• #481
Personally I would love to daydream about a glorious world in which there was no such thing as war, or enemies, or hatred, or prejudice.

But this is not reality. Our actual world is replete with all this endless horror.

It would be phenomenal if everyone would just go to their corners and live and let live. But since we have enemies who consider us the Great Satan, and who have declared death to those who do not believe in their religion, we hqve to be on guard.

And yes, unfortunately, sometimes it’s kill, or be killed. Like now.
That’s really very sad, @Arkay. I hate war and the loss of human life. 😿
 
  • #482
Ahead of the February 28 strikes, Turkey joined several Arab states in offering to mediate a “diplomatic solution” between Washington and Tehran. The proposed framework would have capped uranium enrichment, limited ballistic missile development, and paused weapons transfers to proxy groups. Notably, it would not have dismantled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure nor addressed the regime’s domestic repression. Instead, it would have preserved regime stability — enabling Tehran to weather external pressure and potentially outlast the Trump administration.

Turkey’s Refusal To Support U.S. Action​

Ankara has made clear it will not assist U.S. efforts to dismantle the Islamic Republic. Turkey has reportedly denied U.S. forces access to its air, land, and maritime space for operations against Iran and declined broader logistical cooperation. This posture is in profound tension with Turkey’s status as a NATO member and a purported U.S. strategic ally.

As strikes hit Tehran on Saturday morning, millions of Iranians got a strange push notification on their phones. The BadeSaba Calendar prayer app, which has more than 5 million downloads, had been compromised, and the app issued alerts saying, “Help has arrived!” and called for a “People’s Army” to defend their “Iranian brothers,” according to an assessment from cyber intel firm Flashpoint. On Sunday, the app sent with surrender instructions for rank-and-file members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and safe locations for protesters to gather.

Then regime loyalists quickly struck back.

According to Flashpoint, what followed on Sunday was the “most aggressive” use so far of what’s known as Iran’s “Great Epic” cyber campaign, which is a loosely coordinated group of cyber operatives under a channel called the “Cyber Islamic Resistance.” Under the group’s umbrella, various cyber attackers have shut down gas stations in Jordan, and led attacks against U.S. and Israeli military providers to destroy data as well as conduct psychological operations mimicking the BadeSaba hack.

The next 48 hours are likely to be a period of “extreme volatility” where hacktivists and proxies “take the lead in escalation to fill the vacuum left by Tehran’s central command,” Flashpoint noted in an update. These actors are allegedly using Telegram and Reddit as a coordination hub, posting screenshots of alleged attacks as proof, although it takes weeks and sometimes months to verify accuracy, said Kathryn Raines, a former NSA expert who is now a threat intel team lead at Flashpoint.
 
  • #483
People can keep saying that this is not war, but our president himself essentially called it a war. Granted, what he actually said was that Americans will probably be killed during this mission and that just often happens during war. Many will say it’s just Trump being hyperbolic. I guess we will find out.
This is what I keep coming back to - Trumps statements about this whole thing. He’s calling it a war, he’s saying our troops may die and basically justifying it as just a part of war, he’s saying there is an imminent threat to the US. So if they are planning on this being 4 weeks of drone bombing and targeted attacks, what is magically going to happen after those 4 weeks? We completely clear out the current regime and then what? I haven’t seen any articles or comments here about the end goal of this whole thing. Yes, we took out their current leader and some of the regime but that’s not liberating anyone without any sort of new government in place that won’t be similar to the old one. Nothing we have done so far has liberated anyone and I fail to see how anyone will be liberated after Trumps magical 4 week “non-war” war.
 
  • #484
I heard noise and looked out of my window today and saw a park filled with flags from Iran, Israel and America. All dancing and rejoicing in the death of a man that oppressed its people, called for the rape of female prisoners before their execution so they will not go to heaven. They were all celebrating the hope, optimism and freedom for the Iranian people. I went down and joined them.
 
  • #485
Skigh, my love, I can agree with you to an extent, but where do we go from here? War is not the answer, and I’m not smart enough to have any suggestions. DM me if you want.

I don't think there is a plan. Just a hope that a majority of the people will rise up. But the photos that I have seen show many thousands of Iranians mourning the loss of Khamenei.


"The United States has yet to spell out a “day-after” strategy for Iran following ⁠joint US-Israeli strikes that killed much of the country’s ⁠leadership, lawmakers from both major political parties say.
The strategy Trump has publicly outlined so far hinges largely on the hope that the Iranian people ⁠will rise up and determine their own future after decades of repression."

a.webp


 
  • #486

Israel says it targeted 'dozens' of IRGC command centers in Tehran​


The Israeli military said it targeted "dozens" of command centers in Tehran belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps today.

Explosions were heard earlier from central Tehran near the location of the intelligence ministry.

The targeted locations include intelligence headquarters, command centers and internal security headquarters, the Israel Defense Forces said.

I hope targets like this being included will help chances of the Iranian people being able to overthrow the government.
 
  • #487
Thread is closed.

Check back later today.
 
  • #488
Cleanup still not completed, but we are reopening the discussion for now. Any more issues in this discussion and we will close it down and open a Media only *NO DISCUSSION* thread.
 
  • #489
3m ago
Helena Smith

Defence and intelligence experts are describing the strike on a UK airbase in Cyprus as a “possible Iranian one-way drone attack against RAF Akrotiri”.

The base is located over 600 miles (965km) from Iran.

Alerts, thought to have been put out by the UK’s Ministry of Defence, were sent to military personnel and their families by email and text message.


5m ago
Helena Smith

Authorities in Cyprus have confirmed the drone strike. The sovereign base areas and surrounding areas will remain in a state of high alert amid fears of possible further strikes.

All roads to the military facilities have been cordoned off, the Guardian has learned.

SMS messaging sent to base personnel included this:

We are aware of an ongoing security threat. At this time please remain indoors and allow the emergency services access to react to the incident.

The Main entry point at RAF Akrotiri remains closed at this point …

A small Drone has impacted the airfield at RAF Akrotiri and all agencies are responding. There are no casualties but there is minor damage. However the incident is ongoing.


15m ago
Further to the report that the UK’s Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus has been hit by a drone, we’ve have word that this SMS message was sent to base personnel before the strike:

There is an ongoing security threat. Please return to your homes and stay inside until further official notice. Move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture. Please await further instruction.


40m ago
The UK’s Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus has been hit by a drone, according to a report in the Cyprus Mail.

Personnel on the bases were informed that a “small drone” had impacted the airfield and that the bases’ authorities were responding, the report said.

There were no casualties as a result but “minor damage” was caused.

The bases’ authorities instructed personnel to remain in place and await further instruction, warning there may be additional impact, the report said.

The explosion and siren sounds were heard in nearby Limassol.

The British bases had earlier declared a “security threat” shortly before midnight.

The report could not be independently verified.

 
  • #490

UK Cyprus base hit by drone​


 
  • #491
I'm still pondering the 'imminent threat' aspect of the attack. Could someone help me out here?

P.S. Thank you @Sillybilly for doing what you do! Being a mod is a thankless job.
 
  • #492
Smoke rises over Konarak naval base in southern Iran on Sunday. The base was one of hundreds of targets of U.S. and Israeli forces throughout the country
An image by the company Airbus taken on Saturday shows the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Iran's Leadership House in central Tehran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening wave of attacks.

An image by the company Airbus taken on Saturday shows the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Iran's Leadership House in central Tehran

Hardened aircraft shelters at Konarak Airbase were struck with precision munitions.

Hardened aircraft shelters at Konarak airbase were struck with precision munitions

For policymakers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), transparency, policy clarity, and credible communication will therefore be critical litmus tests for markets as they reopen following the recent escalation involving US and Israeli military action against Iran and Iran’s subsequent response affecting GCC nations. To keep the unknowns in the realm of the known, markets, for example, would welcome detailed updates on hydrocarbon production, capacity, constraints, and operational continuity. Equally important is the normal functioning of domestic capital markets and visible stability across the financial sector.

Market reaction will likely begin with Asia’s opening sessions on Monday morning. One early indicator will be the behavior of the US dollar. Despite the dollar’s traditional safe-haven status, recent months have seen episodes of capital rotation away from it. Given current uncertainty surrounding Iran’s internal stability, global demand for dollars may not spike as sharply as in past crises. Gold and, in some cases, currencies such as the Swiss franc or Australian dollar may instead benefit as investors seek perceived stores of value amid geopolitical instability.
The risk of unknown unknowns for global markets amid war ...Atlantic Councilhttps://www.atlanticcouncil.org › blogs › menasource › t...
 
Last edited:
  • #493
U.S. and Israeli strikes - and Iranian retaliation - rippled through global markets, hitting sectors from shipping to air travel to oil. Analysts warned of rising energy costs and disruption to business in the Gulf, a strategic waterway and global trade hub.
1772412267721.webp


FBI director Kash Patel instructed federal counterterrorism and intelligence to "mobilize all assisting security assets needed" after placing them on high alert Saturday, per a post to X, while law enforcement in D.C., New York City and Los Angeles are among those to take additional steps.

Reza Pahlavi: It is definitely a sort of earth-shattering event in the sense of when people identify the entire monstrosity of the regime that is depicted ultimately by the chief monster of these monsters, when he's gone, one-- the minute such a personality disappears, it's like elation. It was like, "Oh, my God, it has finally occurred. Maybe this is it. This is our chance now."

Scott Pelley: You call him a monster. What do you mean?

Reza Pahlavi: Well, I mean, ever since this regime has taken over, how many Iranians' lives have been lost? I don't think you can have an example of such level of atrocity ever in the history of Iran or at this contemporary Iran that has occurred under this regime. And this is all because of Ali Khamenei's insistence and persistence to keep himself and his Mafia regime in power at the expense of the Iranian people, I don't know how else can you depict it other than being true monsters in the real sense of the word.
 
Last edited:
  • #494
Scores of Iranian-Americans cheered the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in New York City Sunday after the despot and a cadre of his goons were were killed in a US-Israeli strike in Tehran — with similar celebrations erupting in other cities across the globe. About 500 people flocked to Midtown in the afternoon chanting “USA! USA! USA!” and “TRUMP, TRUMP! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!” — and also carrying banners reading “Make Iran Great Again.” The group was headed toward Times Square while waving the Iranian Lion and Sun flag, which was banned after the 1979 Islamic Revolution sent the Middle Eastern nation into an era of violent oppression.
 
  • #495
  • #496

US allies in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks​

Frank Gardner
Security correspondent

In the clear blue skies above Abu Dhabi, white contrails streak high above the sand-coloured villas and well-watered gardens.

These are no incoming Dreamliners or Airbuses bringing in the next manifest of tourists and guest workers. They are incoming ballistic missiles, launched by the Emirates' giant neighbour just across the Gulf: Iran.

As of Sunday afternoon, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defence ministry said it had so far "dealt with" 165 incoming ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones.

These are not familiar scenes in this region, but since this conflict began on Saturday morning, Iran appears to have expanded its target set from just hitting military targets.

Read more here.


Trump ignores questions on Iran as he returns to White House​

Donald Trump has ignored questions on Iran shouted by reporters as he arrived back at the White House.

The US president, who had been at his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago, instead commented on two new statues in the Rose Garden.

 
  • #497
Smoke rises over Konarak naval base in southern Iran on Sunday. The base was one of hundreds of targets of U.S. and Israeli forces throughout the country
An image by the company Airbus taken on Saturday shows the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Iran's Leadership House in central Tehran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening wave of attacks.'s Leadership House in central Tehran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening wave of attacks.

An image by the company Airbus taken on Saturday shows the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Iran's Leadership House in central Tehran

Hardened aircraft shelters at Konarak Airbase were struck with precision munitions.

Hardened aircraft shelters at Konarak airbase were struck with precision munitions

For policymakers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), transparency, policy clarity, and credible communication will therefore be critical litmus tests for markets as they reopen following the recent escalation involving US and Israeli military action against Iran and Iran’s subsequent response affecting GCC nations. To keep the unknowns in the realm of the known, markets, for example, would welcome detailed updates on hydrocarbon production, capacity, constraints, and operational continuity. Equally important is the normal functioning of domestic capital markets and visible stability across the financial sector.

Market reaction will likely begin with Asia’s opening sessions on Monday morning. One early indicator will be the behavior of the US dollar. Despite the dollar’s traditional safe-haven status, recent months have seen episodes of capital rotation away from it. Given current uncertainty surrounding Iran’s internal stability, global demand for dollars may not spike as sharply as in past crises. Gold and, in some cases, currencies such as the Swiss franc or Australian dollar may instead benefit as investors seek perceived stores of value amid geopolitical instability.
The risk of unknown unknowns for global markets amid war ...Atlantic Councilhttps://www.atlanticcouncil.org › blogs › menasource › t...

Pulled out for focus.... "One early indicator will be the behavior of the US dollar. Despite the dollar’s traditional safe-haven status, recent months have seen episodes of capital rotation away from it.

Yup. Investors don't trust the US enough anymore for the USD to be a safe haven. (My career was in institutional investing and I can guarantee that investors are disconcerted by the unpredictable actions by the US government. First the tariffs, which are bad for the global economy, and now the 'attack any country we don't like' strategy is unsettling.)
 
  • #498
11m ago
Explosions have reportedly been heard in the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut – a Hezbollah stronghold – after the Israeli military said it had started striking the Iran-backed militant group.

The strikes came after Hezbollah claimed responsibility launching projectiles at Israel from Lebanon on Monday.

As mentioned, Hezbollah said on Sunday it had a “duty” to support Iran after the US-Israeli strikes. But the group has not confirmed action since the strikes began on Saturday.




Israel striking targets in Lebanon, military says​


The Israeli military has just announced it has begun striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

The action is "in response to Hezbollah's projectile fire" towards Israel, a statement says.

Witnesses have reported strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs, according to the Reuters news agency.

 
  • #499
Apologies for OT post

My parents met whilst working in Iran. Mother with the Dutch Embassy and father with Shell Agrochemicals. This was during the time of the Shah and everything was very luxurious, especially for the higher classes and foreigners.

Iran is a very beautiful country, Isfahan in particular is an incredibly romantic city.

They recall very good food and exceptionally friendly people.

They married in Tehran in 1965.

Although they left soon afterwards to other hotspots, my father continued to get contracts under the Khomeni rule for many years. Many things changed, particularly freedom for women in terms of dress and where they could go. There were food shortages. Arrests and jailing for petty offences, etc.

Although recognising the regime must change, my mother is filled with anguish and praying for minimal destruction. She last went back to visit in 2000. That was maybe the last time it was safe for tourism
 
  • #500

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