Blessed is who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate. Linda Poindexter (Writer)
The deal in play looks like a win for Iran. But Tehran is not convinced that it is not a dress rehearsal for war now or in 30 days. In fact the more generous the terms for Iran the more the suspicion that U.S. is not serious about peace and wants to distract Iran ahead of another attack. Iran will be focused on evidence of US military backdown. And the final decision for such a gamble on trusting U.S. will fall squarely on Mojtaba’s shoulders. It is the first big decision he will take as Supreme Leader with big consequences.
IMPORTANT!
Just before Trump met with Xi, Iranian news services reported that Chinese ships had begun transiting the Strait of Hormuz, under the Iranian mechanism. While Beijing rejects a toll, it has been open to paying an administrative fee for the environmental upkeep of the Strait. (Which is just another way to frame the toll...)
This agreement neutralizes American pressure on China to side with the US to "open" the Strait since the waterway is open to China.
In fact, it reverses the pressure. If the US stops these ships from transiting as part of the American blockade, Trump will be picking a losing fight with Xi. While in Beijing.
Instead of Trump pressuring China to help open the Strait, China will pressure the US to make sure the Strait isn't blocked for Chinese ships.
This is yet another way in which Trump's adoption of FDD's proposal for a blockade of the blockade is backfiring on the US.
The sooner Trump stops listening to FDD and its allies, the safer America will become.
BREAKING: Trump's "Project Freedom" collapsed after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait suspended US military access to their bases, airspace, and overflight rights, per NBC News and Ryan Grim.
The Kingdom blocked the US from flying aircraft out of Prince Sultan Airbase or through Saudi airspace, completely grounding the operation and removing the air defense umbrella protecting ships in transit.
Saudi leadership was "furious" after Trump announced Project Freedom on Truth Social without notifying them. Qatar and Oman were also blindsided, with Trump only contacting them after the operation began. A direct call between Trump and Crown Prince MBS failed to resolve the situation.
Embarking on timely tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow.
Purpose of my visits is to closely coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.
Our neighbors are our priority.
🚨“The Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked until $11 trillion in frozen Iranian assets are released. If no proposal is presented within the next 48 hours, the ceasefire may end.” Abbas Araghchi
“Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR is ready to supply liquefied natural gas to Pakistan as soon as it receives a request from Islamabad, the company told Reuters on Tuesday, as Pakistan seeks spot cargoes to ease a growing energy shortfall.”