master deal-maker…But his actions toward Iran have a major problem. There is no deal to be made…
“The basic issue in…deal-making is that both parties have related interests…
“[Trump] thinks that the mullahs and IRGC actually want peace where their people will prosper. The signatories to the Abraham Accords clearly operated within that framework…
“But Islamists such as those ruling Iran don’t share any goals with us. That means that there isn’t any way to make a deal with them. There never has been.”
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