Iran
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: West Country
If anyone here that is commenting on U.S. war planning has verified notes, calls, correspondence, actual war plans...HOORAY..
PLZ let we proles in on the inside story.
Correspondence between the U.S. DoW, State Dept, and UN Ambassador to Security Council, and planning decisions discussed with Israel will be fascinating reading, ya think? PLZ publish ASAP!
Gums sends...
PLZ let we proles in on the inside story.
Correspondence between the U.S. DoW, State Dept, and UN Ambassador to Security Council, and planning decisions discussed with Israel will be fascinating reading, ya think? PLZ publish ASAP!
Gums sends...
Well ....you will find quite a lot of people expected exactly that...so...?
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From: Near the coast
Strait of Hormuz
If the us DoW had needed strategic advice they really could have just asked my wife.
What the hell are you talking about BV?!
Let me explain.
My family and I lived in Doha until last summer. We ‘enjoyed’ one night of Iranian rockets and that was sufficient.
We were planning to leave anyway and had a shipment booked for the end of July to take our belongings via shipping container to the UK.
With everything that had been happening in the lead up to the Iranian attack on Al Udeid we brought our shipment forwards to get everything out sooner.
Why, you may ask?
I will quote my wife (civilian through and through but a military wife who had lived with me in multiple countries on different continents) directly:
”We should bring our shipment forward in case the Iranians shut the Strait of Hormuz”.
They didn’t last summer admittedly but they have now.
So, excuse my scepticism, but if my wife had figured it out in a very limited time frame I feel sure that the best minds in US intelligence could have also added it to their list of likely outcomes.
BV
What the hell are you talking about BV?!
Let me explain.
My family and I lived in Doha until last summer. We ‘enjoyed’ one night of Iranian rockets and that was sufficient.
We were planning to leave anyway and had a shipment booked for the end of July to take our belongings via shipping container to the UK.
With everything that had been happening in the lead up to the Iranian attack on Al Udeid we brought our shipment forwards to get everything out sooner.
Why, you may ask?
I will quote my wife (civilian through and through but a military wife who had lived with me in multiple countries on different continents) directly:
”We should bring our shipment forward in case the Iranians shut the Strait of Hormuz”.
They didn’t last summer admittedly but they have now.
So, excuse my scepticism, but if my wife had figured it out in a very limited time frame I feel sure that the best minds in US intelligence could have also added it to their list of likely outcomes.
BV
Last edited by Bob Viking; 13th May 2026 at 19:41.
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From: Near SOU
There is another aspect to the Iran conflict that should be remembered, that aspect being the US did not go it alone in the decision to attack Iran. So decisions made on strategy and tactics, thoughts and details - or the lack thereof - are not entirely down to one administration.
Leaders of countries and administrations of countries, the slightest whisper of a health crisis will inevitably cause problems for that leader. Netanyahu, the man who for the last 40 years has wanted to remove what he saw as the true enemy of his life...namely Iran and their connections with Lebanon and Yemen suffered a significant health crisis late in 2025. The diagnosis was given to him just before his visit to Washington DC. That diagnosis was kept under wraps from his own people until April 24, 2026. It was only then in a post on social media that he announced that he had been treated for prostate cancer. Even now, there are arguments within the Knesset and the people of Israel about how clear his mind was when deciding to attack Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and other areas of the Middle East. The treatment he received was extremely intense according to various medical experts, including Hadassah medical center who treated him. The question being whispered is how much of this diagnosis and treatment clouded his mind when he was making decisions that ultimately cost lives...not just in the neighbouring countries, but his own country too.
Malignant non-disclosure: PM’s belated cancer revelation subverts public’s right to know (Times of Israel - May 1, 2026)
This begs the question....are we looking at a man who has held Iran responsible for his brother's death for so long and that he wanted revenge so much that when given a potentially terminal diagnosis decided that he desperately needed to carry out that revenge whilst he still could? He knew he could not do it alone, past attempts to rope in the US had failed to materialise. The current administration, being run by what is essentially someone equally desperate to make a legacy would be easy to convince. The details and "what if's" were not going to be a part of the discussion, Netanyahu was seeing his own mortality, he needed to convince the US administration that "something had to be done before it was too late".......that "something"...was it nuclear dreams, was it terrorism, was it oil?
Or was it the result of one man with a new diagnosis of cancer who saw the end of his life coming faster than planned and who was desperate to gain revenge on his own personal enemy?
If the answer is "yes" that Netanyahu saw his own mortality, then all the things that the rest of the world knew would happen - Strait of Hormuz closure, neighbouring countries attacked etc - were missed, ignored and lost in the midst of clouded decision making and the walking into a conflict with Iran, a country that is still an unknown entity, a vast country with equally vast resources and friends next door (or within shouting distance) who are willing and able to help out against a sick man (maybe 2 sick men since Trump has his own health issues) and their desire to create their own legacies.
Everyone can scream that the US administration stuffed things up with Iran and not thinking about the direct consequences....but let us not forget that the decision to take Iran to war was not a decision of one administration alone.
Leaders of countries and administrations of countries, the slightest whisper of a health crisis will inevitably cause problems for that leader. Netanyahu, the man who for the last 40 years has wanted to remove what he saw as the true enemy of his life...namely Iran and their connections with Lebanon and Yemen suffered a significant health crisis late in 2025. The diagnosis was given to him just before his visit to Washington DC. That diagnosis was kept under wraps from his own people until April 24, 2026. It was only then in a post on social media that he announced that he had been treated for prostate cancer. Even now, there are arguments within the Knesset and the people of Israel about how clear his mind was when deciding to attack Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and other areas of the Middle East. The treatment he received was extremely intense according to various medical experts, including Hadassah medical center who treated him. The question being whispered is how much of this diagnosis and treatment clouded his mind when he was making decisions that ultimately cost lives...not just in the neighbouring countries, but his own country too.
Malignant non-disclosure: PM’s belated cancer revelation subverts public’s right to know (Times of Israel - May 1, 2026)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, for many years, closely guarded the details of his personal health.
Amid that long record of reticence to divulge his medical situation, Netanyahu’s revelation last week that he was recently diagnosed with, and treated for, prostate cancer came as a disturbing surprise.
Israel’s longtime leader, aged 76, belatedly disclosed that he had suffered from and been treated for a malignant tumor during a period of intense security instability, and possibly even during the war with Iran itself.
Along with the concerns for the physical health of the prime minister came questions about the manner in which he informed the public of his illness, regarding the apparently severe delay in informing the public that he was suffering from a serious disease while running the country, and even over the veracity of the actual details that were released.
Amid that long record of reticence to divulge his medical situation, Netanyahu’s revelation last week that he was recently diagnosed with, and treated for, prostate cancer came as a disturbing surprise.
Israel’s longtime leader, aged 76, belatedly disclosed that he had suffered from and been treated for a malignant tumor during a period of intense security instability, and possibly even during the war with Iran itself.
Along with the concerns for the physical health of the prime minister came questions about the manner in which he informed the public of his illness, regarding the apparently severe delay in informing the public that he was suffering from a serious disease while running the country, and even over the veracity of the actual details that were released.
Or was it the result of one man with a new diagnosis of cancer who saw the end of his life coming faster than planned and who was desperate to gain revenge on his own personal enemy?
If the answer is "yes" that Netanyahu saw his own mortality, then all the things that the rest of the world knew would happen - Strait of Hormuz closure, neighbouring countries attacked etc - were missed, ignored and lost in the midst of clouded decision making and the walking into a conflict with Iran, a country that is still an unknown entity, a vast country with equally vast resources and friends next door (or within shouting distance) who are willing and able to help out against a sick man (maybe 2 sick men since Trump has his own health issues) and their desire to create their own legacies.
Everyone can scream that the US administration stuffed things up with Iran and not thinking about the direct consequences....but let us not forget that the decision to take Iran to war was not a decision of one administration alone.
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From: Here 'n' there!
That said, it speaks nothing of the US - well, rather you-know-who and his advisors - if the US took the bait. Talk of the "tail wagging the bison" just to scale it more appropriately.
This seems to be the situation. So the most powerful country's CIC and his "advisors", sorry, "yes men", go for Netanyahu's plan which probably appealed to DT's ego so was almost certain to be taken up.
So, tbh, rather than that being an excuse, it's more a case that they stuffed up twice here. Firstly, by being conned by Netanyahu AND then by not being able to predict what would happen! Or, rather, a CiC not listening to those who knew but listening to those who told him what he wanted to hear instead.
Or have I missed something here?
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From: London
If anyone here that is commenting on U.S. war planning has verified notes, calls, correspondence, actual war plans...HOORAY..
PLZ let we proles in on the inside story.
Correspondence between the U.S. DoW, State Dept, and UN Ambassador to Security Council, and planning decisions discussed with Israel will be fascinating reading, ya think? PLZ publish ASAP!
Gums sends...
PLZ let we proles in on the inside story.
Correspondence between the U.S. DoW, State Dept, and UN Ambassador to Security Council, and planning decisions discussed with Israel will be fascinating reading, ya think? PLZ publish ASAP!
Gums sends...
In other related news:
Bahrain-led UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz gains support of 112 nations
We can all guess which 2 countries aren't on the list...
There was also some decent analysis on this video:
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From: florida
Salute!
Heh heh, from the guy that has not called foreign leaders iceholes, morons, insane, etc.
If I had the warplan explained right up front, I would feel better commenting in how much of "the plan" the U.S. and IDF has achieved.
But along with all the critics here, all I hear on the tube is "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons". Secondly, "Iran does not own the Strait of Hormuz". Any critics hear something else? So many objectives that we were not privy to, could be accomplished. The air aspects seem pretty well under control, so no effective defense against iDF or U.S. plinking at point tgts of choice.
Personal surprises? Yep.
- apparently, many nations were not expecting Iran to play the "strait" card if their source of $$ for their nuclear program was theatened. Over years of covert action and many violated agreements, they labored to get their nukes. I never once since 1979 heard a peep about recanting their vow to exterminate Israel and cut the head off the snake, ...the "Great Satan"
review the history of the Ayatolla who changed the country in 1979 in ways nobody really expected. But even then, only a small group of zealots went along, and the people suffered... still do
see these:
Ruhollah Khomeini - Wikipedia
iran calls U.S. Satan - Google Search
Heh heh, from the guy that has not called foreign leaders iceholes, morons, insane, etc.
If I had the warplan explained right up front, I would feel better commenting in how much of "the plan" the U.S. and IDF has achieved.
But along with all the critics here, all I hear on the tube is "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons". Secondly, "Iran does not own the Strait of Hormuz". Any critics hear something else? So many objectives that we were not privy to, could be accomplished. The air aspects seem pretty well under control, so no effective defense against iDF or U.S. plinking at point tgts of choice.
Personal surprises? Yep.
- apparently, many nations were not expecting Iran to play the "strait" card if their source of $$ for their nuclear program was theatened. Over years of covert action and many violated agreements, they labored to get their nukes. I never once since 1979 heard a peep about recanting their vow to exterminate Israel and cut the head off the snake, ...the "Great Satan"
review the history of the Ayatolla who changed the country in 1979 in ways nobody really expected. But even then, only a small group of zealots went along, and the people suffered... still do
see these:
Ruhollah Khomeini - Wikipedia
iran calls U.S. Satan - Google Search
Last edited by gums; 14th May 2026 at 03:52.
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From: Within AM radio broadcast range of downtown Chicago
@BonnieLass
The Islamic Revolution, 1979.
The Israeli commando rescue operation at Entebbe, during which P.M. Netanyahu's brother was killed, 1976.
Are you asserting some connection between Iran, pre-revolution, and the Entebbe hostage incident? Or that Netanyahu seeks to avenge a different brother?
The Islamic Revolution, 1979.
The Israeli commando rescue operation at Entebbe, during which P.M. Netanyahu's brother was killed, 1976.
Are you asserting some connection between Iran, pre-revolution, and the Entebbe hostage incident? Or that Netanyahu seeks to avenge a different brother?
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From: Near SOU
@BonnieLass
The Islamic Revolution, 1979.
The Israeli commando rescue operation at Entebbe, during which P.M. Netanyahu's brother was killed, 1976.
Are you asserting some connection between Iran, pre-revolution, and the Entebbe hostage incident? Or that Netanyahu seeks to avenge a different brother?
The Islamic Revolution, 1979.
The Israeli commando rescue operation at Entebbe, during which P.M. Netanyahu's brother was killed, 1976.
Are you asserting some connection between Iran, pre-revolution, and the Entebbe hostage incident? Or that Netanyahu seeks to avenge a different brother?
Yoni was killed during the Entebbe raid to free the hostages who were being held by more than one faction. Bibi has always considered all terrorists are aided and abetted by Iran, whether by training, by weapons and / or by indoctrination, since Yoni died. Regardless of truth, his thinking is that all factions lead to Iran. From the death of Yoni, his goal in life was to remove the mother of all factions...Iran. The false story that circulated regarding the death of Iddo that stated he was killed by an Iranian drone in Tel Aviv would have, if only temporarily, made the desire to decapitate the snake that feeds the factions even stronger for Bibi. The lie about Iddo originated from Iranian sources, it effectively goaded him.....and perhaps, as a result of the treatment he was receiving for his ill health, that goading and his anger inevitably had an effect in that he, through his forces, took more risks against his personal enemy, Iran.
(As a footnote, it should be remembered that since 1992, Bibi has constantly reminded the Knesset that Iran's nuclear dreams were only "2 or 3 years away" and in 1995 he even wrote a book on the subject that not only discussed the nuclear dreams but also the links tween Iran and the various terror factions....in 2023 he associated 90% of the problems in the ME were caused by Iran. Bibi is totally fixated which, along with his recent cancer treatment, has completely clouded his sense of judgement and decision making)
A very interesting read in regard to this fixation was written in June 2025 by an Indian Army Veteran, Colonel Mayank Chaubey (Retd)
Whispers of War, Echoes of Warnings: The Bibi Factor Behind Operation Midnight Hammer
For over three decades, Netanyahu has been the global face of Israeli apprehension over Iran. His speeches have never been lacking in drama or urgency. He didn’t just warn; he sounded alarms. Not once, but over and over again, with timelines that seemed to reset with each passing year. As early as 1992, Bibi thundered in the Knesset that Iran was just “three to five years” away from building a nuclear bomb. In 1995, in his book Fighting Terrorism, he doubled down on the same timeline. And since then, he’s rarely gone silent.
.............
There is something tragic, almost Shakespearean, about Netanyahu’s arc. Like Cassandra of Troy, he has been predicting doom for decades. But unlike the mythical seer, Netanyahu has had power - real, executive power - to act on his convictions. From his first tenure as Prime Minister in 1996 to his record-breaking re-election streak, Bibi has made Iran the singular thread in his foreign policy tapestry.
In 2002, while not in office, he stood before the U.S. Congress and warned about Saddam Hussein’s alleged weapons of mass destruction, linking Iraq’s nuclear ambitions with Iran’s. The U.S., following a similar belief, invaded Iraq in March 2003. Iran, in turn, expanded its regional influence in the chaos that followed.
By 2009, Netanyahu was back as Prime Minister and stood at the United Nations General Assembly, declaring Iran’s nuclear program “the gravest threat to our existence since the War of Independence.” He wasn’t alone in thinking so. Mossad reports, IAEA findings, and Western think tanks often concurred on Tehran’s pursuit of enrichment. But it was Netanyahu’s tone, apocalyptic, visceral, that often set him apart.
His 2012 cabinet meeting birthed the infamous “axis of evil” rhetoric aimed at Assad’s Syria, Hezbollah, and Iran. By 2013, speaking directly to the Iranian people via BBC Persian, he warned that a nuclear Iran would plunge them into “eternal servitude.” In 2014 and beyond, he returned to the UN podium, each time with a prop, a diagram, or a deadline, each time reiterating the same message with new urgency.
.............
There is something tragic, almost Shakespearean, about Netanyahu’s arc. Like Cassandra of Troy, he has been predicting doom for decades. But unlike the mythical seer, Netanyahu has had power - real, executive power - to act on his convictions. From his first tenure as Prime Minister in 1996 to his record-breaking re-election streak, Bibi has made Iran the singular thread in his foreign policy tapestry.
In 2002, while not in office, he stood before the U.S. Congress and warned about Saddam Hussein’s alleged weapons of mass destruction, linking Iraq’s nuclear ambitions with Iran’s. The U.S., following a similar belief, invaded Iraq in March 2003. Iran, in turn, expanded its regional influence in the chaos that followed.
By 2009, Netanyahu was back as Prime Minister and stood at the United Nations General Assembly, declaring Iran’s nuclear program “the gravest threat to our existence since the War of Independence.” He wasn’t alone in thinking so. Mossad reports, IAEA findings, and Western think tanks often concurred on Tehran’s pursuit of enrichment. But it was Netanyahu’s tone, apocalyptic, visceral, that often set him apart.
His 2012 cabinet meeting birthed the infamous “axis of evil” rhetoric aimed at Assad’s Syria, Hezbollah, and Iran. By 2013, speaking directly to the Iranian people via BBC Persian, he warned that a nuclear Iran would plunge them into “eternal servitude.” In 2014 and beyond, he returned to the UN podium, each time with a prop, a diagram, or a deadline, each time reiterating the same message with new urgency.
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From: Japan
To flesh out the thesis, you could add to that the participation of Palestinian PLO members at Entebbe, plus the fact that Hamas, supported by Iran, attacked Israel on 7 October 2023.
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Updates for today.......including more activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a warning of escalation, huddling ships...and a hefty ransom demand
Once again the last 24 hours has shown a number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without any reported incidents. These ships included a very large pipe laying ship, Sapura 1200. As the case over the last few days, no ships have used the Iranian route that would take them north of Larak Island and the toll booth.
The images below, the Strait as it is currently and the Sapura 1200 (which on the map image is the large turquiose arrow)
All Persian Gulf anchorages are very busy.
The Al Basrah anchorage, image below, has a large number of tankers and support ships surrounding an oil platform (marked as a blue spot) called Pandan 4504. Most of the ships in this group are awaiting orders to reload in either Umm Qasr, Khor al Zubair (Iraq) or Mubarak Al Khabeer on Bubiyan Island (Kuwait)
The Kuwaitis have reported the capturing of 4 Iranians on Bubiyan Island Kuwait Detains Four IRGC Officers in a Boat off Bubiyan Island (Maritime Executive - May 13, 2026)
Anchorages off Al Khafji, As Saffaniyah, Al Jubayl, Ra's Tannurah and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) and Manama, Amwaj Islands and Eudaiya (Bahrain) and Ras Laffan, Doha and Lusail (Qatar) are still heavily congested with both pleasure craft (dark pink) and tugs, rig support and other such specialised ships (turquiose) along with bulkers, containerships and tankers (green / red)
The highest proportion of tankers, containerships, car carriers etc are still in the Mina Qasr, Umm A Quwain, Ras al Khaimah, Al Hamriya, SharjahJebel Ali and Dubai anchorages. Overnights they are closely anchored, only spreading out during daylight hours
On the Gulf of Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz, things are looking less congested. Ships appear to be taking on their respective cargoes at Khor Fakkan, Dibba, Fujairah and Sohar before leaving the area. The anchorages are still busy but the numbers of ships waiting does seem to be decreasing.
A report yesterday from Maritime Executive describes the situation as being very difficult for both the US and Iran, the ceasefire being on a knife edge, life support and other equally pessimistic terminology. Again makes for an interesting read from the "outside" perspective
Is War in the Gulf About to Break Out Again?
I mentioned a hefty ransom.....the pirates have issued a demand for $10m to release a small products tanker, the UAE owned Eureka, that was taken by them on May 2. The families of those trapped onboard are understandably fearful that should a rescue attempt be launched, it would end badly due to the cargo of diesel - some 2800 tons of diesel - onboard. A second tanker captured by pirates on April 21 is in a similar situation, the Honour 25. The imminent arrival of both NATO and non-NATO ships into the area has heightened tensions with the pirates and the seafarers families. There are said to be several other ships and dhows under the command of the pirates in and around the Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandab area. The NATO / non NATO task force has to pass through in order to reach the Strait of Hormuz to carry out their work once hostilities end tween US / Israel and Iran. The Bab-el-Mandab is, however, flowing freely and without any more recent reports of incidents
Another aspect to the Iranian port blockades is the increased use of ship to ship transfers of Iranian oil and oil products off Malaysia. US based advocacy group, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), have been monitoring the area around Johor and have recorded 42 ship to ship transfers of Iranian oil tween shadow fleet tankers. More information : Malaysia says Iranian oil transfers near its waters exploit a maritime loophole (Manila Bulletin - May 14, 2026)
Finally, there are no new updates in respect to the condition of the crewmen injured aboard CMA CGM San Antonio othe ship herself. We can only hope that there will be news soon, especially for the families who are waiting at home who will be, undoubtably, very worried.
Further updates tomorrow morning......
Once again the last 24 hours has shown a number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without any reported incidents. These ships included a very large pipe laying ship, Sapura 1200. As the case over the last few days, no ships have used the Iranian route that would take them north of Larak Island and the toll booth.
The images below, the Strait as it is currently and the Sapura 1200 (which on the map image is the large turquiose arrow)
All Persian Gulf anchorages are very busy.
The Al Basrah anchorage, image below, has a large number of tankers and support ships surrounding an oil platform (marked as a blue spot) called Pandan 4504. Most of the ships in this group are awaiting orders to reload in either Umm Qasr, Khor al Zubair (Iraq) or Mubarak Al Khabeer on Bubiyan Island (Kuwait)
The Kuwaitis have reported the capturing of 4 Iranians on Bubiyan Island Kuwait Detains Four IRGC Officers in a Boat off Bubiyan Island (Maritime Executive - May 13, 2026)
Anchorages off Al Khafji, As Saffaniyah, Al Jubayl, Ra's Tannurah and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) and Manama, Amwaj Islands and Eudaiya (Bahrain) and Ras Laffan, Doha and Lusail (Qatar) are still heavily congested with both pleasure craft (dark pink) and tugs, rig support and other such specialised ships (turquiose) along with bulkers, containerships and tankers (green / red)
The highest proportion of tankers, containerships, car carriers etc are still in the Mina Qasr, Umm A Quwain, Ras al Khaimah, Al Hamriya, SharjahJebel Ali and Dubai anchorages. Overnights they are closely anchored, only spreading out during daylight hours
On the Gulf of Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz, things are looking less congested. Ships appear to be taking on their respective cargoes at Khor Fakkan, Dibba, Fujairah and Sohar before leaving the area. The anchorages are still busy but the numbers of ships waiting does seem to be decreasing.
A report yesterday from Maritime Executive describes the situation as being very difficult for both the US and Iran, the ceasefire being on a knife edge, life support and other equally pessimistic terminology. Again makes for an interesting read from the "outside" perspective
Is War in the Gulf About to Break Out Again?
The current ceasefire between Iran and the United States was indefinitely extended in April, but to facilitate negotiations that appear to be at an end. President Trump has himself described the ceasefire now as being on life support, while reports are coming from the region that the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been quietly participating in staging attacks against Iran.
.........The United States’ negotiating position has been more flexible, much to the chagrin of Israel and some of the Gulf States. But in the face of Iranian intransigence and a failure to recognize the damage done to their country, the United States will now find it very difficult to take forward negotiations with a realistic chance of salvaging something which can be described as a victory.
Nonetheless, an initiative to resume the war before the formal end of the ceasefire, as far as the United States is concerned, seems unlikely. The negotiations are in great difficulty, but breaking the ceasefire before it expires without announcing an intent to do so in advance would be regarded internally within Iran as a ‘bad faith’ bar to a resumption of negotiations for years to come. And at some point, the United States would want to resume negotiations.
.........The United States’ negotiating position has been more flexible, much to the chagrin of Israel and some of the Gulf States. But in the face of Iranian intransigence and a failure to recognize the damage done to their country, the United States will now find it very difficult to take forward negotiations with a realistic chance of salvaging something which can be described as a victory.
Nonetheless, an initiative to resume the war before the formal end of the ceasefire, as far as the United States is concerned, seems unlikely. The negotiations are in great difficulty, but breaking the ceasefire before it expires without announcing an intent to do so in advance would be regarded internally within Iran as a ‘bad faith’ bar to a resumption of negotiations for years to come. And at some point, the United States would want to resume negotiations.
Another aspect to the Iranian port blockades is the increased use of ship to ship transfers of Iranian oil and oil products off Malaysia. US based advocacy group, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), have been monitoring the area around Johor and have recorded 42 ship to ship transfers of Iranian oil tween shadow fleet tankers. More information : Malaysia says Iranian oil transfers near its waters exploit a maritime loophole (Manila Bulletin - May 14, 2026)
Finally, there are no new updates in respect to the condition of the crewmen injured aboard CMA CGM San Antonio othe ship herself. We can only hope that there will be news soon, especially for the families who are waiting at home who will be, undoubtably, very worried.
Further updates tomorrow morning......
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From: Here 'n' there!
I wonder what will fall out from the recent visit to China..........
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An additional update courtesy of the USNI regarding the multinational task force currently collecting in and around the Bab-el-Mandab and Djibouti region.
There was a virtual meeting involving around 40 nations that took place aboard the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. During the meeting several nations including the UK, France, Japan, Australia, Belgium and The Netherlands each pledged various assistance to co-ordinate and carry out efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities are over. The deployment has, once again, been confirmed as defensive only. The UK's HMS Dragon is already in the area and RFA Lyme Bay is currently being outfitted in Gibraltar to become "mothership" for autotomous mine clearing equipment, the RAF has already been assisting defensively using Typhoon aircraft and will continue doing so. The Australians who have already been acting defensively on behalf of the UAE using a Boeing E7A Wedgetail, have confirmed that the aircraft will remain as part of the task force.
U.K. Pledges Destroyer, Drone-hunting Systems to Strait of Hormuz Mission (USNI - May 13, 2026)
On a seperate note Lithuania is also considering adding its mine clearance capabilities to the task force
Lithuania Considers Contributing Minesweeping Efforts in Strait of Hormuz (Marine Link - May 12, 2026)
There was a virtual meeting involving around 40 nations that took place aboard the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. During the meeting several nations including the UK, France, Japan, Australia, Belgium and The Netherlands each pledged various assistance to co-ordinate and carry out efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities are over. The deployment has, once again, been confirmed as defensive only. The UK's HMS Dragon is already in the area and RFA Lyme Bay is currently being outfitted in Gibraltar to become "mothership" for autotomous mine clearing equipment, the RAF has already been assisting defensively using Typhoon aircraft and will continue doing so. The Australians who have already been acting defensively on behalf of the UAE using a Boeing E7A Wedgetail, have confirmed that the aircraft will remain as part of the task force.
The French CSG is now in Djibouti, Africa. The French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin visited the carrier prior to it docking in Djibouti. With Healey, Vautrin hosted on Tuesday a virtual summit of Defense Ministers and representatives from over 40 countries.
“While Charles de Gaulle and its naval air group are already deployed in the region, the new contributions under consideration are numerous,” Vautrin said in a social media post regarding the meeting.
“While Charles de Gaulle and its naval air group are already deployed in the region, the new contributions under consideration are numerous,” Vautrin said in a social media post regarding the meeting.
On a seperate note Lithuania is also considering adding its mine clearance capabilities to the task force
Lithuania Considers Contributing Minesweeping Efforts in Strait of Hormuz (Marine Link - May 12, 2026)
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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From: Peripatetic
Iranians have seized a ship 38nm off the coast of the UAE and are moving it into Iranian waters.
I wonder if CENTCOM will let them get away with it?
the
I wonder if CENTCOM will let them get away with it?
the
Thread Starter
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Peripatetic
I thought the A-10s, Apaches and F-18s were there to engage the speedboats?
ISW:
ISW:
https://x.com/TheStudyofWar/status/2...393070298?s=20
NEW: Iran’s efforts to reconstitute its military capabilities during the ceasefire period are consistent with the behavior of any military organization when given time and space to reconstitute itself after combat. These tactical and operational reconstitution efforts, however, do not necessarily offset the strategic effects achieved during the war against ballistic missile production facilities.
Other Key Takeaways:
Iran’s growing emphasis on the Strait of Hormuz reflects a broader, emerging consensus around the idea that the Strait of Hormuz must be central to Iranian strategy and deterrence in the future. Iranian strategy before October 7 and the events thereafter, including the Spring 2026 war, revolved primarily around ballistic missiles, drones, and its proxy and partner network as deterrents and force projection tools. Naval assets around the Strait of Hormuz featured only secondarily and as part of this wider three-pillar system.
Some regime officials and outlets have floated new ideas about how the regime could use the Strait of Hormuz to discourage behavior that the regime believes is contrary to its interests. Many of these proposals, if accepted and operationalized, would also provide Iran with new revenues that would enable it to reconstitute its military forces.
Some regional states appear to be complying with Iranian-imposed transit procedures in the Strait of Hormuz, which normalizes Iran’s claim that vessels need Iranian permission to transit the waterway. Five unspecified sources told Reuters on May 12 that Iraq and Pakistan reached agreements with Iran to move crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the strait.
NEW: Iran’s efforts to reconstitute its military capabilities during the ceasefire period are consistent with the behavior of any military organization when given time and space to reconstitute itself after combat. These tactical and operational reconstitution efforts, however, do not necessarily offset the strategic effects achieved during the war against ballistic missile production facilities.
Other Key Takeaways:
Iran’s growing emphasis on the Strait of Hormuz reflects a broader, emerging consensus around the idea that the Strait of Hormuz must be central to Iranian strategy and deterrence in the future. Iranian strategy before October 7 and the events thereafter, including the Spring 2026 war, revolved primarily around ballistic missiles, drones, and its proxy and partner network as deterrents and force projection tools. Naval assets around the Strait of Hormuz featured only secondarily and as part of this wider three-pillar system.
Some regime officials and outlets have floated new ideas about how the regime could use the Strait of Hormuz to discourage behavior that the regime believes is contrary to its interests. Many of these proposals, if accepted and operationalized, would also provide Iran with new revenues that would enable it to reconstitute its military forces.
Some regional states appear to be complying with Iranian-imposed transit procedures in the Strait of Hormuz, which normalizes Iran’s claim that vessels need Iranian permission to transit the waterway. Five unspecified sources told Reuters on May 12 that Iraq and Pakistan reached agreements with Iran to move crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the strait.
https://x.com/WindwardAI/status/2054...233464231?s=20
IRGC Speedboat Activity — Strait of Hormuz | May 13
Windward Multi-Source Intelligence across the five monitored zones show ~342 speedboats today. This represents a step-down from yesterday’s 454, but remains elevated compared with the 27–230 range observed between May 4-10.
- North corridor: 189 (persistent footprint)
- Mid strait: 73 (today’s primary growth zone)
- North-east: 37
- East: 22 (sharp decline from 240 on May 12)
- South: 21
Key observations:
• The North corridor continues to show the most consistent presence.
• The East zone concentration along the Bandar Seerik shore did not persist.
• Activity appears to be shifting weight back toward the central chokepoint.
For full context and real-time maritime intelligence, access the Windward dashboard → https://t.co/SWSbbHcGrW
IRGC Speedboat Activity — Strait of Hormuz | May 13
Windward Multi-Source Intelligence across the five monitored zones show ~342 speedboats today. This represents a step-down from yesterday’s 454, but remains elevated compared with the 27–230 range observed between May 4-10.
- North corridor: 189 (persistent footprint)
- Mid strait: 73 (today’s primary growth zone)
- North-east: 37
- East: 22 (sharp decline from 240 on May 12)
- South: 21
Key observations:
• The North corridor continues to show the most consistent presence.
• The East zone concentration along the Bandar Seerik shore did not persist.
• Activity appears to be shifting weight back toward the central chokepoint.
For full context and real-time maritime intelligence, access the Windward dashboard → https://t.co/SWSbbHcGrW
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: London
Hegseth's (inadvertent??) comment at the beginning of the segment about the US's becoming dominant in energy markets was noteworthy. I wonder if their Gulf allies picked up on this? Must have gone down well if they did.
It was also interesting how he refused to discuss military options to open the Strait, continually talking instead about the US's blockade on Iran. Sal made a good point that any decision to force the Straits open was above his pay-grade.
It was also interesting how he refused to discuss military options to open the Strait, continually talking instead about the US's blockade on Iran. Sal made a good point that any decision to force the Straits open was above his pay-grade.
Joined: Mar 2008
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 1,811
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From: London
Joined: Mar 2008
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 1,811
Likes: 214
From: London
In other related news:
Bahrain-led UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz gains support of 112 nations
We can all guess which 2 countries aren't on the list...
Bahrain-led UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz gains support of 112 nations
We can all guess which 2 countries aren't on the list...
Russia and China raise 'serious concerns' over US-backed UN draft resolution on Strait of Hormuz
Joined: May 2024
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 955
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From: Near SOU
Todays updates......including the anchorages, a "stolen" floating armory and a dhow that vanished twice
First of all...the floating armory, stolen off the anchorage at Fujairah. This is a very strange ship. She was stolen by the Iranians yesterday and was last seen sailing towards Iranian waters. But is everything as it seems?
Hui Chan is listed as a "fishing support vessel", however that is not quite correct. She is, infact, loaded with a significant amount of firearms other combative types would like to get their hands on. Ships used in this way have been known to be arrested and the cargo confiscated......so was she "stolen to order" perhaps?
More details : Report: Vessel Captured off Fujairah is a Floating Armory (Maritime Executive - May 14, 2026)
Another strange story, this time involving an Indian flagged dhow, the Haji Ali. This dhow was last seen on AIS off the coast near Muscat on May 11, 2026. An SOS was sent out from it and the Omani SAR rescued the 14 crew aboard the ship, she was on fire and in danger of sinking. No crew were harmed. The Indian Government have accused Iran of attacking the dhow. Iran have said that they have not attacked it. UKMTO have no record of an attack on May 11, 2026 involving a dhow. The vessel actually sank on May 13, 2026. So what is going on with the dhow.....?
Ever curious I did some digging on the AIS system and it isn't the first time that this dhow has done a vanishing act. The first time that it vanished was on December 12, 2025 off the coast of Pune (first image) and then it is said to have caught fire and subsequently sank tween May 11, 2026 and May 13, 2026 off the coast of Muscat (second image). Could this be a case of taking advantage of the combative atmosphere and maybe claim on insurance? I am sure that the authorities will find out eventually...but it does seem quite "fishy"....
More on this : Tensions Flare Near Strait of Hormuz as a Ship Is Seized and Another Is Sunk (US News - May 14, 2026)
So onto the Straits of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab
Both Straits have been quiet overnight (at time I am writing this), no reports of any issues. The Strait of Hormuz activity has dropped significantly compared to the last few days, which is probably not a good sign. Very few ships have completed transit over the last 24 hours. The Strait of Bab-el-Mandab is also flowing well and without incident.
The anchorages inside the Persian Gulf are all very busy...apart from those off Qatar where things have thinned out considerably. The large number of craft around the northern part of Bahrain is still growing and an unusually high number of fishing and specialised ships (tugs, oil support etc) ships are crowding along the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti coast. You do have to wonder if fishing is even possible given the current state of the Persian Gulf with so many static ships, oil spills and infrastructure damage.
The anchorages along the coasts of the UAE and Oman.....on the Persian Gulf side, shipping is once again going into tight formations overnight with a relatively small spread during daylight hours. There are several supply ships weaving their way through delivering essentials to those ships. On the Gulf of Oman side, things are looking stable. Port transfers of cargoes is ongoing, ships leaving the area and ships arriving and holding for orders or waiting to transit the Straight of Hormuz. On the whole, things are calm. There are a few Iranian ekranoplan and patrol boats milling around in Omani waters but so far nothing untoward has been reported by UKMTO at time of writing.
Still no news in regard to the CMA CGM San Antonio and her crew unfortunately.
Will update again tomorrow.
First of all...the floating armory, stolen off the anchorage at Fujairah. This is a very strange ship. She was stolen by the Iranians yesterday and was last seen sailing towards Iranian waters. But is everything as it seems?
Hui Chan is listed as a "fishing support vessel", however that is not quite correct. She is, infact, loaded with a significant amount of firearms other combative types would like to get their hands on. Ships used in this way have been known to be arrested and the cargo confiscated......so was she "stolen to order" perhaps?
More details : Report: Vessel Captured off Fujairah is a Floating Armory (Maritime Executive - May 14, 2026)
Another strange story, this time involving an Indian flagged dhow, the Haji Ali. This dhow was last seen on AIS off the coast near Muscat on May 11, 2026. An SOS was sent out from it and the Omani SAR rescued the 14 crew aboard the ship, she was on fire and in danger of sinking. No crew were harmed. The Indian Government have accused Iran of attacking the dhow. Iran have said that they have not attacked it. UKMTO have no record of an attack on May 11, 2026 involving a dhow. The vessel actually sank on May 13, 2026. So what is going on with the dhow.....?
Ever curious I did some digging on the AIS system and it isn't the first time that this dhow has done a vanishing act. The first time that it vanished was on December 12, 2025 off the coast of Pune (first image) and then it is said to have caught fire and subsequently sank tween May 11, 2026 and May 13, 2026 off the coast of Muscat (second image). Could this be a case of taking advantage of the combative atmosphere and maybe claim on insurance? I am sure that the authorities will find out eventually...but it does seem quite "fishy"....
More on this : Tensions Flare Near Strait of Hormuz as a Ship Is Seized and Another Is Sunk (US News - May 14, 2026)
So onto the Straits of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab
Both Straits have been quiet overnight (at time I am writing this), no reports of any issues. The Strait of Hormuz activity has dropped significantly compared to the last few days, which is probably not a good sign. Very few ships have completed transit over the last 24 hours. The Strait of Bab-el-Mandab is also flowing well and without incident.
The anchorages inside the Persian Gulf are all very busy...apart from those off Qatar where things have thinned out considerably. The large number of craft around the northern part of Bahrain is still growing and an unusually high number of fishing and specialised ships (tugs, oil support etc) ships are crowding along the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti coast. You do have to wonder if fishing is even possible given the current state of the Persian Gulf with so many static ships, oil spills and infrastructure damage.
The anchorages along the coasts of the UAE and Oman.....on the Persian Gulf side, shipping is once again going into tight formations overnight with a relatively small spread during daylight hours. There are several supply ships weaving their way through delivering essentials to those ships. On the Gulf of Oman side, things are looking stable. Port transfers of cargoes is ongoing, ships leaving the area and ships arriving and holding for orders or waiting to transit the Straight of Hormuz. On the whole, things are calm. There are a few Iranian ekranoplan and patrol boats milling around in Omani waters but so far nothing untoward has been reported by UKMTO at time of writing.
Still no news in regard to the CMA CGM San Antonio and her crew unfortunately.
Will update again tomorrow.