US troops forced to act on the ground?

In his Pentagon news conference, Hegseth said the US had successfully secured a path through the waterway and that hundreds of commercial ships were lining up to pass through. “We know the Iranians are embarrassed by this fact. They said they control the strait. They do not,” he said.

Rubio later said the US was working to get ships through the strait as a “favour to the world … because we’re the only ones that can”. As Rubio was addressing reporters, a cargo vessel in the strait reported it had been struck by a unknown projectile.
Rubio expressed hope that during the visit to China by Iranian foreign minister to Beijing would reiterate to Tehran the need to release its chokehold on the strait. “It is in China’s interest that Iran stop closing the strait,” Rubio said. Well after said visit China declared that Iran is its strategic partner...

Meanwhile Trump announces on Truth Social he has decided to pause Project Freedom, seemingly without forewarning Hegseth and Rubio and counter to Hegseth and Rubio’s comments to the media. He says the pause is so a peace plan could be agreed.

The Iranian state media claims Trump has retreated and accuses him of trying to "cover up the failure' of his operation.

Rubio has said the offensive stage of the Iran war is "over"

Iran releases a statement alluding the the strict reopening if there is "an end otherwise aggressor threats"

But 15 minutes ago Donald Trump says the Iran war and US blockade could end with a deal- but strikes would restart is one wasn't reached.

It is increasingly Trump’s US government that is looking embarrassing.

^ a step closer to the "Oil Yuan".^

I have never understood the oil paid in US dollars.
Asked someone in rl.
They ended up confusing themself.

Wyllow3

David: we can sit here and say grimly and say there will never be a solution or we can heave ho and join interfaith and similar attempts to actually bring people together. Politicians should try harder. Peace is never obtained by
1. Full fury war
2. Wringing hands and making declarations its all hopeless.

👏👏👏🙏🙏

Casdon

It won’t stop until Israel pull out of Lebanon and Gaza David49, it’s naive to think otherwise.

That’s very unlikely to happen ☹️

I don't expect the Israelis to give up their nuclear weapons. I was simply amazed that focus has shifted in the States, to the point that Israel is coming under scrutiny.
Is this an unintended consequence of Netanyahu persuading Trump to start that illegal war?

David: we can sit here and say grimly and say there will never be a solution or we can heave ho and join interfaith and similar attempts to actually bring people together. Politicians should try harder. Peace is never obtained by
1. Full fury war
2. Wringing hands and making declarations its all hopeless.

Maremia

That's new LemonJam, the Israeli nuclear situation being challenged in the States.

Israel will reply, they "neither confirm or deny a nuclear programme"

There is no way they are going to give them up

Sorry reply meant for Casdon

LemonJam

Domestically Trump is being challenged by his relationship with Netanyahu and his decision wage war together with Israel, which also has an undeclared nuclear programme. It does not look good on the world stage either.

It will end when Hezbollah stop attacking Israel.

If you think that Iran and Hezbollah can support Palestinians by attacking Israel, there will never be peace, that is for certain.

That's new LemonJam, the Israeli nuclear situation being challenged in the States.

Trump will visit China soon. Should be interesting.

Thanks Wyllow, I have found that new Thread.

They have just announced that Operation Epic Fury has concluded.
news.sky.com/story/iran-war-latest-trump-blockade-strait-of-hormuz-lebanon-13509565
What are the gains for either side.

I agree David49. China is intentional and strategic with its timing of this statement, emphasising it is Irans' 'reliable" strategic partner and it is "distressed' by the war. I.e. just before Trump visits China next week, 14/15 May. Iran will be emboldened by Trump's retreat and China's statement.

I read on the BBC News website it was Pakistan that stepped up and requested a pause to Trump's Project Freedom plan. Trump made his announcement on Truth Social but the White House is responding to the media it has nothing further to add.

Hegseth was at pains to emphasise Trump was in control yesterday in his news conference- but that is not the case.

It won’t stop until Israel pull out of Lebanon and Gaza David49, it’s naive to think otherwise.

A few minutes is a long time in politics, no sooner had Rubio finishes his speech Trump announces a pause in the activity.

As I expected China is coming into focus as the most likely mediator to get the war resolved, it's Asia that is suffering most from oil prices, so it's very much in Chinas interest to end the fighting. Not to mention the rebuilding of Iran infrastructure and a step closer to the "Oil Yuan".

Hopefully it will be a long lasting solution that Iran stops sponsoring terrorism and threatening Israel, if not then we will be back to fighting again in a short time

Domestically Trump is being challenged by his relationship with Netanyahu and his decision wage war together with Israel, which also has an undeclared nuclear programme. It does not look good on the world stage either.

Cossy

Maremia

Meanwhile, what is Netanyahu up to?

I’ve wondered that? He’s gone very quiet!

Can I refer you to this thread started by WWM? Others aren't so quiet!

www.gransnet.com/forums/news_and_politics/a1358086--We-are-killing-like-we-haven-t-killed-since-1967

I didn't expect Project Freedom to be successful, sustainable or last long- but to last just a few days says it all! We'll put this down as another failure then...

The China is starting to now make public statements about its position. China's foreign minister has stated that China is a "reliable strategic partner to Iran" He saidChina that was "deeply distressed over the war. We believe that a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed and that a resumption of hostilities. is not acceptable, and that it is particularly important to remain committed to dialogue and negotiations"

Also a letter from 30 House lawmakers calls on Trump/US to publicly acknowledge Israel's undeclared nuclear weapons programme- ie as Trump is stating he seeks to end Iran's nuclear weapons programme with his war. They state Washington's silence on the Israel's programme is " indefensible amid the war in Iran and the current acute threat of military escalation.

A french ship was hit by a missile yesterday and a crew member injured. I think Trump's pause is more about a recognition that ships won't navigate the Strait until they think it's safe than any "peace" talks. Trump is driving China even closer to Iran and is alienating so many countries with this ridiculous war. The current regime in Iran is going to be the winner here and it's all because Trump wanted to be seen to "improve" on Obama's JCPOA which Trump trashed. He's also created a situation where having a nuclear weapon becomes more important to rogue states because they can't trust a country like the US. What an absolute "pig's ear" meanwhile those "in the know" are raking blood money in from insider trading and arms manufacturing. Just disgusting!
While this is going on, who is watching what is being done in Gaza and the West Bank? Russia is raking in increased oil revenue, now that Trump has removed sanctions, to fund the war against Ukraine and Netanyahu is destroying large parts of Lebanon. And to cap it all, the civilian population is suffering even more under a more hard line and revengeful regime.

AGAA4

Trump has paused Project Freedom while peace talks are ongoing. No surprise as this plan was doomed to failure.
Iran are claiming that the US have retreated and they have won. They say Trump has played his last card.
Trump is still crowing about the huge success he has achieved.in this war.

Frankly Trump and Hegseth need locking up for the safety of the world.

The world awaits with bated breath for the Trump’s next move 🙈

Maremia

Meanwhile, what is Netanyahu up to?

I’ve wondered that? He’s gone very quiet!

Good question, Maremia.

Meanwhile, what is Netanyahu up to?

Trump has paused Project Freedom while peace talks are ongoing. No surprise as this plan was doomed to failure.
Iran are claiming that the US have retreated and they have won. They say Trump has played his last card.
Trump is still crowing about the huge success he has achieved.in this war.