Kharg Island

President Donald Trump posted AI-generated videos on Truth Social claiming Iran's Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran's oil exports, was "blown to smithereens." No evidence supports the claim; Kharg Island remains intact. The posts coincided with U.S. Central Command confirming limited strikes on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan, which were intercepted.

7 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 31, 02:30 PM UTC

Iran is accelerating infrastructure and safety upgrades at its main oil export terminal on Kharg Island, which handles approximately 90% of the country's oil exports. The move comes amid persistent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly suggested bombing or seizing the island. Iran's Oil Terminals Company is enhancing fire detection, equipment reliability, and operational readiness to ensure continuous exports. Despite recent signals of de-escalation, Trump shared AI-generated images on Truth Social depicting a strike on Kharg. Maritime intelligence reports show increased dark tanker activity near the island, with 24 tankers in the waiting area as of Sunday, indicating ongoing efforts to evade detection and the U.S. blockade east of the Strait of Hormuz.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:30 AM UTC

On July 27, 2026, President Donald Trump engaged in a weekend posting spree on Truth Social, publishing 43 AI-generated images between 11:16 a.m. and 5:16 p.m. ET. The posts mocked critics including CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Christie, and Rosie O'Donnell, and depicted late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon as broke and unemployed. Trump also shared deepfakes threatening Iran, showing Kharg Island under bombardment and oil tankers seized by U.S. forces. Several posts floated the idea of a 2028 presidential run, despite constitutional term limits. A recurring theme portrayed Trump as a national savior alongside former presidents, including AI images of Trump with John F. Kennedy and George Washington. Additionally, Trump attacked Senate Majority Leader John Thune over recess appointments, omitting that President Biden also made zero such appointments.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:13 AM UTC

The article argues that with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ruling out any concessions or reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the only effective way to stop Tehran's attacks on shipping may be a ground invasion. The analyst suggests seizing key Iranian Gulf islands such as Kharg Island (95% of Iran's oil exports), Qeshm Island (hosting drone bases and fast-attack boats), and the disputed Abu Musa, Greater Tonb, and Lesser Tonb islands. The piece notes that the U.S. military buildup off Iran continues amid the impasse over Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program. It draws a historical parallel to President Clinton's 1999 Kosovo campaign, which began with a no-ground-troops promise but later required boots on the ground. The analyst cautions that occupying mainland Iran would be far larger than the Iraq war, given Iran is four times Iraq's size, and that Trump's rhetoric risks turning ordinary Iranians against America.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:36 PM UTC

The article analyzes potential US military ground operations against Iran amid the ongoing impasse over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi states Iran will not make concessions under fire and sees no reason to reopen the Strait. The piece explores two main strategies: seizing Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf (such as Kharg, Abu Musa, Qeshm, or Kish) or occupying mainland ports like Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Abadan. It notes the US lacks manpower for an Iraq-style invasion given Iran's size, and discusses historical precedents like the 1999 Kosovo campaign and the 1856 British landing at Bushehr. The article questions how ordinary Iranians would react to US troops on their territory, suggesting nationalism could be a factor but not necessarily leading to a unified rally around the regime.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:48 PM UTC

Dr. Robert Kelly of Pusan National University argues that the US-Iran conflict has reached a stalemate that President Trump can only break by deploying ground troops, risking another Middle East quagmire. He warns that limited incursions, such as taking Kharg Island, would likely escalate and lead to deeper entanglement. Instead, Kelly advocates for retrenchment: admitting the US is overstretched, pulling back from the Persian Gulf, and conserving military and economic resources to focus on the strategic challenge posed by China. He cites historical precedents such as Britain's withdrawal from east of Suez in the 1970s and US caution after Vietnam. The article frames the current situation as a classic case of great power overextension that requires strategic disengagement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:08 AM UTC

Dr. Robert Kelly of Pusan National University argues that the US-Iran conflict has reached a stalemate that President Trump can only break by deploying ground troops, risking another Middle East quagmire. He warns that limited incursions, such as taking Kharg Island, would likely escalate into a costly, unwinnable war. Instead, Kelly advocates for retrenchment: admitting US overstretch, pulling back from the Persian Gulf, and conserving military and economic resources to focus on the more critical challenge of China. He cites historical precedents like Britain's withdrawal from 'east of Suez' in the 1970s and US caution after Vietnam. The article, published by 19FortyFive, presents a strategic argument against further entanglement in Iran and for a shift in US grand strategy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:08 AM UTC

The article reports on the U.S. military's ongoing strikes against Iran, marking the ninth consecutive night of precision strikes and the start of a tenth round, as the reinstated blockade of Iranian ports nears one week. Over 20 U.S. Navy warships are operating in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, including two Carrier Strike Groups (USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush) and an Amphibious Ready Group (USS Boxer). CENTCOM forces have redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one oil tanker with Hellfire missiles. In the Pacific, USS George Washington is conducting operations in the Philippine Sea, USS Theodore Roosevelt is participating in RIMPAC 2026 near Hawaii, and several carriers are in port or maintenance in the U.S. The article provides a comprehensive status update on U.S. carrier and amphibious ready group deployments worldwide.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:36 PM UTC

The U.S. conducted a ninth consecutive night of precision strikes against Iran and announced a tenth round, as the reinstated blockade of Iranian ports nears one week. Over 20 U.S. Navy warships operate in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, including two Carrier Strike Groups (USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H.W. Bush) and an Amphibious Ready Group (USS Boxer). CENTCOM forces have redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one oil tanker with Hellfire missiles. In the Pacific, USS George Washington conducted fueling operations in the Philippine Sea, while USS Theodore Roosevelt participates in RIMPAC 2026 near Hawaii. USS Nimitz is at Norfolk for deactivation, USS Carl Vinson is in San Diego after certifications. Overall, three carriers are deployed, three are training or in port, four in maintenance, and one used for training. Two amphibious ready groups are deployed.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:36 PM UTC

The U.S. conducted a ninth consecutive night of precision strikes against Iran over the weekend, with a tenth round announced for today, as the reinstated naval blockade of Iranian ports approaches its one-week mark. CENTCOM forces have redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one oil tanker with Hellfire missiles since July 14. Over 20 U.S. Navy warships, including two Carrier Strike Groups (USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H.W. Bush) and an Amphibious Ready Group (USS Boxer), are operating in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. In the Pacific, USS George Washington is in the Philippine Sea conducting replenishment operations, USS Theodore Roosevelt is participating in RIMPAC 2026 near Hawaii, and USS Carl Vinson is in San Diego after certifications. Overall, three U.S. carriers are deployed, three are training or in port, four are in maintenance, and one is used for training. Two amphibious ready groups are deployed.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:36 PM UTC

The article examines the plight of merchant mariners trapped in the Persian Gulf during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. In late June, the IMO launched an evacuation operation that successfully moved 115 ships and 2,500 crew through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the operation was halted after a projectile struck the cargo ship Ever Lovely off Oman on June 25. Subsequent explosions at Iranian military sites and the U.S. revocation of an oil waiver left approximately 6,000 sailors stranded. At least 14 seafarers have been killed and 40 commercial vessels attacked since the conflict began. The article highlights how modern technology (AIS, LRIT) makes merchant fleet neutrality transparent, yet seafarers remain vulnerable in conflict zones. It contrasts this with peacetime issues of deliberate opacity through AIS spoofing or vessel abandonment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:15 PM UTC

This opinion piece from The New Republic analyzes the renewed conflict between the United States and Iran under President Donald Trump. It describes a cycle of attacks and retaliations, including an Iranian attack on a Jordanian air base killing three U.S. soldiers, followed by U.S. retaliation. The author critiques Trump's decision-making style and outlines four possible escalation scenarios: a limited bombing campaign with an exit ramp; a major strike on Iran's Kharg Island oil infrastructure; a gradual escalation into a full-scale war with high casualties; and a worst-case scenario involving the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. The analysis emphasizes global risks due to Trump's perceived impulsiveness and reliance on media cues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:00 AM UTC

This opinion analysis from The New Republic examines the renewed conflict between the United States and Iran under President Donald Trump. Following an Iranian attack on a Jordanian air base that killed three American soldiers, the US retaliated, and Iran retaliated back, edging closer to a wider war. The author critiques Trump's decision-making style, citing his short attention span, refusal to read briefings, and reliance on Fox News. The article outlines four escalating scenarios: limited strikes on civilian infrastructure (e.g., Pickaxe Mountain) leading to an exit ramp; a massive bombing raid on Kharg Island's oil infrastructure; a gradual escalation into a full shooting war with high casualties; and a worst-case scenario involving the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The analysis warns of global economic consequences and the unpredictability of Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:00 AM UTC

This opinion analysis from The New Republic examines the renewed conflict between the United States and Iran under President Donald Trump. Following an Iranian attack on a Jordanian air base that killed three American soldiers, the US retaliated, and Iran retaliated back, edging closer to a wider war. The author critiques Trump's decision-making style, citing his short attention span, refusal to read briefings, and reliance on Fox News. The article outlines four escalating scenarios: limited strikes on civilian infrastructure and a repeat of the existing conflict; a major bombing of Kharg Island's oil facilities or invasion; a spiral into a full-scale shooting war with high casualties; and the worst-case scenario of Trump using tactical nuclear weapons out of impatience. The piece warns of global economic consequences and the danger of unpredictable escalation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:00 AM UTC

President Donald Trump's once-dismissive attitude toward Jimmy Carter has shifted to a more wistful tone as he confronts similar challenges that plagued the 39th president: a protracted war in Iran and persistent inflation. Trump recently invoked Carter when asked about a military raid to seize enriched uranium, saying 'I didn't feel like being Jimmy Carter,' referencing the failed 1980 hostage rescue. Experts note Trump appears to realize his legacy may mirror Carter's, despite stark personal and ethical differences. Carter faced 14.7% inflation in 1980; Trump's current rate is 4.2%. Both presidents struggled with the Strait of Hormuz and considered targeting Iran's Kharg Island. White House spokesperson Olivia Wales insisted Trump will never allow Iran a nuclear weapon and remains focused on lowering costs. The article contrasts Carter's religious fidelity and blind trust with Trump's divorces, falsehoods, and $1.2 billion in crypto income.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:19 PM UTC

On July 17, 2026, crude oil and gasoline prices surged sharply as US-Iran hostilities escalated, with crude reaching a five-week high and gasoline a two-month high. The US launched fresh strikes against Iran for the sixth consecutive day, hitting coastal surveillance, air defense sites, and maritime assets. Iran retaliated by attacking US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, damaging a desalination plant and power units. President Trump pledged to intensify bombardment until Iran stops attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, with reports of possible seizure of Iran's main oil export terminal, Kharg Island. The International Maritime Organization warned the strait is too dangerous for transit, and oil flows through the strait have slumped to about 5.5 million bpd from 9.4 million bpd. Additionally, Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have reduced Russian crude production to 2.5-year lows, further tightening global supplies. The crude crack spread rose to a record high, supporting prices.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:15 PM UTC

The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz has escalated to a 'worst-case scenario' for oil tankers, according to Dimitris Maniatis, CEO of maritime risk firm Marisks. At least nine ships have been attacked since July 6 as Iran attempts to force vessels through its territorial waters instead of the US-protected route along Oman's coast. One seafarer was killed and three injured in an attack on the crude oil tanker Al Bahyah off Oman on Tuesday, while 11 mariners were injured in a separate attack on the Mombasa B. Iran has used anti-ship missiles in these attacks. The US military disabled an unladen oil tanker after reimposing its naval blockade against Iran. Ship traffic through the strait has fallen to a trickle, with only eight transits on Thursday compared to over 100 daily before the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Crews are increasingly fearful, with Maniatis stating 'nobody is willing to move.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:20 PM UTC

The article analyzes the collapse of President Donald Trump's ad-lib strategy on Iran, which has devolved from promises to end Middle East wars into an intractable conflict. Vice-President J.D. Vance had engaged in diplomatic talks with senior Iranian officials, but Trump has since resorted to disparaging Iranians. The U.S. and Israel conducted limited strikes on Iran's nuclear sites last summer, but the balance of power remained unchanged. The core issue is now control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas chokepoint, with both sides threatening tolls. Trump is considering expanding military strikes to target infrastructure if Iran does not return to negotiations. Analysts warn that bluster and bombs will not work, and historical parallels are drawn to failed Roman military campaigns against Persia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:00 AM UTC

Iran-linked liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, including the U.S.-sanctioned vessels Glendale and Danuta I, have made abrupt U-turns and zig-zagging maneuvers in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman to avoid the reinstated U.S. naval blockade. The blockade was reimposed after a fragile ceasefire collapsed following Iranian strikes on commercial vessels and U.S. retaliatory strikes. U.S. Central Command reported that as of late Thursday, three commercial vessels were redirected, one disabled for non-compliance, and another boarded. U.S. forces also struck and disabled an Iran-linked sanctioned oil tanker near Kharg Island. Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed to a two-month low, with owners and operators unwilling to risk Iranian attacks. The regional threat alert for shipping has been raised to 'severe,' stalling energy flows from the Middle East.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:30 AM UTC

The ceasefire between America and Iran has all but collapsed after Donald Trump reinstated a blockade of Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and ordered fresh strikes to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping. Iran retaliated by targeting countries in the region, including Kuwait and Jordan, and struck two United Arab Emirates' oil tankers with cruise missiles. America hit a tanker heading towards Kharg island, Iran's oil-export hub. Trump raised, then quickly backed down from, the possibility of charging a 20% fee on ships traversing the strait. Oil prices jumped. Separately, Iraq's new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, visited the White House, where Trump praised him as a 'great leader'. Trump had blocked the return of Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister, viewing him as too close to Iran. Iraq's new leader faces intense pressure to disarm Iranian-aligned militias that have attacked American facilities.

1 reports · 1 sources

In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump addressed recent military engagements with Iran, asserting that Washington did not underestimate Tehran's resolve or pain threshold. Trump stated that the US military struck Iran "unbelievably hard" but made a deliberate strategic choice to preserve significant portions of the country's infrastructure. He specifically noted that US forces left bridges and electricity capacity intact, claiming these could be destroyed within two days if necessary. Furthermore, Trump highlighted that critical oil infrastructure, particularly on Kharg Island, was spared, with oil valves left intentionally operational. This statement comes amidst reports of US-Israeli strikes on Iran and serves as a clarification of US military objectives and restraint during the conflict. The article also references broader geopolitical reactions, including comments from Russian officials and the impact on European industries, but focuses primarily on Trump's justification of the US military strategy and his denial of any miscalculation regarding Iran's willingness to continue the conflict.

1 reports · 1 sources

Recent military strikes by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates against Iranian targets have sparked debate over the future of US strategy in the Gulf. While Pentagon officials publicly characterize this Arab retaliation as a strategic victory for Washington, emerging indicators suggest a growing divergence between Gulf states and US policy. As the United States attempts to build leverage over Iran, the autonomous actions of its regional allies indicate they are no longer acting in strict lockstep with Washington. The article analyzes whether these independent military maneuvers represent a fundamental shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the region. Despite US efforts to coordinate a unified front, the willingness of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to engage directly suggests an evolving security architecture where Gulf nations prioritize their own immediate security interests. This development challenges the traditional US-led containment framework, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of current diplomatic and military alliances in the face of escalating tensions with Tehran.

1 reports · 1 sources

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Iranian oil production has largely come to a standstill, attributing this development to the effectiveness of US naval blockades. In an interview with CNBC, Bessent stated that storage capacities in Iran are exhausted, noting that no oil has been loaded at the critical export hub of Kharg Island for three days. Satellite imagery confirms that ships are neither arriving nor departing, preventing sea-based storage solutions. This blockade, imposed by President Donald Trump in response to Iran's earlier closure of the Strait of Hormuz, aims to cripple Tehran’s primary revenue source. The economic impact is severe, with Iran experiencing historic inflation, a record-low rial, and doubled consumer prices. Bessent warned that prolonged shutdowns could cause long-term damage to oil wells through a process known as 'shut in.' The situation follows a recent US offensive and subsequent ceasefire, marking a significant escalation in economic pressure against the Iranian government. Observers cite the restriction of oil exports as the primary driver of the country's current economic crisis.

1 reports · 1 sources

Iranian authorities have officially stated that the significant oil slick detected near Kharg Island originated from the illegal discharge of waste by a foreign tanker, rather than any domestic infrastructure failure. This conclusion follows an investigation triggered by satellite imagery that revealed a large area of discoloration stretching across the sea surface in the vicinity of the island. Officials confirmed that comprehensive checks of local pipelines and oil facilities showed no signs of leaks, ruptures, or operational failures. Kharg Island is a critical hub for Iran's oil exports, making environmental incidents in the area particularly sensitive regarding both ecological impact and economic operations. By attributing the spill to external actors, Iran aims to deflect blame from its state-owned oil infrastructure while highlighting issues of maritime pollution regulation. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of monitoring environmental safety in busy shipping lanes and the geopolitical tensions often associated with resource-rich regions. No specific foreign vessel was immediately identified in the initial reports, but the accusation points to broader concerns about compliance with international maritime environmental standards.

1 reports · 1 sources

Recent geospatial intelligence and satellite imagery indicate that Iran's primary crude oil export terminal on Kharg Island has ceased operations, marking a significant escalation in the economic pressure exerted by the United States. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s strategy to suffocate the Iranian regime appears to be materializing, with data showing no ocean-going tankers loading at the facility for several consecutive days in May 2026. This represents the longest halt in crude shipments since the onset of the US-Iran conflict nearly three months ago. Reports suggest that seaborne crude exports have been effectively stopped for the past 28 days due to a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and potential infrastructure damage, evidenced by a massive oil slick near the island. With storage capacities rapidly filling and no outbound shipments, Iran faces imminent production cuts. Analysts note that while some refined products have escaped sanctions, the crude bottleneck is severe, supporting claims that Tehran is struggling financially. The situation underscores the effectiveness of the current US economic blockade, potentially forcing Iran to shut in oil wells as it runs out of storage space for its unsold crude.

1 reports · 1 sources

Oil prices retreated after a three-day surge, with Brent crude falling below $107 and West Texas Intermediate near $101, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict remain at an impasse. The decline occurs despite significant supply disruptions caused by a US Naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively halted Iranian exports for over ten weeks. Satellite imagery confirms a stoppage at Iran’s main export hub, Kharg Island. While President Donald Trump stated that trade discussions with China would take precedence over the war in upcoming talks, the conflict continues to drive domestic inflation in the US, with gasoline prices reaching their highest levels since 2022. Global supply chains are increasingly strained, forcing Asian nations like Japan to seek alternative crude sources, such as Mexican oil. Analysts warn of a mismatch between futures pricing and physical market realities, noting that while headlines may suggest immediate relief, actual supply balance improvements will lag. Trading volumes have also declined significantly this week, reflecting market uncertainty as the geopolitical crisis persists.

1 reports · 1 sources

Satellite imagery from Europe's Copernicus Sentinel satellites has detected a significant oil slick covering approximately 45 square kilometers in the Persian Gulf near Iran's Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iranian oil exports. This incident is one of several suspected spills recorded since the onset of the US-Israel conflict with Iran in late February 2026. While Tehran denies responsibility, attributing the pollution to waste from a European tanker and labeling accusations as psychological warfare, experts warn of severe ecological consequences. The Persian Gulf’s shallow, semi-enclosed nature limits water circulation, causing pollutants to persist in sediments rather than flushing out. This exacerbates existing environmental stresses like rising temperatures and salinity. The spill threatens marine life by suffocating microorganisms, coating seabirds, and poisoning turtles, while damaging crucial mangrove and coral habitats. Given the region's limited water exchange and ongoing conflict hindering cleanup efforts, scientists predict recovery could take generations, echoing the long-term devastation seen after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The incident highlights the compounding environmental crisis driven by potential storage shortages and geopolitical instability.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Department of Environment (DOE) in Iran has confirmed that the oil slick observed near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf resulted from the discharge of contaminated ballast water by a damaged tanker. This announcement aims to address public concerns fueled by viral social media reports suggesting infrastructure failures. Following field and technical inspections, the DOE stated there is no evidence of leaks from pipelines, terminals, or platforms operated by the Iranian Offshore Oil Company. The agency is continuously monitoring the situation using satellite imagery and on-site experts. The report contextualizes this incident within broader environmental risks associated with armed conflict, citing UN experts who warn about the long-term ecological damage caused by recent attacks on Iranian oil facilities by the United States and Israel. It references international legal frameworks like the ENMOD Convention and Geneva Conventions, which prohibit severe environmental damage during warfare. The article highlights ongoing tensions, noting WHO concerns regarding health impacts from toxic pollutants and acid rain in Tehran, framing the spill as part of a larger pattern of environmental violations amidst regional hostilities.

1 reports · 1 sources

Iran has officially denied reports of a significant oil leak near Kharg Island, its primary oil export hub in the Gulf, following the release of satellite imagery suggesting a large slick. The Iran Oil Terminals Company stated that comprehensive inspections of storage tanks, pipelines, and tankers revealed no evidence of leakage. Furthermore, the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC) reported no signs of pollution in the area. Conversely, satellite data from Copernicus Sentinel and analysis by Orbital EOS indicated a suspected spill covering over 20 square miles, potentially spreading toward Saudi waters. This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions, with US forces maintaining a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and imposing strict sanctions on Tehran. US officials have warned that the congested maritime traffic and ongoing hostilities could lead to an environmental catastrophe. While The New York Times initially reported the suspected spill citing satellite images, Iranian authorities maintain that field inspections and laboratory tests found not even the smallest trace of oil leakage, attributing the situation to false reports amid economic pressure.

1 reports · 1 sources

A confidential ten-page document prepared by Russia's GRU intelligence agency reveals a risky three-part plan to assist Iran during its conflict with the United States in the Gulf. Obtained by The Economist, the proposal outlines Russia's offer to supply 5,000 short-range fiber-optic drones, an unspecified number of long-range satellite-guided drones, and specialized training for Iranian forces. These fiber-optic drones, which use wired connections to evade electronic jamming, have proven effective in the Ukraine war and were recently used by Hezbollah in Lebanon. The document was likely drafted during the initial weeks of the war, amid fears that President Donald Trump might order ground troops to capture Iranian territory, such as Kharg Island. While regional intelligence sources deem the plan plausible, there is no direct evidence confirming its delivery or implementation. This revelation marks the first indication that Russia may have offered innovative weapons capable of causing significant casualties to US and allied forces, moving beyond previous intelligence sharing. The report highlights escalating military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

1 reports · 1 sources