Iran Fires on Ships and US Navy Responds by Sinking Six of their "Fast Assault Boats"

Live Updates: U.S. sinks 6 small Iranian boats as Iran launches attacks on UAE and a ship in Strait of Hormuz
Iran launched its first missile and drone attack on the United Arab Emirates since a ceasefire with the U.S. took effect on April 8, and it fired two drones at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, UAE authorities said Monday.
The U.S. military said two commercial vessels safely transited the strait amid "efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping" under the Project Freedom initiative announced by President Trump.
The Iranian regime says it received a U.S. response to its latest 14-point peace proposal, which it says is aimed at ending the war, not extending the current ceasefire. Mr. Trump said over the weekend that he'd likely reject the Iranian proposal, as "they have not paid a big enough price."

Trump just stated that hostilities were officially concluded, backdating this to the start of the "hot ceasefire." That satisfies the 60-days-without-congressional-authorization demand of the unconstitutional War Powers Act.

What Iran absolutely should not do is attack American ships, because that would give Trump full legal authorization to counterattack them on his own authority.

And guess what they say they did?

...
Iranian state media said earlier that forces fired "warning" shots, including missiles and drones, at a U.S. destroyer as it neared the Strait of Hormuz in the Sea of Oman.
CENTCOM said two U.S.-flagged commercial vessels transited the strait Monday under the auspices of Project Freedom, an initiative announced by President Trump on Sunday for the U.S. military to guide ships through the waterway.
Iranian authorities insist the strait is closed and only vessels with explicit permission from its military will be permitted to pass, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted Monday that the U.S. has full control over the waterway.

Apparently they're now claiming they didn't attack-attack Navy ships. I don't know if they did or they didn't. I think their statement that they did should be taken at face value.

Trump announced that US Navy ships will escort tankers through the Strait, beginning today, in another attempt to defeat Iran's use of the price of oil against him.

President Trump said the U.S. Navy will start guiding ships from foreign countries through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday and warned that if Iran tries to disrupt the process, the American military will use force.
Why it matters: This move that Trump called "Project Freedom" is the most significant step by his administration to try and reopen the key strait since Iran shut it down early in the war.
While Trump claims the move is "humanitarian," it is a clear U.S. challenge to Tehran's effort to control the strait. An Iranian military response could spark a confrontation or even an escalation back to war.

Iran's attempt to shut down the free navigation of ships is also an act of war that authorizes Trump's retaliation on his own authority.

Update: CENTCOM is using slippery language -- they say they'll be guiding ships through the Strait, not escorting them. I am guessing this is for legal reasons. Trump doesn't want his domestic disloyal opposition claiming that if he "escorts" ships that's a violation of the War Powers Act.

Posted by: Disinformation Expert Ace at 01:28 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Nooded.

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (NcvvS)

2 Iran Fires on Ships and US Navy Responds by Sinking Six of their "Fast Assault Boats"

Whoops!

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (DSLf3)

3 Iran's attempt to shut down the free navigation of ships is also an act of war that authorizes Trump's retaliation on his own authority.

======

Still waiting to hear about any sea mines actually found in the strait.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (Y2NSe)

4 Why does Iran have anything floating aside from dead bodies?

Posted by: Stateless at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (Sco7b)

5 Just end the cease fire and be done with it. Enough already.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (u73oe)

6 We gave them an opportunity to be a sub.

Posted by: Piper at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (Wmg4n)

7 And SPONGE!

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 01:31 PM (NcvvS)

8 And I read the content

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at May 04, 2026 01:31 PM (N1DT3)

9 ... like a noob

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at May 04, 2026 01:32 PM (N1DT3)

10 a good start !

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 04, 2026 01:32 PM (VyBeY)

11 Dear Iran,

You are currently at the FO portion of the FAFO matrix.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 01:32 PM (DSLf3)

12 Small means what?

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:33 PM (AvxYT)

13 Casus Belli !

Posted by: runner at May 04, 2026 01:33 PM (GD0B3)

14 Not fast enough.

Posted by: huerfano at May 04, 2026 01:33 PM (VJX5o)

15 Hoping it'll be a long night for IRGC and Iran.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 04, 2026 01:33 PM (N39Ws)

16 fired two drones at a ship"

Ahem.

Really? What caliber?

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 01:33 PM (XuXeR)

17 Still waiting to hear about any sea mines actually found in the strait.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

Marcel Marceau in a swimsuit? Oh, you said mines. Nevermind.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 01:33 PM (DSLf3)

18 This just proves Iran is winning!

The Strait was open until Trump started his illegal war on behalf of Israel!

/s/ the left

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (MtSIY)

19 Doubt very much that anyone in the Irani leadership, such as it is, bothered to consider the constraints under which PDT was willing to operate. Now, those constraints are gone.

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (NcvvS)

20 Only Congress can declare war! Impeach Trump now!!!

Posted by: Isolationists Code Pinkers and Libertarians at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (gHfAU)

21 This is turning into a big game of Blind Man's Bluff.

Looks like Trump is now going to stick US ships out there and hope Iran shoots at them, justifying the restart of full hostilities.
Iran knows that, and so far will try to shoot at everything around the US ships but not directly at them.

This is a ridiculous situation with a thousand ways to go wrong very quickly.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (rGqqI)

22 Small means what?
Posted by: Boss Moss

Bass boat size, I think

Posted by: FeatherBlade at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (vJrRc)

23 Carriers need A 10s.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (AvxYT)

24 Just in:
Truth Social

Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission! We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, “fast” Boats. It’s all they have left. Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, will have a News Conference tomorrow morning. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 01:35 PM (DSLf3)

25 Iran's use of the price of oil against him."

They're not the only ones. Darren Woods comes to mind...

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 01:35 PM (XuXeR)

26 The 60 day clock restarts.

Posted by: toby928(c) at May 04, 2026 01:35 PM (4NO2D)

27 I am wondering about the 'negotiations' which we'll never know crap about.

President Trump isn't stupid so I don't see him being jacked around until 2027. But still. I imagine there's internal power struggles making things difficult.

On the plus side, the wells will be shut down soon so things will develop one way or another. Iran's new export can be virulent anti-Americanism.

Sadly, Canada and the EU are also exporters and have an abundance.

Posted by: Stateless at May 04, 2026 01:35 PM (Sco7b)

28 Game on.
Go after ALL of those boats.

Posted by: torabora at May 04, 2026 01:35 PM (DKJPJ)

29 The days of letting Iran use the little speed boats to cause trouble are over, that's nice to hear. I'm sure they were surprised. Hope there is video later.

Posted by: Inogame at May 04, 2026 01:35 PM (53oGX)

30 Every president has played along with the ridiculous Act since it passed, unfortunately. Trump has shown zero interest in countering the calamitous destruction of the constitution by the courts, so he'll just "Paris Accord" this one too, apparently*.

Looking to me like what I had hoped for and sort of expected. Force the Strait open. Iran has to appear to try to resist, which (more importantly than stupid legal issues) will present to opportunity to degrade their last meaningful capability, actually to defeat it outright.

Assuming we liked what we've been seeing from the blockade/financial offensive, and wanted to give it time. Now we've assessed it's time to move back to kinetic solutions, as we can provoke Iran by perfectly nice sounding things like free navigation through an international waterway.

IDF has prepped a major onslaught and is just waiting for the go-ahead. "Tanned, rested, and ready".

Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:36 PM (U/Byj)

31 Commentary from CENTCOM includes this little nugget:

AH-64 Apache and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters used just this morning to eliminate six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping

I don't think the Navy normally operates the Apache.

The Marines OTOH...

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 04, 2026 01:36 PM (jehhT)

32 23 Carriers need A 10s.
Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (AvxYT)

Unfortunately they are not carrier compatible. No tailhook. Don't think their landing gear can handle the stress of launches.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 04, 2026 01:36 PM (N39Ws)

33 4 Why does Iran have anything floating aside from dead bodies?
Posted by: Stateless at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (Sco7b)

------

I agree. Why have we allowed them to think they have any power in the Strait?

Posted by: Seems Legit at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (aZm/F)

34 didn't attack-attack Navy ships.
-------

attack-attack attack-attack attack-attack

Posted by: Battle of Britain at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (U6Usv)

35 Have the Cocaine Hippos been rescued?

Posted by: torabora at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (DKJPJ)

36 DON'T TOUCH OUR BOATS!

Posted by: pookysgirl watches Mandatory Funday at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (Wt5PA)

37 22 Small means what?
Posted by: Boss Moss

Bass boat size, I think
Posted by: FeatherBlade at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (vJrRc)

From pictures I've seen, similar to the drug boats that we were shooting up in the Caribbean. More weaponry, less cocaine.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (rGqqI)

38 Doubt very much that anyone in the Irani leadership, such as it is"

My $.02 is that it's a bunch of different "generals"
No coordination.

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (XuXeR)

39 It's hilarious that our enemies know that the best way to defeat the US is to give Democrats every reason to prevent our military from winning...

But are so stupid that they will fire on our military, taking from the Democrats their power to stop Trump.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (N1DT3)

40 Al Jizzya put out the bogus story about 2 US ships being struck by missiles fired from the IRGC at around 3:30 am.

It was bullshit but several here chose to jump right on believing it

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 01:38 PM (z2aPa)

41 Problem is, congress is treating this as an ongoing war, so now there has to be a declaration of war for the USA to do anything at all in response. Essentially, the president's hands are tied because congress demands power over the executive department's military control.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:38 PM (uEYKS)

42 agree. Why have we allowed them to think they have any power in the Strait?

Posted by: Seems Legit at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (aZm/F)

To force them into mistakes?

Posted by: Battle of Britain at May 04, 2026 01:38 PM (U6Usv)

43 CENTCOM reported that Iran fired cruise missiles and other projectiles at both US warships and commercial vessels. Those threats were defeated.

Along with the missile attack on the UAE and Fujairah, which has been used to get their oil along the strait, it looks like kinetic action is ramping up.

Posted by: Marcus T at May 04, 2026 01:38 PM (+Tpk4)

44 >>>Iran Fires on Ships and US Navy Responds by Sinking Six of their "Fast Assault Boats"

People were fretting, "Oh no, Trump is running out of time, he is blowing it. Congress is going to shut him down."

Trump counters, "Hostilities with Iran have ceased, Strait of Hormuz is open for business under U.S. Navy protection. Oops, there go more Iranian boats. Checkmate, mfrs."

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (dK+Kv)

45 My prediction, delved out of my belly-button, is: Trump will start allowing the tankers that pay the Iranian bribe to sail, but will require the proceeds of the oil be funneled to an "Iranian state account" in a place like Qatar. Like Venezuela's forced agreement with the US, the oil will be sold at market rates and the funds untouchable until the Iranians cry Uncle, and the ship owner will be recompensed out of that account for the bribe they paid to the IRGC to sail.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (rbvCR)

46 It's almost as if Trump didn't sink ALL the IRGC's navy.
We knew they had these so they of course will use them and it gives us license for more kinetic strikes.

Posted by: torabora at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (DKJPJ)

47 (Singing)

And Iraaaaaaan. Iran is so far awaaaaaaaaay.

Posted by: A Flock of Seagulls at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (hfS6k)

48 Why does Iran have anything floating aside from dead bodies?

My guess is that the Trump administration is trying very hard to straddle the line between wiping out Iran's military and leaving them with something so that a popular revolution has a nation to take over.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (uEYKS)

49 Iran attacked UAE export facilities (and also hit some unrelated civilian things) today. It's likely that UAE aircraft hit the Iranian oil facilities just after the buzzer of the current "ceasefire". They're fulminating pretty good right now over the new attack. Hard to see Iranian economic targets not being addressed when Round 2 bell goes.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (U/Byj)

50 Why does Iran have anything floating aside from dead bodies?

Posted by: Stateless at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (Sco7b)

Same thing I was wondering.

Also, because I missed the thread, the pope is asshoe.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (snZF9)

51 Iranian state media said earlier that forces fired "warning" shots, including missiles and drones, at a U.S. destroyer as it neared the Strait of Hormuz in the Sea of Oman.

i said *across* here nose, not up it!

Posted by: colonel sandurz at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (oY6Yp)

52 WHY AREN'T WE STOMPING PRIVATE ACHMED'S GUTS OUT?!

Seriously, we are the USA, we are known for nuking our enemies, why are we fucking around with these nuisance IRGC lunatics?

Finish this
sweep the leg

Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (ZxPkt)

53 Trump just stated that hostilities were officially concluded, backdating this to the start of the "hot ceasefire." That satisfies the 60-days-without-congressional-authorization demand of the unconstitutional War Powers Act.
-
Well, dang, that was going to be my brilliant addition to the discourse.

Posted by: Methos at May 04, 2026 01:40 PM (vSvIl)

54 41 Problem is, congress is treating this as an ongoing war, so now there has to be a declaration of war for the USA to do anything at all in response. Essentially, the president's hands are tied because congress demands power over the executive department's military control.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:38 PM (uEYKS)

Except that Congress has no enforcement mechanism. If they're really unhappy about what a President is doing, their only recourse is Impeachment.
This Congress isn't going to do that.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:40 PM (rGqqI)

55 Still waiting to hear about any sea mines actually found in the strait.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (Y2NSe)

I have been informed that we need to worry about the weaponized dolphins.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 04, 2026 01:40 PM (rbvCR)

56 41 Problem is, congress is treating this as an ongoing war, so now there has to be a declaration of war for the USA to do anything at all in response. Essentially, the president's hands are tied because congress demands power over the executive department's military control.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:38 PM (uEYKS

======

Obama's Libya campaign lasted for 9 months.

No Congressional authorization.

Congress sued the president.

The courts tossed the suit.

Why? Well, Congress has funding power and can defund the operation whenever they want.

The War Powers Act may be of dubious constitutionality, but it's simply dead letter as long as Congress refuses to actually exercise its funding power which it hasn't done in like a hundred years.

Trump played it smart by emphasizing the pause in hostilities which brings it in alignment with the text of the War Powers Act, but he didn't really need to.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:40 PM (Y2NSe)

57 WHY AREN'T WE STOMPING PRIVATE ACHMED'S GUTS OUT?!

Because congress passed a law that requires the president to get a declaration of war to use any military force in a conflict after a certain deadline, which we have no crossed.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:40 PM (uEYKS)

58 55 Still waiting to hear about any sea mines actually found in the strait.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (Y2NSe)

I have been informed that we need to worry about the weaponized dolphins.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 04, 2026 01:40 PM (rbvCR

=======

Weaponized dolphins are moving the sea mines around so they can't be found!

Wake up, sheeple!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:41 PM (Y2NSe)

59 Und so es fängt.

Posted by: der Typ, der immer denkt, es fängt an at May 04, 2026 01:41 PM (4NO2D)

60 Only six boats?

Posted by: 496 at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (y5h6+)

61 Carriers need A 10s.
Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (AvxYT)

Unfortunately they are not carrier compatible. No tailhook. Don't think their landing gear can handle the stress of launches.
Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 04, 2026 01:36 PM (N39Ws)

IF we had an intelligent military command, they'd have designed a boat or redesigned the A-10 for naval use.

But they just want the fastest, flashiest weapons. Can't have USEFUL ones that deal with actual treats.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (N1DT3)

62 Apaches have been patrolling the Strait for weeks. Well suited to FAC destruction. These boats have no effective defenses. They're intended for nimble attacks in permissive environments.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (U/Byj)

63 I have been informed that we need to worry about the weaponized dolphins.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 04, 2026 01:40 PM (rbvCR)

Iran should know that all Dolphins are Jewish, and most of them work for Mossad.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (rGqqI)

64 Dolphins are going to rape supertankers?

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (AvxYT)

65 John Kerry reporting for duty!

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (U6Usv)

66 STOMPING PRIVATE ACHMED'S GUTS OUT?"

We need him to work, covering our med costs!

/ the formerly so so Britain

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (XuXeR)

67 Meanwhile, UAE leaves opec with a brandy new pipeline available that bypasses the Strait.

https://tinyurl.com/4xytetky

It's almost as if that Trump fellow is operating on a whole 'nother plane.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (dK+Kv)

68 The War Powers Act may be of dubious constitutionality, but it's simply dead letter as long as Congress refuses to actually exercise its funding power which it hasn't done in like a hundred years.

While I agree, that was under a Democrat president and congress (and the media) would behave very differently if Trump tried that.

Trump played it smart by emphasizing the pause in hostilities which brings it in alignment with the text of the War Powers Act, but he didn't really need to.

I agree completely with his interpretation; if any military act at all instantly invokes the law, then any cessation of it should end its applicability. There is literally no mechanism in the law to say "these are the conditions under which the law allows you to attack again."

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (uEYKS)

69 Still waiting to hear about any sea mines actually found in the strait.
---
They're being deployed by their kamikaze dolphin troops.

It's so stupid, how every single ridiculous claim of Iran is swallowed whole and repeated without question by the left.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (MtSIY)

70 It's almost as if Trump didn't sink ALL the IRGC's navy.

===

If ones nave consists of bass fishing boats... it ain't no navy. It's a joke.

Posted by: runner at May 04, 2026 01:43 PM (GD0B3)

71 CENTCOM reported they have mapped out mines they know of and are navigating ships around them.

Posted by: Marcus T at May 04, 2026 01:43 PM (+Tpk4)

72 Maybe we should take the cocaine we've captures over here and parachute it into Iran.
Kick back and see what happens.

Posted by: torabora at May 04, 2026 01:43 PM (DKJPJ)

73 The ships need armed crews with heavy weapons.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:43 PM (AvxYT)

74 Only six boats?"

The Cajun Navy laughs...

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 01:43 PM (XuXeR)

75 67 Meanwhile, UAE leaves opec with a brandy new pipeline available that bypasses the Strait.

https://tinyurl.com/4xytetky

It's almost as if that Trump fellow is operating on a whole 'nother plane.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (dK+Kv)

=======

I've been harping this for like a week, too.

Iran just succeeded in making the strait unimportant.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:44 PM (Y2NSe)

76 Unfortunately they are not carrier compatible. No tailhook. Don't think their landing gear can handle the stress of launches.

Given their capabilities, they might not need either, just space to land and take off from. But yeah, not built for carrier use. We still have them in the area, and active, though from what I read.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:44 PM (uEYKS)

77 Weaponized dolphins are moving the sea mines around so they can't be found!

Wake up, sheeple!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:41 PM (Y2NSe)
---
I suppose next you're going to tell me that the Iranians have sharks with laser beams strapped to their heads....

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 04, 2026 01:44 PM (gnNyN)

78 >> Meanwhile, UAE leaves opec with a brandy new pipeline available that bypasses the Strait.

Which is what Iran just shot missiles at.

Posted by: Marcus T at May 04, 2026 01:44 PM (+Tpk4)

79 Those bass fishing boats have captured shipping.
That's not a joke.

Posted by: torabora at May 04, 2026 01:44 PM (DKJPJ)

80 FAFO

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 04, 2026 01:45 PM (W2Pud)

81 It's of far more than "dubious" constitutionality. But that really isn't important in the post-constitutional era, which we clearly are in. President's hands aren't tied at all. Only constraints aside from the real ones (resources, strategy, enemy getting a vote, etc) are a seeming need to pander to a large dumbed-down segment of the electorate.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:45 PM (U/Byj)

82 Except that Congress has no enforcement mechanism. If they're really unhappy about what a President is doing, their only recourse is Impeachment./i]

This is true, but Trump does not like to break the law or violate agreements with congress, going so far as to seem weak or frustrating in the first term.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:45 PM (uEYKS)

83 68 While I agree, that was under a Democrat president and congress (and the media) would behave very differently if Trump tried that.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (uEYKS

======

It was a Republican Congress. Happened in 2011.

And before we go all, "Republicans in Congress will take any opportunity to stab Trump in the back," they couldn't get the votes to undo his tariffs when Rand Paul leading the charge.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:45 PM (Y2NSe)

84 Going to be a lot of pizza ordered and delivered to the Pentagon tonight.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 04, 2026 01:45 PM (N39Ws)

85 I suppose next you're going to tell me that the Iranians have sharks with laser beams strapped to their heads....
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 04, 2026 01:44 PM (gnNyN)

Well, sea bass. But they are ill-tempered.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:45 PM (rGqqI)

86
Why does Iran have anything floating aside from dead bodies?
Posted by: Stateless

===============

Sorry to mention it, but aren't there things like fishing boats, tugboats, legitimate little supply boats, etc? Someone might even need to get their yacht out of there.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at May 04, 2026 01:45 PM (n7rxJ)

87 Iranian motorboats. Hope they didn’t waste missiles on their runabout “ navy”.

Posted by: tubal at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (Gqar8)

88
It looks like the US blockade of Iran is doing the real damage at this point. As well as, the ending of Iranian banking in Persian Gulf countries. We'll see how much damage Iran can do when they have no money, and no prospect of getting any, and their enemies have plenty.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (azNOR)

89 People were fretting, "Oh no, Trump is running out of time, he is blowing it. Congress is going to shut him down."

Trump counters, "Hostilities with Iran have ceased, Strait of Hormuz is open for business under U.S. Navy protection. Oops, there go more Iranian boats. Checkmate, mfrs."
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 01:39 PM (dK+Kv)
=====

President DJT made the right move - The US is simply enforcing the right of passage through the Hormuz Strait. No sane state in the in world disputes that right. Providing "guidance" to commercial shipping is as old as the US Mediterranean Squadron patrolling the sea lanes around the Barbary pirate lairs (the "shores of Tripoli", as the Hymn goes). More than two hundred years of tradition.

Safe shipping, lower gas prices, happier allies, punishing pirates. A couple weeks of this and P-DJT can go to Congress and write his own ticket if he wants. I'd prefer that and a "Naval Construction Act". Waiting SIX years for the USS Stennis refit is outrageous!

Posted by: mrp at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (rj6Yv)

90 Why aren't tankers armed? Insurance? Seems like a no brainer.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (qcTWE)

91 Iran has renamed their "fast" boats "peace" boats--thus it is really the US who is breaking the ceasefire!!

/s/ the media

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (MtSIY)

92 Breaking! Exclusive!
Never before seen picture of IRGC's remaining naval asset !

https://tinyurl.com/y4dzvcp5

Posted by: runner at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (GD0B3)

93 "President" takes some time, but President Trump has earned the respect.

Posted by: connected and litigious at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (cS1cw)

94 69 They're being deployed by their kamikaze dolphin troops.

It's so stupid, how every single ridiculous claim of Iran is swallowed whole and repeated without question by the left.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (MtSIY)

=======

It's not just the left.

And I'm not obliquely talking about people like Tucker.

The number of righties I saw buying the sea mine bullshit was depressing.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (Y2NSe)

95 It was a Republican Congress. Happened in 2011.

Which is why they sued but let's be honest, they like Trump a lot less than they liked Obama -- or at least feared being called racist more than they like Trump.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (uEYKS)

96 HIMARS sank a sub.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (AvxYT)

97 90 Why aren't tankers armed? Insurance? Seems like a no brainer.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (qcTWE)

=======

I believe it's laws in the places they port at.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (Y2NSe)

98 Weaponized dolphins are moving the sea mines around so they can't be found!

Wake up, sheeple!

Hasn't the Navy actually used dolphins to protect boats and find mines?

Posted by: bonhomme at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (mkw2N)

99 76 Unfortunately they are not carrier compatible. No tailhook. Don't think their landing gear can handle the stress of launches.

Given their capabilities, they might not need either, just space to land and take off from. But yeah, not built for carrier use. We still have them in the area, and active, though from what I read.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:44 PM (uEYKS)

And I hope they keep the IRGC and Iranians awake tonight with the sweet sound of their engines as they come in for attack.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (N39Ws)

100 Strait is still important and will remain so. Energy export workarounds will increase (trans-Saudi and UAE-Indian Ocean pipelines are not new). But unlikely the major capital projects needed to render the Strait insignificant will either all happen, or happen prior to end of Tehran regime, which will remove main incentive to build them.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (U/Byj)

101 CENTCOM reported they have mapped out mines they know of and are navigating ships around them.
Posted by: Marcus T

If they've mapped them out, why haven't they blown them up?

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (DSLf3)

102 I've been harping this for like a week, too.

Iran just succeeded in making the strait unimportant.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:44 PM (Y2NSe)

Some people'd rather set their hair on fire.

I'd rather sit back and enjoy.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (dK+Kv)

103 41 Problem is, congress is treating this as an ongoing war, so now there has to be a declaration of war for the USA to do anything at all in response. Essentially, the president's hands are tied because congress demands power over the executive department's military control.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:38 PM (uEYKS)

Nope.
- President Obama, who spent 9 months striking Libya without even pretending to get Congressional approval.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (iNUL3)

104
95 It was a Republican Congress. Happened in 2011.

Which is why they sued but let's be honest, they like Trump a lot less than they liked Obama -- or at least feared being called racist more than they like Trump.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (uEYKS)

======

You have this habit of ignoring more of a comment that directly addresses your follow up arguments.

It's weird.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:48 PM (Y2NSe)

105 The Cajun Navy laughs...

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 01:43 PM (XuXeR)
-------
What I mean is that doesn't sound like a lot to take out. I'd rather we cruise the coast and anything larger than a surf board gets blown to bits. If it looks like it could be used to blow things up, make it disappear

Posted by: 496 at May 04, 2026 01:48 PM (y5h6+)

106
Commentary from CENTCOM includes this little nugget:

AH-64 Apache and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters used just this morning to eliminate six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping

I don't think the Navy normally operates the Apache.

The Marines OTOH...
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 04, 2026 01:36 PM (jehhT)

Marines specifically rejected use of the Apache, preferring modernized Cobra variants. Why, I have no idea, but if I had to guess, I'd say that the Navy brass had something to do with it, fucking with the Corps because they can, and they're part of the Navy Department, but not the pretty part that serves Admirals foie gras on expensive china.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 04, 2026 01:48 PM (e4Xc5)

107 USN had a marine mammal program using both pinnipeds (seals) and dolphins, based I'm pretty sure here in San Diego. For years. Think it was discontinued. Also think UUVs and sensors generally now can do their jobs, which were surveillance, alert, and inspection - not "offensive".

Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:48 PM (U/Byj)

108 It's a fine line between fast boats and flotsam.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 04, 2026 01:49 PM (gu0hJ)

109 It's so stupid, how every single ridiculous claim of Iran is swallowed whole and repeated without question by the left.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:42 PM (MtSIY)

Tokyo Rose existed for a reason. Only difference is the the Left enjoys doing it.

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 01:49 PM (U6Usv)

110 Why aren't tankers armed? Insurance? Seems like a no brainer.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

Port of calls. Most countries frown on privately armed vessels from docking in their ports.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 01:49 PM (DSLf3)

111 100 Strait is still important and will remain so. Energy export workarounds will increase (trans-Saudi and UAE-Indian Ocean pipelines are not new). But unlikely the major capital projects needed to render the Strait insignificant will either all happen, or happen prior to end of Tehran regime, which will remove main incentive to build them.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:47 PM (U/Byj)

=======

Half of all the traffic has been redirected before UAE finishes it's pipeline.

10.5 million barrels a day are going out of the region by pipeline that weren't before while the strait handled 20 million a day.

Saudi Arabia's own pipeline which was doing 500,000 per day before immediately went to 7 million.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:49 PM (Y2NSe)

112 Apache is like a flying ammo dump.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:49 PM (AvxYT)

113 Does everyone remember how BJ Clinton and Preezy Shit Midas were all hassled and worried about the War Powers act in Serbia and Libya?

Yeah me neither but they were democrap preezys so it didn't apply.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at May 04, 2026 01:49 PM (xvV+O)

114 You know who just unloaded their last tanker of Middle East oil?

Not China.
Not North Korea.
Not Cuba.

California.

And now you know why it all "peace at any cost but especially if the US loses" in the media.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:49 PM (MtSIY)

115 Grokipedia's entry on the Republican Guard Taregh-class boat that I mentioned in the last thread:

https://tinyurl.com/ynbacc3t

These were the boats that were hassling shipping traffic in the PG/SOH during Operation Earnest Will in 1987. I flew a number of ISR missions out of Masirah Island, Oman back then and encountered these things frequently.

They have been upgraded a few times over the years since and now have anti-ship missile capability.

Posted by: one hour sober at May 04, 2026 01:49 PM (Y1sOo)

116 Is it true we sank an Iranian sub using HIMAR?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 04, 2026 01:50 PM (RcrSk)

117 106 - The Corps held on to Hueys for a really long time too, much like they held on the 1903 and resisted the M1 and the M14 over the M16. I think there's just an institutional conservatism in the Marine Corps when it comes to procurement.

Posted by: the lower depths at May 04, 2026 01:50 PM (Dg7ng)

118 It's weird.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:48 PM (Y2NSe)

Par for the course, sponge.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 04, 2026 01:50 PM (qcTWE)

119 The number of righties I saw buying the sea mine bullshit was depressing.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (Y2NSe)

Mines are relatively cheap, easy to deploy and are disastrous when found the wrong way. No one likes mines, it is like helicopter pilots not liking telephone lines.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 04, 2026 01:50 PM (rbvCR)

120 Why are tankers not armed?

The crew on most tankers consists of a Captain, his assistant, an engineer, a Steward for food, and 15 or 16 illiterate Filipinos.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:51 PM (rGqqI)

121 It's almost as if that Trump fellow is operating on a whole 'nother plane.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon

It's amazing the difference when the best minds are tasked with solving problems for the USA instead of figuring out the most efficient ways to pay political supporters and (mostly) fill offshore bank accounts sourced from taxpayer funds.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at May 04, 2026 01:51 PM (Dv3i1)

122 TMJ, the level of illiteracy and unseriousness, not just on military matters, on the "right" is as amazing as it is unsurprising. It's actually comical sometimes how dumbed down the entire scene is, the tide has lowered all boats. Almost nobody without narrow applicable technical expertise worth reading or listening to. Everything they say is obvious, or stupid and wrong.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:51 PM (U/Byj)

123 119 Mines are relatively cheap, easy to deploy and are disastrous when found the wrong way. No one likes mines, it is like helicopter pilots not liking telephone lines.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 04, 2026 01:50 PM (rbvCR)

======

They're not easy to deploy when you don't have any minelayers, which Iran didn't have after about day 3 of the action.

People were asserting either a hidden fleet of minelayers or just pushing them off the sides of speed boats.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:51 PM (Y2NSe)

124 Congress is not gonna declare war on Iran to keep the game going

Come on all a' you big strong men
Uncle Sam needs your help again
He's got himself in a terrible jam
way out yonder in old Iran

and it's 1,2,3, what are we fightin' for
don't ask me I don't give a damn
next stop downtown Tay-Ran

Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 01:52 PM (ZxPkt)

125 You have this habit of ignoring more of a comment that directly addresses your follow up arguments.

Or, I read it and disagreed? Add gave the reasons why?

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:52 PM (uEYKS)

126 >>Meanwhile, UAE leaves opec with a brandy new pipeline available that bypasses the Strait.

Know it's a typo, but a brandy pipeline would be glorious!

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 01:52 PM (NcvvS)

127 CENTCOM reported they have mapped out mines they know of and are navigating ships around them.
Posted by: Marcus T

If they've mapped them out, why haven't they blown them up?
---
Call it a "reverse treasure map."

You don't just give any ol' cabin boy your treasure map, you landlubber.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:52 PM (MtSIY)

128 125 You have this habit of ignoring more of a comment that directly addresses your follow up arguments.

Or, I read it and disagreed? Add gave the reasons why?

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 04, 2026 01:52 PM (uEYKS)

=======

You skipped it in quote, acted like I hadn't addressed the issue at all, and ignored the example I gave you.

Yes, you just ignored it.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:53 PM (Y2NSe)

129 Seems to be true though they flip flop between ATACMS and PRISM.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:54 PM (AvxYT)

130 21 This is turning into a big game of Blind Man's Bluff.

Looks like Trump is now going to stick US ships out there and hope Iran shoots at them, justifying the restart of full hostilities.
Iran knows that, and so far will try to shoot at everything around the US ships but not directly at them.

This is a ridiculous situation with a thousand ways to go wrong very quickly.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (rGqqI)

Calling admiral Josh Painter for comment.

Posted by: Cuthbert the Witless at May 04, 2026 01:54 PM (y6ruu)

131 If they've mapped them out, why haven't they blown them up?
---
Call it a "reverse treasure map."

You don't just give any ol' cabin boy your treasure map, you landlubber.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:52 PM (MtSIY)

I think it implies that the USN has some underwater sensing drones that are mapping things out. Only a short step from that to drones that have the ability to take them out.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:54 PM (rGqqI)

132 122 - Excellent comment. This applies both to the fear-mongerers and the "why haven't we already killed every Iranian in this time zone" crowd.

Posted by: the lower depths at May 04, 2026 01:55 PM (Dg7ng)

133 They're not easy to deploy when you don't have any minelayers, which Iran didn't have after about day 3 of the action.

People were asserting either a hidden fleet of minelayers or just pushing them off the sides of speed boats.
---
I may know nothing about how mines are laid.

But I'm pretty sure the type that can sink ships can not be just rolled off the back of a speed boat.

But sure, Ackmed and his ward of "Allah wills it" protection will just scoot about the gulf in his boat with several thousand pounds of explosives designed to ... blow up boats.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 01:55 PM (MtSIY)

134 sieges take time

all will be well

hope all you grumps had a great weekend!

ours was fantastic and still kinda walking on air. loving spring so far. the city is looking really WOW. they have to clean up for the World Cup and 250th and they're actually doing it! the Parkway was completely clear of homeless! hoping it can stay that way.

sorry Wilmington, enjoy your new residents lol

Posted by: BlackOrchid (j+aD2) at May 04, 2026 01:55 PM (j+aD2)

135 All the virologists on Twitter became war experts in 2022. These are very accomplished people.

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 01:56 PM (U6Usv)

136 The crew on most tankers consists of a Captain, his assistant, an engineer, a Steward for food, and 15 or 16 illiterate Filipinos.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:51 PM (rGqqI)

Hey, they read comic books just fine.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at May 04, 2026 01:56 PM (VTwgk)

137 >>Meanwhile, UAE leaves opec with a brandy new pipeline available that bypasses the Strait.

Know it's a typo, but a brandy pipeline would be glorious!

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 01:52 PM (NcvvS)

Might or might not be a typo, but I hear southerners say that. Look ma, its brandy new. I find myself saying it from time to time.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 04, 2026 01:56 PM (snZF9)

138 Almost nobody without narrow applicable technical expertise worth reading or listening to. Everything they say is obvious, or stupid and wrong.
Posted by: rhomboid at May 04, 2026 01:51 PM (U/Byj)

Yes - and this is the most badly reported war I have ever known of, worse than I thought possible. All any media outlet does is read press releases from either side with no analysis of the situation. (that is if they even bother to do that much)

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:57 PM (rGqqI)

139 I so enjoy the keyboard Generals that think they know better than Hegseth, Cooper and Cain.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 01:57 PM (z2aPa)

140 122 TMJ, the level of illiteracy and unseriousness, not just on military matters, on the "right" is as amazing as it is unsurprising. It's actually comical sometimes how dumbed down the entire scene is, the tide has lowered all boats. Almost nobody without narrow applicable technical expertise worth reading or listening to. Everything they say is obvious, or stupid and wrong.

yep good comment

I'm leaving this operation to the pros. I have faith in them, which is nice. It's a new feeling.

Posted by: BlackOrchid (j+aD2) at May 04, 2026 01:58 PM (j+aD2)

141 >>Mines are relatively cheap, easy to deploy and are disastrous when found the wrong way

Drones are likely more of a threat than mines, these days.

Ukraine kinda showed the world this in the past couple of years.

Posted by: garrett at May 04, 2026 01:58 PM (Lu7y1)

142
"NO BOAT IS ILLEGAL, ESPECIALLY ON STOLEN SEAS!"

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 01:58 PM (JqXxE)

143 Just saw a bunch of pissed off Iranians headed to Bass Pro Shop with a sack full o nickels.

Gonna buy out the bass boat section and teach our Navy a lesson...

Posted by: Sifty boones at May 04, 2026 01:58 PM (SWNPk)

144 >>Look ma, its brandy new. I find myself saying it from time to time.

Ok, learned something new today. Thanks, B-DD.

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 01:59 PM (NcvvS)

145 It is coming out Ohio that as a huge Somalia population , 2nd only to Minnesota and get this, you may not believe it , there is a huge amount of health care fraud being exposed.

It's as if fraud is part of their to their rich, diverse culture.

Posted by: Ripley at May 04, 2026 01:59 PM (GUOwU)

146 I missed the Pope thread! yeah I knew what that guy was about.

and Axelrod just went to map out a plan, he didn't need convincing to be a prog, he already was one.

Posted by: BlackOrchid (j+aD2) at May 04, 2026 01:59 PM (j+aD2)

147 I'm leaving this operation to the pros. I have faith in them, which is nice. It's a new feeling.

Posted by: BlackOrchid (j+aD2) at May 04, 2026 01:58 PM (j+aD2)

New feelings are bad and dangerous. Stick to the time-tested old ones!!

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 01:59 PM (U6Usv)

148 Apparently, the Marines are having fun blowing shit up.

Mine is sad he’s not with his guys.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 04, 2026 01:59 PM (W2Pud)

149 141 Drones are likely more of a threat than mines, these days.

Ukraine kinda showed the world this in the past couple of years.

Posted by: garrett at May 04, 2026 01:58 PM (Lu7y1)

======

Drones are a threat to the RUSSIAN army.

Iranian drones have been a minor nuisance against American forces, it seems.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:00 PM (Y2NSe)

150 @nicksortor
·
1h
🚨 JUST IN: Democrat Connecticut Gov. Lamont just signed a bill BANNING ICE from wearing face coverings in the state

Violating agents face ARREST.

Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 02:00 PM (ZxPkt)

151 >>But I'm pretty sure the type that can sink ships can not be just rolled off the back of a speed boat.

But, in fact, they can.

Also, the anti-ship missile capability of the their Taregh boats means they aren't just annoying little speed boats like they were during the Tanker War.

Posted by: one hour sober at May 04, 2026 02:00 PM (Y1sOo)

152 "Guiding" might also be because they will be weaving them through any mines out there.

Posted by: GWB at May 04, 2026 02:00 PM (6pIoG)

153 Violating agents face ARREST.

Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 02:00 PM (ZxPkt)

How many divisions does he have

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 02:01 PM (U6Usv)

154 147 I'm leaving this operation to the pros. I have faith in them, which is nice. It's a new feeling.

Posted by: BlackOrchid (j+aD2) at May 04, 2026 01:58 PM (j+aD2)

Tsk, tsk.... I'm relying on CNN and WSJ..... They know what they're talking about !

Posted by: Armchair General Karen who hates Trump at May 04, 2026 02:01 PM (dFjQQ)

155 150 @nicksortor
·
1h
🚨 JUST IN: Democrat Connecticut Gov. Lamont just signed a bill BANNING ICE from wearing face coverings in the state

Violating agents face ARREST.

Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 02:00 PM (ZxPkt)

=======

Federal judge just slapped this down in California.

Now, I imagine the district and appeals courts in the Northeast to be more amenable to anti-Trumpism than the 9th (weird timeline, let's be honest), but it'll just end in defeat for the left again.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:01 PM (Y2NSe)

156 >>Meanwhile, UAE leaves opec with a brandy new pipeline available that bypasses the Strait.

Know it's a typo, but a brandy pipeline would be glorious!

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 01:52 PM (NcvvS)

No Typo. The phrase "brandy new" is used informally to mean completely or brand new. It is used to evoke a provincial or rural manner of speech for which the speech or speaker is to be taken.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (dK+Kv)

157 150 @nicksortor
·
1h
🚨 JUST IN: Democrat Connecticut Gov. Lamont just signed a bill BANNING ICE from wearing face coverings in the state

Violating agents face ARREST.
Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 02:00 PM (ZxPkt)

Oh please let there be a confrontation between CT LEO and ICE. Let it go hot, too. This will be fun.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (N39Ws)

158 This is a ridiculous situation with a thousand ways to go wrong very quickly.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (rGqqI)

Calling admiral Josh Painter for comment.
Posted by: Cuthbert the Witless at May 04, 2026 01:54 PM (y6ruu)

I'm not sure it's "wrong" if the goal is to go hot again.

Posted by: Methos at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (vSvIl)

159 156 No Typo. The phrase "brandy new" is used informally to mean completely or brand new. It is used to evoke a provincial or rural manner of speech for which the speech or speaker is to be taken.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (dK+Kv)

=======

Yeah, but...a retort:

Booze.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (Y2NSe)

160 Drones are a threat to the RUSSIAN army.

Iranian drones have been a minor nuisance against American forces, it seems.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026

Or...

"Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched at least 6,804 long-range drones and missiles into Ukraine in April, according to daily data published by the force and analyzed by ABC News, marking the most intense month of long-range aerial attacks of the war to date.

Ukraine's air force said it faced 6,663 drones and 141 missiles over one month of overnight attacks, of which nearly 88% of the drones and more than 62% of the missiles were intercepted or suppressed by Ukrainian defenses. [I say this needs a confirmation]

Ukraine faced a nightly average of around 222 drones and four missiles through April, the data suggests.

April's figures surpass the previous monthly record set in March, when Russia launched a total of 6,600 munitions -- 6,462 drones and 138 missiles -- per daily data published by the air force in Kyiv."

Posted by: runner at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (GD0B3)

161 Big Dummy.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (AvxYT)

162 Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (dK+Kv)

LOL

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (U6Usv)

163 and this is the most badly reported war I have ever known of, worse than I thought possible"

It's a glock!

/your average urnalist

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (XuXeR)

164 >>Iranian drones have been a minor nuisance against American forces, it seems

Shaheeds, yes.

But underwater drones, I would guess, are replacing mines.

Posted by: garrett at May 04, 2026 02:03 PM (Lu7y1)

165 Never claimed I was an expert at military stuff. Believe me, you don't want me in charge.

Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 02:03 PM (ZxPkt)

166 The WHCD shooter has not been able to get out of his cell for recreation which violates his civil rights so they are just going to let him go.

Posted by: fd at May 04, 2026 02:03 PM (vFG9F)

167 31 Commentary from CENTCOM includes this little nugget:

AH-64 Apache and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters used just this morning to eliminate six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping

I don't think the Navy normally operates the Apache.

The Marines OTOH...

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 04, 2026 01:36 PM (jehhT)

Navy MH-60s can carry Hellfire missiles. Anti-tank missiles that can easily destroy small boats.

The Marines operate AH-1Z Cobras.

Apaches and Cobras can carry pretty much the same missiles and missile load out. Apaches have a 30mm gun and 1200 rounds; AH-1Z Vipers (nee Cobras) have a 20mm gun and 750 rounds. If Apaches are being employed as convoy escorts they may flying escort sorties from a special Forward Arming and Vipers based on the in-area Amphib carriers or in land-based Marine Air Wings, could do the same, of course. However, it seems to me FARPS near the Strait would be prime targets for Iranian drones and short-medium range ballistic missiles. I do not believe either helo can be equipped with an air refueling probe kit.

Posted by: Gref at May 04, 2026 02:03 PM (5rh/l)

168 @145 Columbus has a large Somali population. The Health commissioner who dragged DeWine around by the nose during COVID is running as a Dem for governor. Wonder if she knew about the fraud?

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 04, 2026 02:03 PM (gu0hJ)

169 139 I so enjoy the keyboard Generals that think they know better than Hegseth, Cooper and Cain.
Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 01:57 PM (z2aPa)

According to a story over at Hot Air which appears credible, Hegseth and his group recommended a much more powerful military response to Trump on Thursday night. Trump chose to hold off on their recommendation for the time being. Hopefully events will push that plan into operation very soon.

If there's any doubt, I am strongly in favor of Trump following the actual recommendations of Hegseth, Cooper, and Caine.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (rGqqI)

170 No mint on his pillow?

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (AvxYT)

171 >>No Typo. The phrase "brandy new" is used informally to mean completely or brand new. It is used to evoke a provincial or rural manner of speech for which the speech or speaker is to be taken.

Thanks, Comrade Flounder. Berserker-Dragonheads Division schooled me above, too.

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (NcvvS)

172 brandy new"

She's a fine girl.

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (XuXeR)

173 He can bend reality with his mind.

Tucker Carlson tells NYT reporter he never referred to Trump as the "anti-Christ." She then quotes his exact words - and he still denies ever saying it!

Seriously. What kind of mental illness is this??

NYT: "You've been talking on your show about whether Trump is the Antichrist"

Tucker Carlson: "I have not said that."

NYT: You said, "Here's a leader mocking the Gods of his ancestors, mocking the God of Gods, and exalting himself above them. Could this be the Antichrist?"

TC: "I actually did not say 'could this be the Antichrist?'

NYT: ***plays clip of him saying exactly that***

TC: "I don't know where that comes from, but I know those words never left my lips..."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (ndZc7)

174 168 @145 Columbus has a large Somali population. The Health commissioner who dragged DeWine around by the nose during COVID is running as a Dem for governor. Wonder if she knew about the fraud?

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 04, 2026 02:03 PM (gu0hJ)

======

Acton is so bad she's going to lose to Vivek.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (Y2NSe)

175 I may know nothing about how mines are laid.

Generally, dinner, soft music...

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (DSLf3)

176 173 TC: "I don't know where that comes from, but I know those words never left my lips..."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (ndZc7)

=======

Those demons again.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:05 PM (Y2NSe)

177
I've been harping this for like a week, too.

Iran just succeeded in making the strait unimportant.

----

Somebody should inform the oil markets.

Posted by: Big Mike at May 04, 2026 02:05 PM (9CBNQ)

178 Congress won't declare war, in part, because given it is a trigger for all sorts of emergency legislative powers given to FDR in an existential war plus the scattered legislation passed during the Cold War, it would truly make Trump the Warrior King of the US.

So, we are now down to the laughably AUMF resolutions and the War Powers Resolution that every president declared was unconstitutional except for its reporting functions.

Trump is treating the War Power Resolution with the contempt it deserves by reporting to Congress a couple of days ago as per the Resolution that hostilities were concluded and thus the sixty day reset has occurred.

Scotus ain't gonna save the Dems bacon here because in such matters--even Dread Justice Taney in the Prize cases ruled that the president has war powers independent of congressional declarations. And that includes responding to threatened or actual retaliatory strikes.

Posted by: whig at May 04, 2026 02:05 PM (E4rtv)

179 Who could have possibly known?

X-Magatte Wade
@magattew

Bono spent 30+ years inside the aid industrial complex and came out saying this:

Bono on what he has learned as an activist. "I thought that if we just redistributed resources, then we could solve every problem. I now know that's not true. The off-ramp out of extreme poverty is, ugh, commerce, it's entrepreneurial capitalism."

Posted by: Chuck Martel at May 04, 2026 02:05 PM (Dv3i1)

180 lol maybe Tuck was possessed!

Posted by: BlackOrchid (j+aD2) at May 04, 2026 02:05 PM (j+aD2)

181 I try to never talk too much about anything I don't know a fair amount about.

Which is why I post mostly fart jokes, gay slurs, and "hello"s - often at the same time.

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 02:05 PM (U6Usv)

182 86
Sorry to mention it, but aren't there things like fishing boats, tugboats, legitimate little supply boats, etc? Someone might even need to get their yacht out of there.

indeed.

Posted by: russian oligarch at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (oY6Yp)

183 On Gilligan's Island mines were big spiky balls.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (AvxYT)

184 Violating agents face ARREST.
Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 02:00 PM (ZxPkt)

State LEO who attempt to arrest Federal Agents, face arrest.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (rGqqI)

185 I can't help wonder if we don't have a small recon unit on the ground, like a long range patrol to "look" for shit like hiding places for iran fast boats, or other site of interest to be mapped for targeting purposes when the time comes for the final blow. Hunker down by day, move at night kind of thing.Teams that can move like ghosts. I'm pretty sure we got them, I just wonder if we're using them.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (snZF9)

186 177 Somebody should inform the oil markets.

Posted by: Big Mike at May 04, 2026 02:05 PM (9CBNQ)

=======

More than half of the oil out of the strait has been redirected.

Out of the remainder, American and Venezuelan exports are making up more. Demand destruction in Africa is eliminating the total global supply need.

And UAE is building more pipeline right now to bipass the straight.

This is a blip that no one will remember by summer except the American shale oil producers who uncapped their wells and bought new Buggattis with the profits.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (Y2NSe)

187 Yeah, but...a retort:

Booze.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:02 PM (Y2NSe)

Sur-reply, pottery.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Jk3tDO9uA5w

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (dK+Kv)

188 TC: "I actually did not say 'could this be the Antichrist?'

NYT: ***plays clip of him saying exactly that***

TC: "I don't know where that comes from, but I know those words never left my lips..."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks
=======
He was just axing questions!!!/sarc

Posted by: whig at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (E4rtv)

189 2:03 'news'

Fox - hospice fraud
CBC - Iran boats
CNN - boats - is ceasefire over
MSNOW - UAE

Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (Sco7b)

190 Hot Air, that bastion of credibility.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 02:07 PM (z2aPa)

191 It's funny how some posters get outed by spell check exposing the words they typically use rather than what they intended. Like replacing "brand" with "brandy."

It's hysterectomy.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at May 04, 2026 02:07 PM (wBaIH)

192 re my 168 -

"special Forward Arming" should be "special Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPS)"

Posted by: Gref at May 04, 2026 02:07 PM (5rh/l)

193 And guess what they say they did? ...

Apparently they're now claiming they didn't attack-attack Navy ships.

-------------

OUT: Gulf of Jive Tonkin.
IN: Strait of Jive Talkin'.

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:07 PM (JqXxE)

194
Bono on what he has learned as an activist. "I thought that if we just redistributed resources, then we could solve every problem. I now know that's not true. The off-ramp out of extreme poverty is, ugh, commerce, it's entrepreneurial capitalism."
Posted by: Chuck Martel

=============

Which he could have found out by picking up the phone and asking David Geffen.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at May 04, 2026 02:07 PM (n7rxJ)

195 We have only one stated objective in this conflict:

To eliminate Iran's nuclear stockpile and to prevent Iran from building another nuclear stockpile for military purposes.

That's it.

Iran doesn't want to give up its weapons-grade nuclear stockpile and its ballistic missile capability (which Iran has repeatedly used against its neighbors) for delivering them.

"Closing" the Strait of Hormuz is Iran's most potent weapon for defending itself against the US and its allies.

Re-opening the Strait doesn't resolve the Iranian nuclear stockpile question, but it does weaken significantly the terrorist nation's capabilities.

Posted by: mrp at May 04, 2026 02:08 PM (rj6Yv)

196 Shorter Bono : It took me 30 years to realize I'm an asshole

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 04, 2026 02:08 PM (gu0hJ)

197 Somebody should inform the oil markets."

Too many bought into the "omg 150 / bbl"

They're now getting called in at 100 - 105, and getting their asses handed to them. It's brutal.

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:08 PM (XuXeR)

198 Is Tuckliar Deceptson saying the clip is AI?

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 02:08 PM (U6Usv)

199 Been gone this morning.. Did the US actually help any ships go through the Strait ?

Posted by: It's me donna at May 04, 2026 02:08 PM (dFjQQ)

200 The Iranian regime says it received a U.S. response to its latest 14-point peace proposal

14 points...yeah, shove those 14 points up your collective Mullah asses...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at May 04, 2026 02:09 PM (ynpvh)

201 Bono should ski more.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:09 PM (AvxYT)

202 Been gone this morning.. Did the US actually help any ships go through the Strait ?
Posted by: It's me donna

Supposedly two.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:09 PM (DSLf3)

203 TC: "I don't know where that comes from, but I know those words never left my lips..."
---
Shaggy adds another verse to his song ....

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 02:09 PM (MtSIY)

204 Shorter Bono : It took me 30 years to realize I'm an asshole"

Even shorter: "I'm wearing sunglasses"

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:10 PM (XuXeR)

205 197 Somebody should inform the oil markets."

Too many bought into the "omg 150 / bbl"

They're now getting called in at 100 - 105, and getting their asses handed to them. It's brutal.

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:08 PM (XuXeR)

=======

Nate Silver absolutely crashed out because he was saying $200 per barrel, which Qatar was predicting.

Highest we've gotten on WTI is about $112. Brent got to about $122.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:10 PM (Y2NSe)

206 The Iranian regime says it received a U.S. response to its latest 14-point peace proposal

Yeah. We sunk 14 fast boats. Not the response Iran wanted.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:10 PM (DSLf3)

207 Apache is an Army helicopter. Not designed to operate in salt water environment it is being cut from future investment. It is hideously expensive to deploy. A-10 was never built for salt water environment either. Army/Air force don’ do this.

Posted by: Pudinhead at May 04, 2026 02:10 PM (1D2Ie)

208 206 The Iranian regime says it received a U.S. response to its latest 14-point peace proposal

Yeah. We sunk 14 fast boats. Not the response Iran wanted.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:10 PM (DSLf3)

=======

It was a video of Trump rolling around in $450 million, which they lose every day the blockade is in effect.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:10 PM (Y2NSe)

209
Yeah. We sunk 14 fast boats. Not the response Iran wanted.
Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:10 PM (DSLf3)

Guess they weren't so fast.....

Posted by: It's me donna at May 04, 2026 02:11 PM (dFjQQ)

210 On Gilligan's Island mines were big spiky balls.
Posted by: Boss Moss

Skipper: "I haven't seen one of these since the War."
Gilligan: "Which one is it, the Monitor or the Merrimack?"

Posted by: Bulg at May 04, 2026 02:11 PM (77rzZ)

211 Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (NcvvS)

No worries.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 02:11 PM (dK+Kv)

212 ... under the Project Freedom initiative announced by President Trump.

-------------

Civilian "Project" rather than Military "Operation Freedom."

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:11 PM (JqXxE)

213 Bono should ski more."

/zombie Natasha Richardson agrees

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:11 PM (XuXeR)

214 @165 Don Black-oh good God me neither. I’m of the kill em all and let God sort em out crowd. The left would be screaming genocide and probably be mostly right if I was in charge.

Posted by: JROD at May 04, 2026 02:11 PM (IlL6s)

215 It was a video of Trump rolling around in $450 million, which they lose every day the blockade is in effect.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

Pretty soon that adds up to real money.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:11 PM (DSLf3)

216 The Iranian regime says it received a U.S. response to its latest 14-point peace proposal
---
You know, it's no coincidence that this equals 2 and 1/3 Jewish Stars.
/s/ Tucker Carlson, now with numerology as proof.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at May 04, 2026 02:12 PM (MtSIY)

217 Live Updates: U.S. sinks 6 small Iranian boats as Iran launches attacks on UAE and a ship in Strait of Hormuz

Uh, we did? You might want to talk to the IRGC about this matter. They take orders from someone else.

Posted by: Iran at May 04, 2026 02:12 PM (iFEms)

218 215 It was a video of Trump rolling around in $450 million, which they lose every day the blockade is in effect.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

Pretty soon that adds up to real money.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:11 PM (DSLf3)

======

Blockade's been in effect for, what, 2 weeks now?

That's like 3 Learing Centers worth!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:12 PM (Y2NSe)

219 217 Uh, we did? You might want to talk to the IRGC about this matter. They take orders from someone else.

Posted by: Iran at May 04, 2026 02:12 PM (iFEms)

======

Is it...Epstein?!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:12 PM (Y2NSe)

220 Someone should do an AI meme of Trump grabbing his cajones and saying " hey Iran, I got your 14 point proposal right here"

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 04, 2026 02:13 PM (gu0hJ)

221 191 It's funny how some posters get outed by spell check exposing the words they typically use rather than what they intended. Like replacing "brand" with "brandy."

It's hysterectomy.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov

Hahah! Except I had an autocorrect to imam last night and but for these few posts about the situation, I have not used the word in normal discourse. I am not sure what that was all about. Poltergeists, I guess.

Posted by: Piper at May 04, 2026 02:13 PM (OoFl2)

222 Re-opening the Strait doesn't resolve the Iranian nuclear stockpile question, but it does weaken significantly the terrorist nation's capabilities.
Posted by: mrp at May 04, 2026 02:08 PM (rj6Yv)

most importantly it cuts off most of the political opposition in the west, which is centered around high energy prices.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 02:13 PM (rGqqI)

223 222 most importantly it cuts off most of the political opposition in the west, which is centered around high energy prices.

Posted by: Tom Servo at May 04, 2026 02:13 PM (rGqqI)

=======

Kills the gasoline market's excuses for the high prices.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:14 PM (Y2NSe)

224 Carriers need A 10s.
Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (AvxYT)

I believe that A-10s lack the the necessary undercarriage provisions for carrier launch and landing.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 04, 2026 02:14 PM (utfVc)

225 mostly fart jokes, gay slurs, and "hello"s - often at the same time.
_-_
Much to our amusement.

I try to ask questions about stuff I don't understand here, but they seem to be often considered rhetorical (not surprising given the current political environment) or "trolling".

Posted by: Don in SoCo at May 04, 2026 02:15 PM (rzCjW)

226 Kills the gasoline market's excuses for the high prices"

But what about the hookers and blow?

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:15 PM (XuXeR)

227 [snip]

TC: "I don't know where that comes from, but I know those words never left my lips..."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 04, 2026 02:04 PM (ndZc7)

--------------

Schizophrenia is not just a river in Egypt.

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:15 PM (JqXxE)

228 Yeah. We sunk 14 fast boats. Not the response Iran wanted.

At this rate, all we'll need is the Cajun Navy to keep the peace.

Posted by: t-bird at May 04, 2026 02:15 PM (hcEyG)

229 It's funny how some posters get outed by spell check exposing the words they typically use rather than what they intended. Like replacing "brand" with "brandy."

It's hysterectomy.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at May 04, 2026 02:07 PM (wBaIH)

It's boobs a long time since I had any problem with spell check.

Posted by: Methos at May 04, 2026 02:16 PM (vSvIl)

230
It was a video of Trump rolling around in $450 million, which they lose every day the blockade is in effect.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

================

Is that another lefty scream yet? "Trump is diverting Iran's oil money directly to his personal checking account"?

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at May 04, 2026 02:16 PM (n7rxJ)

231 It's funny how some posters get outed by spell check exposing the words they typically use rather than what they intended. Like replacing "brand" with "brandy."

It's hysterectomy.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov

Hahah! Except I had an autocorrect to imam last night and but for these few posts about the situation, I have not used the word in normal discourse. I am not sure what that was all about. Poltergeists, I guess.

Posted by: Piper at May 04, 2026 02:13 PM (OoFl2)

Autocorrect has gotten particularly asshoe lately. You fight it over a properly spelled and appropriately used word, then it will let clear, fat-fingered misspellings go as if to say, "Let's see how big of an idiot we can make you look, randomly, when you least expect it."

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 02:16 PM (dK+Kv)

232 Kills the gasoline market's excuses for the high prices

They'll always have "uncertainty"!

Posted by: t-bird at May 04, 2026 02:16 PM (hcEyG)

233 226 Kills the gasoline market's excuses for the high prices"

But what about the hookers and blow?

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:15 PM (XuXeR)

========

Well, if we manipulate currencies in the right way, maybe Finland can invade Sweden and we can take in the Swedish bikini team as asylum seekers but deny them space on the American bikini team, meaning that they have to go into the escort business?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:16 PM (Y2NSe)

234 On Gilligan's Island mines were big spiky balls.
Posted by: Boss Moss
Skipper: "I haven't seen one of these since the War."
Gilligan: "Which one is it, the Monitor or the Merrimack?"

I'm gonna pray for ya. And I want you to hold onto God's unchangin' hand. Cause it helped Joshua fight the battle of Jericho. Yes! It helped Daniel get out the lion's den. It helped *Gilligan* get off the island. Lawd!

Posted by: Rev.Brown at May 04, 2026 02:17 PM (AP4bj)

235 I wonder if they could build an armored PT Boat?

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:17 PM (AvxYT)

236 75%+ inflation on a currency in free fall, water capacity at 20% in the 5 major dams around Tehran, day 60 of an internet blackput that is crippling businesses and food and medicine shortages.

The regime is winning and Trump is humiliated!!

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 02:17 PM (z2aPa)

237 236 75%+ inflation on a currency in free fall, water capacity at 20% in the 5 major dams around Tehran, day 60 of an internet blackput that is crippling businesses and food and medicine shortages.

The regime is winning and Trump is humiliated!!

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 02:17 PM (z2aPa)

=======

Because gas is $6 in California!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:17 PM (Y2NSe)

238 Was the SoKor ship actually damaged? Outside of ships carrying volatile chemicals, I'm still not sure how effective those Shaheed drones would be against steaming merchant ships that can do 15-20 knots. Seems to me that something that size would require a hit at or near the water line to cause a ship to have a chance of sinking.

Posted by: Defenestratus at May 04, 2026 02:18 PM (MVWbi)

239 Kills the gasoline market's excuses for the high prices"

-----------

"TRUMP'S GAS PRICES CAUSED SPIRIT AIRLINES TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST!"

/ProTip: Spirit Airlines has been unprofitable since 2019, with over $2.5 billion in losses since the start of 2020.

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:18 PM (JqXxE)

240 Well, if we manipulate currencies in the right way, maybe Finland can invade Sweden and we can take in the Swedish bikini team as asylum seekers but deny them space on the American bikini team, meaning that they have to go into the escort business?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:16 PM (Y2NSe)
------

You're just the kind of forward-thinking person we need around here. I'm on board.

Posted by: ballistic at May 04, 2026 02:18 PM (oqH4h)

241 Posted by: Don in SoCo at May 04, 2026 02:15 PM (rzCjW)

Usually if you accompany it with "serious question" you'll get like five replies. They'll mostly be wrong but the horde loves putting knowledge.

But it's like panning for gold.

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 02:18 PM (U6Usv)

242 But it's like panning for ~~gold~~ turds.

Posted by: ... at May 04, 2026 02:18 PM (U6Usv)

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 04, 2026 02:19 PM (dK+Kv)

243 Trump told Fox News that if Iran attack us ships they would be “blown off the face of the earth”.

I guess nobody told him?

Posted by: Vengeance at May 04, 2026 02:19 PM (/IZKJ)

244 CENTCOM reported they have mapped out mines they know of and are navigating ships around them.
Posted by: Marcus T at May 04, 2026 01:43 PM (+Tpk4)

If they know where the mines are, why not destroy them?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 04, 2026 02:20 PM (utfVc)

245 Mine is sad he’s not with his guys.
Posted by: nurse ratched

I get that, and I understand why moms would not.

Heck, I'm sad I'm not there with my 82nd guys...'cept I got out 35 years ago

Posted by: Oedipus at May 04, 2026 02:20 PM (Z6vKV)

246 Schizophrenia is not just a river in Egypt.
Posted by: ShainS

That one's in Babylonia.

Posted by: Ezekiel at May 04, 2026 02:20 PM (gKWVE)

247 I wonder if they could build an armored PT Boat?"

Sure. Top speed of 11 NMPH, range of 75 miles...

The numbers I've seen on the boats are laughable.

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:20 PM (XuXeR)

248 Because gas is $6 in California!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:17 PM (Y2NSe)

------------

Down from $7 in 2022.

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:21 PM (JqXxE)

249 244 CENTCOM reported they have mapped out mines they know of and are navigating ships around them.
Posted by: Marcus T at May 04, 2026 01:43 PM (+Tpk4)

If they know where the mines are, why not destroy them?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 04, 2026 02:20 PM (utfVc)
-------

What he said.

Posted by: WisRich at May 04, 2026 02:21 PM (G0vdT)

250 248 Because gas is $6 in California!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:17 PM (Y2NSe)

------------

Down from $7 in 2022.
Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:21 PM (JqXxE)

Unfortunately people have short memories...

Posted by: It's me donna at May 04, 2026 02:21 PM (dFjQQ)

251
75%+ inflation on a currency in free fall, water capacity at 20% in the 5 major dams around Tehran, day 60 of an internet blackput that is crippling businesses and food and medicine shortages.

Posted by: Ben Had

================

Change the names, and isn't this Tuesday in North Korea?

And Cuba? Zimbabwe? How long can IRGC-dominated Iran zombie along?

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at May 04, 2026 02:22 PM (n7rxJ)

252 California had an oil well in a mall at one point.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:22 PM (AvxYT)

253 Was the SoKor ship actually damaged"

If it was a bulk carrier as reported? Not likely. They're pretty tough.

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:22 PM (XuXeR)

254 If they know where the mines are, why not destroy them?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 04, 2026 02:20 PM (utfVc)

--------------

Can we hack into and take control of the "fast boats" and "guide" them into the mines?

A man can dream ...

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:23 PM (JqXxE)

255 "Kills the gasoline market's excuses for the high prices"

But what about the hookers and blow?

Posted by: man "

There's much less demand now that Hunter's broke.

Posted by: Ripley at May 04, 2026 02:23 PM (GUOwU)

256 242 But it's like panning for gold

_-_

I'll try that - Some these here Morons are pretty sharp ( and witty - saw the "turd" comment).

Posted by: Don in SoCo at May 04, 2026 02:24 PM (rzCjW)

257 California had an oil well in a mall at one point.
Posted by: Boss Moss

I read an article online many years ago about all the hidden oil wells in Los Angeles. They would either put them in existing structures or build a new building around them. They're prolly mostly gone now.

Posted by: Bulg at May 04, 2026 02:25 PM (77rzZ)

258 California had an oil well in a mall at one point.
Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:22 PM (AvxYT)
=====

One of the YT photo vault channels had an image of the oil derricks crowded next to each other in Long Beach. Derricks as far as the camera lens could hold.

Posted by: mrp at May 04, 2026 02:25 PM (rj6Yv)

259 Carriers need A 10s.
Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 01:34 PM (AvxYT)

I believe that A-10s lack the the necessary undercarriage provisions for carrier launch and landing.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 04, 2026 02:14 PM (utfVc)

Sierra Nevada makes a licensed version of the Super Tucano, the A-29. They are a short take off and landing plane. They would be perfect for painting the nose nacelle like a Toucan bill

Posted by: Kindltot at May 04, 2026 02:26 PM (rbvCR)

260 Centcom assets are focused on fleet protection. That’s why they are mapping mines and slating for removal. It’s also why they called out the worthless shitheads in nato for not sending minesweepers.

Posted by: Vengeance at May 04, 2026 02:26 PM (/IZKJ)

261 Trump told Fox News that if Iran attack us ships they would be “blown off the face of the earth”.

-------------

Each martyred boat gets 72 Sturgeons in Islamic Heaven.

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:26 PM (JqXxE)

262 The last offer from the IRGC
15 year moratorium on nuke production
All nuke material enriched over 3.6 % would be removed from Iran
The Strait would be reopened

PDT said NO.
He isn't going to take the boot off their throat.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 02:26 PM (z2aPa)

263 262 The last offer from the IRGC
15 year moratorium on nuke production
All nuke material enriched over 3.6 % would be removed from Iran
The Strait would be reopened

PDT said NO.
He isn't going to take the boot off their throat.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 02:26 PM (z2aPa)

=======

Iran admitting to nuke desires and offering to stop for a termed amount is just further proof that Trump needs a deal more than they do!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:28 PM (Y2NSe)

264 "How long can IRGC-dominated Iran zombie along? "

based on the historical record; decades

or not

no telling, really. it is what it is.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at May 04, 2026 02:28 PM (VyBeY)

265 What ever happened to 'surrender or die' ?

Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 02:28 PM (ZxPkt)

266 Gas is almost $5 in not-California, up from $2.50 in January. Our memories aren't that short.

Trump had better be right.

Posted by: Big Mike at May 04, 2026 02:28 PM (9CBNQ)

267 Each martyred boat gets 72 Sturgeons in Islamic Heaven.

Xylophone solo

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 04, 2026 02:28 PM (Kt19C)

268 Just made a BLT for lunch. Toasted the bread, spred Duke's on the bread, laid out the bacon, then realized I'm out of lettuce and tomato.

Oh well. Still eats.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:29 PM (DSLf3)

269 Each martyred boat gets 72 Sturgeons in Islamic Heaven.
Posted by: ShainS

Don't be so cavilar about it.

Posted by: Bulg at May 04, 2026 02:29 PM (77rzZ)

270 266 Gas is almost $5 in not-California, up from $2.50 in January. Our memories aren't that short.

Trump had better be right.

Posted by: Big Mike at May 04, 2026 02:28 PM (9CBNQ)

=======

You gonna vote for the open borders because gas is less expensive now than under Biden?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:29 PM (Y2NSe)

271 "Trump better be right that undoing one of the largest regional and global sources of trouble is worth me paying more for gas for a couple of months."

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:30 PM (Y2NSe)

272 People who make fish puns are pikers.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:30 PM (AvxYT)

273 "Or I'm gonna vote for Newsom!"

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:30 PM (Y2NSe)

274 Just made a BLT for lunch. Toasted the bread, spread Duke's on the bread, laid out the bacon, then realized I'm out of lettuce and tomato.

Oh well. Still eats.
Posted by: rickb223

You've got Duke's. That's all you need.

Posted by: Bulg at May 04, 2026 02:30 PM (77rzZ)

275 Iran admitting to nuke desires and offering to stop for a termed amount is just further proof that Trump needs a deal more than they do!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:28 PM (Y2NSe)
=====

Iran using its ballistic missiles against its neighbors and at US bases as far away as Diego Garcia is proving to be the strategic mistake of the century (so far).

Posted by: mrp at May 04, 2026 02:31 PM (rj6Yv)

276 I won't but others will.

Posted by: Big Mike at May 04, 2026 02:31 PM (9CBNQ)

277 213 Bono should ski more."

/zombie Natasha Richardson agrees
****

"Dude."
Sonny

Posted by: clarence at May 04, 2026 02:31 PM (ZhkYm)

278 Substantial’, to ‘severe’

Today, the Home Secretary has confirmed that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the terrorism threat level in the UK from ‘substantial’, to ‘severe’. This means it is now highly likely that a terrorist attack could happen in the UK.

Posted by: SMOD at May 04, 2026 02:31 PM (RHGPo)

279 Nood.

Posted by: Nazdar at May 04, 2026 02:31 PM (NcvvS)

280 almost $5 in not-California, up from $2.50 in January"

Doubled in 8 weeks?

Doubt it.

Posted by: man at May 04, 2026 02:31 PM (XuXeR)

281 275
Iran using its ballistic missiles against its neighbors and at US bases as far away as Diego Garcia is proving to be the strategic mistake of the century (so far).

Posted by: mrp at May 04, 2026 02:31 PM (rj6Yv)

=======

The speed at which no one came to Iran's material defense in the build up and outbreak of hostilities was...interesting.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:32 PM (Y2NSe)

282 What ever happened to 'surrender or die' ?

Posted by: Don Black at May 04, 2026 02:28 PM (ZxPkt)

-------------

Not to mention Michael Corleone's: "My final offer is this: nothing."

Posted by: ShainS at May 04, 2026 02:32 PM (JqXxE)

283 I am paying $5.79 for diesel . Things will change.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 02:32 PM (z2aPa)

284 You've got Duke's. That's all you need.
Posted by: Bulg

Only kind I buy, thanks to recommendations from people here.

Posted by: rickb223 at May 04, 2026 02:32 PM (DSLf3)

285 278 Substantial’, to ‘severe’

Today, the Home Secretary has confirmed that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the terrorism threat level in the UK from ‘substantial’, to ‘severe’. This means it is now highly likely that a terrorist attack could happen in the UK.

Posted by: SMOD at May 04, 2026 02:31 PM (RHGPo)

======

Remember when people made fun of the color scheme?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:32 PM (Y2NSe)

286 This means it is now highly likely that a terrorist attack could happen in the UK.
Posted by: SMOD

Yeah, all those Islamophobic White Nationalists are bad news.

Posted by: Bulg at May 04, 2026 02:32 PM (77rzZ)

287 But underwater drones, I would guess, are replacing mines.
Posted by: garrett at May 04, 2026 02:03 PM (Lu7y1)

An underwater drone would basically be a loitering torpedo which could be dispatched on command. Problem is, how do you send it commands? If underwater, VLF radio might be used, but you are also telling the whole world that a command is being sent.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 04, 2026 02:33 PM (utfVc)

288 Today, the Home Secretary has confirmed that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the terrorism threat level in the UK from ‘substantial’, to ‘severe’. This means it is now highly likely that a terrorist attack could happen in the UK.
Posted by: SMOD

Too late.
-Day ending in "y"

Posted by: Chuck Martel at May 04, 2026 02:33 PM (Dv3i1)

289 almost $5 in not-California, up from $2.50 in January"

Doubled in 8 weeks?

Doubt it.

---

*4 months

Posted by: Big Mike at May 04, 2026 02:34 PM (9CBNQ)

290 Build the canal across the base of the peninsula and render the strait meaningless. It's been studied and priced at 80 billion.

It would be great if the mullahs would be gone shortly, but it seems more likely we're going to have a hostile regime in place for some time to come.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at May 04, 2026 02:35 PM (XvL8K)

291 "Trump better be right that undoing one of the largest regional and global sources of trouble is worth me paying more for gas for a couple of months."

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:30 PM (Y2NSe)

I would pay it for the rest of the year knowing he sent the supreme leader to hell. Fuck that guy.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 04, 2026 02:36 PM (snZF9)

292 Why does Iran have anything floating aside from dead bodies?
Posted by: Stateless at May 04, 2026 01:30 PM (Sco7b)

------

I agree. Why have we allowed them to think they have any power in the Strait?
Posted by: Seems Legit at May 04, 2026 01:37 PM (aZm/F)

Small boats can be tucked in civilian areas or commandeered from there, so destroying all of them could cause collateral damage we don't want for now. Now when they come out and attack, they are fair game.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 04, 2026 02:37 PM (8avO+)

293 "Trump better be right that undoing one of the largest regional and global sources of trouble is worth me paying more for gas for a couple of months."
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 02:30 PM (Y2NSe)

We don't get any of our oil from the Persian Gulf. Price rises in the US are from other causes.

Posted by: Oldcat at May 04, 2026 02:39 PM (8avO+)

294 The American people are impatient. Especially with all the grandiose predictions of $2 gas by Memorial Day. Trump looks like he's doing his TACO bit again.

Posted by: Big Mike at May 04, 2026 02:39 PM (9CBNQ)

295 Iran has a landmass twice the size of Texas and 90 million.people. How come the lame ass US military can't find all these fastboats and wipe them out?

Posted by: Ben Had at May 04, 2026 02:40 PM (z2aPa)

296
The number of righties I saw buying the sea mine bullshit was depressing.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 04, 2026 01:46 PM (Y2NSe)

Mines are relatively cheap, easy to deploy and are disastrous when found the wrong way. No one likes mines, it is like helicopter pilots not liking telephone lines.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 04, 2026 01:50 PM (rbvCR)

Ask the 1988-era crew of USS Samuel B Roberts. Hit an Iranian mine and nearly was lost with a broken keel, but through superhuman efforts, the crew saved the ship.

The US retaliation was Operation Praying Mantis a few days later, when the US Navy sank a good portion of Iran's naval assets in a one day operation.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 04, 2026 02:40 PM (e4Xc5)

297 TC: "I actually did not say 'could this be the Antichrist?'

NYT: ***plays clip of him saying exactly that***

TC: "I don't know where that comes from, but I know those words never left my lips..."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks
=======
He was just axing questions!!!/sarc
Posted by: whig at May 04, 2026 02:06 PM (E4rtv)
**********
It was his demon speaking for him.

Posted by: redridinghood at May 04, 2026 02:41 PM (NpAcC)

298 California had an oil well in a mall at one point.
Posted by: Boss Moss at May 04, 2026 02:22 PM (AvxYT)

I remember seeing a pumpjack behind a false storefront on Wilshire Boulevard.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 04, 2026 02:41 PM (utfVc)

299 Bono on what he has learned as an activist. "I thought that if we just redistributed resources, then we could solve every problem. I now know that's not true. The off-ramp out of extreme poverty is, ugh, commerce, it's entrepreneurial capitalism."
Posted by: Chuck Martel

Burn the heretic!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 04, 2026 02:42 PM (ndZc7)

300
An underwater drone would basically be a loitering torpedo which could be dispatched on command. Problem is, how do you send it commands? If underwater, VLF radio might be used, but you are also telling the whole world that a command is being sent.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 04, 2026 02:33 PM (utfVc)

Send constant encrypted traffic on the VLF, most of it nonsense. Difficult to tell if there's launch/guidance commands being sent unless you can break the encryption in real-time.

Of course, then that means your ground stations become great big targets, but there's always a trade-off.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 04, 2026 02:49 PM (e4Xc5)

301 Acoustically huofef torpedoes
Fire and forget

Posted by: Paul at May 04, 2026 02:55 PM (y8Dyn)

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