Originally posted by fischtown7: Hegseth just fired the Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, wonder if the Daily Mail report of 34 ships slipping thru the blockade has anything to do with it.
SECNAV has nothing to do with operations, Phelan's removal was because of the embarrassing state of ship maintenance and shipbuilding. In his defense he was handed a bad situation as the Navy and the larger Pentagon has worked to underfund and allow things to deteriorate over the last 20-years. Its speculated that DJT wanted Phelan to be much aggressive when dealing with private shipyards and the growing delays that is affecting readiness, problem is there are very few shipyards remaining in the US and their place within the US economy is microscopic & insignificant compared to prior generations. This is a bigger national strategic economic situation that was allowed to happen over many years & administrations.
As for ships slipping past USN blockade....this is what happens when Big Navy minimizes & takes an unserious position around the need for smaller surface craft that can be produced in large numbers, such as a frigate who's latest iteration was cancelled because of USN's mishandling of the entire project.
quote:
Originally posted by tleddy: Spain has prevented the USA from using joint airfields for the Iran war and, the country’s President has been against us in Gaza as well.
Does any member of our group know how much money would be lost to Spain if the USA pulled all troops and other Americans with our government?
There's two major bases in Spain, Rota for a squadron of six destroyers home ported there and nearby Moron Air Base which is a major base for logistics and at one time based several thousand Marines; both are run by Spanish military with the US as a major tenant. Should the US pull-out, its estimated the region would loose €250m annually and close to 10,000 jobs lost, I believe that's a pretty conservative estimate, as those bases has a lot of dependents who's impact goes well beyond just those in uniform & their hardware.
I think the better strategy is to seek a suspension of Spain from NATO, separate the country from the other members and emphasize their lack of commitment and investment to their membership contrasted against the other members who have made the necssary investments towards their membership. Spain like Germany, thinks their contribution of land for bases and waterfront for ships is good enough to satisfy their membership requirements in exchange for defense protection and a handful of joint-officer billets to be 'in the club'. Sorry, your geographic good-fortune doesn't excuse the necessary investments needed to be a member. Given the anger Spaniards are expressing about the current government's soft attitudes towards illegal migration and the demonizing of those who oppose them, I believe president Sanchez and his cabal of communists are not long.
When we lived in Spain (not long after Generalissimo Franco died) in Zaragoza, if you asked the French about Spain the general comment was "Ah, that's part of Africa." Still true.
"And gentlemen in England now abed, shall think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us upon Saint Crispin's Day"
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran has signaled it is in a "state of collapse."
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that Iranian officials have reached out seeking relief, particularly pushing for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global shipping lane.
"Iran has just informed us that they are in a 'State of Collapse,'" Trump said. "They want us to 'Open the Hormuz Strait,' as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation."
The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region following the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and ongoing disputes over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The blockade has sharply restricted Iran's oil exports, placing significant strain on its economy.
Recent reports indicate Iran has been seeking concessions tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a vital corridor through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply typically flows — while resisting U.S. demands to fully abandon its nuclear program.
At the same time, internal divisions within Iran's leadership and worsening economic conditions have complicated negotiations, with inflation soaring and growth contracting sharply.
Trump has maintained a hardline stance, insisting any agreement must include a complete halt to Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Members of his national security team have also expressed skepticism about Tehran's intentions, warning that Iran may be seeking leverage rather than genuine compromise.
SIGforum: For all your needs! Imagine our influence if every gun owner in America was an NRA member! Click the box>>>
April 28, 2026, 01:20 PM
downtownv
quote:
"Iran has just informed us that they are in a 'State of Collapse,'" Trump said. "They want us to 'Open the Hormuz Strait,' as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation."
The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region following the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and ongoing disputes over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The blockade has sharply restricted Iran's oil exports, placing significant strain on its economy.
Recent reports indicate Iran has been seeking concessions tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a vital corridor through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply typically flows — while resisting U.S. demands to fully abandon its nuclear program.
At the same time, internal divisions within Iran's leadership and worsening economic conditions have complicated negotiations, with inflation soaring and growth contracting sharply.
Trump has maintained a hardline stance, insisting any agreement must include a complete halt to Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Members of his national security team have also expressed skepticism about Tehran's intentions, warning that Iran may be seeking leverage rather than genuine compromise.
Never. You could never trust these Iranians. They are liars and use the stall tactic very well.
_________________________
April 28, 2026, 01:29 PM
chellim1
quote:
Never. You could never trust these Iranians. They are liars and use the stall tactic very well.
Yeah, I think it's looking like it's going to have to get hot again before there's a resolution.
"Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible." -- Justice Janice Rogers Brown
"The United States government is the largest criminal enterprise on earth." -rduckwor
April 28, 2026, 01:43 PM
2BobTanner
Do NOT re-open the Strait. Let the Iranian MF’ers collapse into internal turmoil.
--------------------- DJT-45/47 MAGA !!!!!
“Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur.”
"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it." — Mark Twain
“Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard.” — H. L. Mencken
April 28, 2026, 04:37 PM
V-Tail
quote:
Originally posted by Doc H.:
When we lived in Spain (not long after Generalissimo Franco died) in Zaragoza, if you asked the French about Spain the general comment was "Ah, that's part of Africa." Still true.
I worked in Barcelona on a Transfer Of Technology project, from May 1977 to October 1978. I mentioned to one of the Spanish engineers on our team, that the American company I worked for, was having problems collecting payment per contract.
He told me that while we thought we were dealing with Europeans, this was an illusion; the business practices were African, not European.
הרחפת שלי מלאה בצלופחים
April 28, 2026, 04:57 PM
Gustofer
The Reconquista failed. Or...perhaps we just need another one.
________________________________________________________ It is long past time for a Convention of States. The Founding Fathers gave us this tool to fix an out of control government and we need to use it.
No war has ever been won, truly won, without men and women in country. Except V-J Day, which required such destruction that we now have MAD.
There appear to be two fronts in this war. Make it impossible for Iran to wage any type of war. Eliminate the Iranian control of the Strait.
If we do not destroy all warmaking plants, materiel, and existing armaments, we do not achieve one objective. I think the President is trying very hard to balance the practical physical control of the Strait with both alternate oil transport and the cost of oil worldwide. For now, though, we just don't have the alternate oil transportation.
To eliminate the landing of Russian, Korean, or Chinese troops by air transport we have to create a restricted airspace area now. CAP around the entire border of Iran. And, we have to gain control of all existing major airports, OR destroy all the runways. Now. We can't have any major axis of against the USA country troops in Iran.
With airspace control, and airport control, we can continue to operate with impunity. The minute "axis" equipment or troops enter Iran we are in WWIII, or WW eye eye eye if you do not know roman numerals.
Somehow, we have to erase the IRGC leadership. Now. I hope Israeli intel remains effective and after the cease fire suitably targeted strikes are made.
I still think we will need the IAEA and US troops as a surrounding protective force to go in and remove all enriched materials.
------- Trying to simplify my life...
May 01, 2026, 10:03 AM
chellim1
oil appears to be holding on to its decline despite rising geopolitical tensions. The UAE has urged its citizens in Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq to leave “immediately,” citing deteriorating regional conditions. At the same time, sources suggest the US is completing final pre-strike preparations, including intelligence gathering on Iranian oil infrastructure. In response, Iran is reportedly planning a “dual response”: missile strikes on Gulf energy assets and US-linked bases, alongside a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz using mines and missiles. Senior US military officials have briefed President Trump on updated options for possible action against Iran. In short, multiple warnings have been issued, and the situation remains highly fluid – meaning the landscape could shift markedly over the coming days. Warnings are out.
"Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible." -- Justice Janice Rogers Brown
"The United States government is the largest criminal enterprise on earth." -rduckwor
May 01, 2026, 11:07 AM
parabellum
quote:
Originally posted by 4MUL8R: I worry a bit about all this.
You'd have far more to worry about if US and Israeli armed forces weren't shit-stomping these goat-banging psychopaths.
May 03, 2026, 02:02 AM
tleddy
Washington post reports Iran war as unpopular as Iraq and Vietnam!
I call Bullshit! That Leftwing rag slants everything to TDS! The only group with a lower confidence rating than Main Stream Media is the United States Congress itself! Gallup polling showed all Media at 28%, TV News at 10% and Congress at 10% approval ratings!
Neither ‘Nam nor Iraq threatened with nuclear weapons!
Interesting that the Blue states are under the greatest threat,, being mostly coastal and subject to devices brought in with container ships. President Trump wisely demanded a halt to Iran developing such weapons!
President Trump listens to his civilian and military advisors, then reaches his decisions-I trust his judgment!
No quarter .308/.223
May 04, 2026, 08:06 AM
VBVAGUY
quote:
Originally posted by Gustofer: We're sneaking up on that 90 day War Powers window. If he's going to finish this he needs to finish it now because Congress will never approve of further hostilities.
Could this be the reason ??? Anyone confirm if this is true ??? God Bless
You have to hand it to President Trump. The man simply is three or four steps ahead of everyone when it comes to getting what he wants. And he’s like 10 or 11 steps ahead of every Democrat.
The Domestic Terrorism Party – and a few RINOs – were salivating on Friday over their belief they had finally stopped Trump’s Iran operations. The 60-day limit for combat operations under the War Powers Resolution had arrived, and if Trump wanted more time to finish the job, he’d have to go through them to get permission. And of course, since they’ve all been on Iran’s side the entire time, Democrats were in no mood to give Trump an inch.
So, did that stop Trump? Hardly. He outsmarted all of them. Again:
President Trump perfectly plays the War Power Act with a letter to the Senate saying:
“On Apr. 7 I ordered a ceasefire…There has been no exchange of fire since…The hostilities that began on Feb. 28 are terminated”
He reset the clock on the War Powers Act.
He then states he is keeping forces in the region in case they are needed reserving his right at Commander in Chief to use them as needed. He also said today he considers the War Powers Act unconstitutional but is complying with it to avoid a conflict over that.
He is absolutely correct as the WPA has never been to SCOTUS and does significantly infringe on the President’s Art. II powers. But until that is adjudicated it is best to play along with its requirements while not losing one bit of his freedom of maneuver as Commander in Chief. Brilliant!
Calling for the ceasefire last month when Iran was clearly on the ropes now makes sense, doesn’t it?
There will come a time when the War Powers Act has to be challenged as unconstitutional, and frankly, I believe Trump will be the president who challenges it. But for now, it was sufficient to simply outplay Democrats, whose clown show tactics against this president continue to fail them miserably.
"Always legally conceal carry. At the right place and time, one person can make a positive difference."
