Trump attacks Iran (was "Help is on the way")

[Tidewater]

There's the rub. Mixed messages. The liar-in chief said numerous times that we "obliterated" their nuclear program last summer. Then we hear from Witkoff this week that Iran is only weeks away from "industrial" grade uranium and Witkoff is the guy meeting with Iran this week. Witkoff should know the proper term is 'weapons' grade, not 'industrial' grade unless this was a ploy to obfuscate the real message.

I have never had any confidence in Witkoff's ability to negotiate anything.
CBS reported that Witkoff said that the Iranians opened the recent talks by declaring they had enough fissile material to make eleven atomic bombs. That is probably not the best opening position if you are trying to de-escalate things.

(In October 2025, International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi, in an interview with the Associated Press said "In theory, with this amount of material, there would be a possibility to manufacture around 10 nuclear weapons [but] that doesn't mean that Iran has them.")

 

[Tidewater]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2027746247684075987

MTG:
We said “No More Foreign Wars, No More Regime Change!” We said it on rally stage after rally stage, speech after speech. Trump, Vance, basically the entire admin campaigned on it and promised to put America FIRST and Make America Great Again.

My generation has been let down, abused, and used by our government our entire adult lives and our children’s generation is literally being abandoned.

Thousands and thousands of Americans from my generation have been killed and injured in never ending pointless foreign wars and we said no more.

But we are freeing the Iranian people. Please.
There are 93 million people in Iran, let them liberate themselves.

But Iran is on the verge of having nuclear weapons. Yeah sure. We have been spoon fed that line for decades and Trump told us all that his bombing this past summer completely wiped it all out. It’s always a lie and it’s always America Last. But it feels like the worst betrayal this time because it comes from the very man and the admin who we all believed was different and said no more.

We thought the victory won in 2024 would be finally time to put America First. And we thought that meant the common American man and woman and their children. Not the elites. America has suffered and they don’t even care.

Hundreds of thousands of American small business owners lost their hard earned businesses during tyrannical covid lockdowns, that by the way, started under Trump with 15 days to slow the spread and continued under Biden and Democrats. There is no difference between them. Vaccine injuries, deaths, delays and loss in our tax payer funded education, record high suicides, record high Big Pharma profits and ZERO accountability for anyone from the MAGA America First administration as they run off to start wars and the board of peace at the same time. Create the crisis and the solution simultaneously and then build condos to profit.

MAGA! For years we demanded to release the Epstein files, demanding transparency and justice for thousands of victims, women and children, by the richest most powerful men in the world and we had to fight Trump himself to do it, even after we all campaigned on it. And not a single person has been arrested and likely won’t be, no accountability, no justice.

Instead, we get a war with Iran on behalf of Israel that will succeed in regime in Iran. Another foreign war for foreign people for foreign regime change. For what?

Does it lower our inflation that our government caused? Caused by BOTH Democrats AND Republicans with their decades of corrupt government spending that has enslaved us all in nearly $40 Trillion in debt and reduced the value of our dollar to nothing. No, war with Iran does not lower inflation and make cost of living affordable.

Does war with Iran fix our healthcare system and make health insurance affordable for Americans?? No war with Iran does not do that and the MAGA admin and Republicans aren’t even working on it in any serious way at all.

Does war with Iran stop AI from replacing your job? Nope.Does war with Iran help you to be able to afford to buy a home? No, but you’ll see TikTok videos of nice penthouses when Gaza is rebuilt.

Does war with Iran help the mental health crisis in America or help the drug addiction pandemic in America? Nope.

Does war with Iran do anything to help American families stay together and survive? No, not at all.

But within hours of war with Iran it was reported approximately 40 innocent girls, school children, in Iran were killed by bombs from Israel. And they don’t care, they killed thousands of innocent children in Gaza, and apparently our Pro-Peace administration doesn’t care either.

And, since they won’t solve America’s problems clearly they don’t care about our kids either.

Now, America is going to be force fed and gas lighted all the “noble” reasons the American “Peace” President and Pro-Peace administration had to go to war once again this year, after being in power for only a year. Head-spinning, but maga.

This makes me wonder why the Jewish space lasers did not just take out the Iranian nuclear program.

 

[75thru79]

So that’s it’s not one huge wall of text I suppose.

I’ve never overly put thought into that.

I’m only putting one break between individual points of thought.

Why?

Why do I ask? Only because I find it hard to read. Every line looks like a new paragraph. That's all.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

You definitely wouldn't have enjoyed the speeches and quotes from Bull Halsey, Patton and MacArthur. Not saying he's on their level, but those dudes weren't afraid to throw shade and let everyone know they were going to do business. Here are a few of my favorites.

Admiral Bull Halsey:

"Before we're through with them, the Japanese language will be spoken only in hell."

"This won’t be another Bataan. We’re going to win, and you and I will both see Yamamoto in hell!"

Patton:

"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory."

"Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory."

"Compared to war, all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance. God, how I love it!"

"No one ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb guy die for his country." (I had to edit this one for language. I wasn't sure the mods wold approve even though it is a direct historical quote)

MacArthur:

"I am a Soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight."

"People of the Philippines: I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil—soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples."

These are the dudes we sent to fight and beat two empires that wanted to conquer the world. When the Battle of the Bulge took place it was Patton that was sent to save the day. Halsey and MacArthur were the two commanders that led the way to take out the Japanese Empirei n the field. Great military leaders have always been a rare breed and very proud outspoken men. It was Sherman that said, "War is hell" and "Make Georgia howl." Hegseth isn't like those guys in quality, but it's refreshing to hear someone talk like them.

Times have changed, though. That was a different age. Patton would not be allowed to continue in command today, after slapping two different men in hospitals who were suffering from PTSD. Halsey did some good things, but his ass was saved by luck and others at two pivotal battles where he let his impulsiveness lead him not to follow orders. As for McArthur, his political ambitions were so bald, I can't think of a single president since WWII who would not have replaced him sooner. All that said, the Fox weekend news anchor doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as any of those three...

 

[Bazza]

LOL, okay.

Whenever I hear someone boasting about how great Joe Biden was as a president - along with all his cabinet, staff, and supporters......I can't help but wonder where the outrage is.

Because all of those people are why Trump got elected. Someone that seems to be driving them crazy with anger and hatred.

You really can't blame the voters.

Given what Joe Biden did - with assistance from his party, the DNC - I would be absolutely infuriated, were I in their shoes.

 

[AWRTR]

Times have changed, though. That was a different age. Patton would not be allowed to continue in command today, after slapping two different men in hospitals who were suffering from PTSD. Halsey did some good things, but his ass was saved by luck and others at two pivotal battles where he let his impulsiveness lead him not to follow orders. As for McArthur, his political ambitions were so bald, I can't think of a single president since WWII who would not have replaced him sooner. All that said, the Fox weekend news anchor doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as any of those three...

Maybe the change has been for the worse. I agree he's not of he caliber of those men. I was simply speaking to the language used.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Maybe the change has been for the worse. I agree he's not of he caliber of those men. I was simply speaking to the language used.

Oh, I understood that. I was just pointing out the change in standards, both in conduct and language...

 

[92tide]

https://bsky.app/profile/neil-lewis.bsky.social%2Fpost%2F3mgcatd5ud225

 

[Bazza]

So there’s videos going viral right now of a sitting US senator breaking a Marine Veteran’s hand/arm for Anti-War protesting during a Senate hearing as they violently try to remove him from the room for speaking against Israel.

I’m starting to think maybe there’s some truth to Mossad having the goods on everything Epstein related.

Are we really in a place where Israel controls the POTUS and other Top US politicians through blackmail?

I guess how dare a USMC Vet cause a distraction to the Epstein Files distraction.

I can’t share the video because of language/audibly graphic violence.

But maybe check it out.

“When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When people fear the government, there is tyranny."

More context.

Guy seems to be a bit antisemitic.

Also someone should tell the folks who wrote the video script there is no such thing as a "former" Marine.

You may say "retired' if you wish.

 

[Tidewater]

This is the latest issue I'm hearing from the commentariat: "boots on the ground."
SECDEF & CJCS said they are deploying more "boots on the ground."
One might ask what boots and what ground.
CJCS was talking about sending more air defenders and security police to Qatar, not infantry to Iran. Huge difference. Aircraft maintenance guys in Kuwait are not free of risk (drones or missiles might hit their base), but there is a huge difference between that and Marines hitting an Iranian beach. (I'm not saying that is not going to happen. It would be bad if it were to happen, but no one is talking about that yet that I have heard.)
You have to parse words carefully.
(e.g. "That depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is.")

 

[Tidewater]

I went searching for this , i felt energy weapons, lasers would be excellent defense against drones. Low and behold, here we are.

"Lo and behold."
I only provide this because a friend employed this against me in Scrabble.

 

[Tidewater]

https://bsky.app/profile/neil-lewis.bsky.social%2Fpost%2F3mgcatd5ud225

FT is being a little disingenuous here.
Center for Strategic & International Studies found the objectives.

• Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon (as long as the Mossad fed us the lat/longs of the fissile material storage facility, check)
• Destroying its missile arsenal and production sites (check)
• Degrading its proxy networks (nebulous term. Where are the proxies? Would killing one proxy satisfy this objective? Half of the proxies? Don't know, but probably check)
• Annihilating its navy (check)

We can debate the wisdom of the policy but stating the objectives were not clear is not entirely accurate.

I am still very cautious on this. I remain unconvinced of the advisability of this policy.

I am especially unconvinced about being stampeeded into action by the Israelis. If the Israelis said, "We are going to strike. The Iranians are going to lash out at you because your troops are closer, so you'd better join us." If I was president, I'd say, "If you do, then you will have received your last dollar of US military aid. Good luck. Who's the client and who is the patron here?"

 

[92tide]

FT is being a little disingenuous here.
Center for Strategic & International Studies found the objectives.

• Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon (as long as the Mossad fed us the lat/longs of the fissile material storage facility, check)
• Destroying its missile arsenal and production sites (check)
• Degrading its proxy networks (nebulous term. Where are the proxies? Would killing one proxy satisfy this objective? Half of the proxies? Don't know, but probably check)
• Annihilating its navy (check)

We can debate the wisdom of the policy but stating the objectives were not clear is not entirely accurate.

I am still very cautious on this. I remain unconvinced of the advisability of this policy.

I am especially unconvinced about being stampeeded into action by the Israelis. If the Israelis said, "We are going to strike. The Iranians are going to lash out at you because your troops are closer, so you'd better join us." If I was president, I'd say, "If you do, then you will have received your last dollar of US military aid. Good luck. Who's the client and who is the patron here?"

it's probably this part that is not inspiring a lot of confidence around the world. dude couldn't even be bothered to stand up and make the case. he tweeted/exed/truthed it out.

"President Trump’s TruthSocial address outlined four military objectives in Operation Epic Fury"

 

[bamaga]

"Lo and behold."
I only provide this because a friend employed this against me in Scrabble.

yes, and I dont know if it was me or the machine.

 

[Tidewater]

yes, and I dont know if it was me or the machine.

Darn otto-correct.

 

[Tidewater]

it's probably this part that is not inspiring a lot of confidence around the world. dude couldn't even be bothered to stand up and make the case. he tweeted/exed/truthed it out.

"President Trump’s TruthSocial address outlined four military objectives in Operation Epic Fury"

I have no problem with Britain being skeptical. With Iraq, it turns out the French were right to sit that one out.
I was seconded to the British army in the spring of 2006 when the London tabloids had a front-page color photo of a British soldier, on fire, leaping off a British Armored Personnel Carrier in Basra.
Several of the Brits asked me why we got them involved. All I could say was, "We didn't. Tony Blair did." That was not a very satisfying answer for them or for me.

 

[92tide]

I have no problem with Britain being skeptical. With Iraq, it turns out the French were right to sit that one out.
I was seconded to the British army in the spring of 2006 when the London tabloids had a front-page color photo of a British soldier, on fire, leaping off a British Armored Personnel Carrier in Basra.
Several of the Brits asked me why we got them involved. All I could say was, "We didn't. Tony Blair did." That was not a very satisfying answer for them or for me.

my brother worked with some brits on a couple of his deployments and had some good stories.

 

[Tidewater]

my brother worked with some brits on a couple of his deployments and had some good stories.

They are good in a scrap.
Or they were.

 

[81usaf92]

FT is being a little disingenuous here.
Center for Strategic & International Studies found the objectives.

• Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon (as long as the Mossad fed us the lat/longs of the fissile material storage facility, check)
• Destroying its missile arsenal and production sites (check)
• Degrading its proxy networks (nebulous term. Where are the proxies? Would killing one proxy satisfy this objective? Half of the proxies? Don't know, but probably check)
• Annihilating its navy (check)

We can debate the wisdom of the policy but stating the objectives were not clear is not entirely accurate.

I am still very cautious on this. I remain unconvinced of the advisability of this policy.

I am especially unconvinced about being stampeeded into action by the Israelis. If the Israelis said, "We are going to strike. The Iranians are going to lash out at you because your troops are closer, so you'd better join us." If I was president, I'd say, "If you do, then you will have received your last dollar of US military aid. Good luck. Who's the client and who is the patron here?"

In a way this is more costly to us than what many think. The missiles we are firing arent as easily to replace and at some point we have to stop firing. I dont know what immediate national security concerns would have warranted such a military engagement, and I still dont trust the Israeli's version of the truth, especially those coming from the Likud Party.

I just dont think Iran was anywhere close to obtain nuclear grade weapons, but we just gave them 1000 reasons why they should. And I fear that they are going to be even more committed in trying to obtain one once this war fizzles out, and I think both the United States and Israel will be less able to stop them. I fear we have won a pyrrhic victory at best when this over.

 

[Tidewater]

In a way this is more costly to us than what many think. The missiles we are firing arent as easily to replace and at some point we have to stop firing. I dont know what immediate national security concerns would have warranted such a military engagement, and I still dont trust the Israeli's version of the truth, especially those coming from the Likud Party.

I just dont think Iran was anywhere close to obtain nuclear grade weapons, but we just gave them 1000 reasons why they should. And I fear that they are going to be even more committed in trying to obtain one once this war fizzles out, and I think both the United States and Israel will be less able to stop them. I fear we have won a pyrrhic victory at best when this over.

Pat Buchanan called Capitol Hill "Israeli occupied territory" and was pilloried as an anti-semite.
I have lived in Israel and I do not mind the Israelis, but I'll be darned if I want to harm the United States' interests for Israel's sake.
That said, there is also virtue in slapping the crap out of the Iranians simply because they murdered thousands of American soldiers over the last few decades. They seemingly got away with it. Now others are seeing what is happening and saying to themselves, "Better not mess around with the Americans. They have long memories."
Oderint dum metuant.