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The US launched a new wave of attacks on Iran in retaliation for attempted assaults on US forces, with American and Saudi jets hitting Iranian-linked militias in Iraq while Iran fired missiles at US-used military bases in Jordan.
Joe Rogan questions if freedom of speech exists when expressing dissent, like Susan Sarandon's comments on the Israel-Gaza conflict, threatens one's job and career, leading to public blacklisting.
Jasper Nathaniel reports that West Bank settlers are aggressively seizing land, particularly in Area C (over 60% of the West Bank), and are now targeting Areas A and B before a potential Israeli government change.
Jasper Nathaniel details a recent incident where armed settlers entered the Palestinian village of Tell, resulting in six deaths (two Israeli, four Palestinian), including a settler killed by a Palestinian and an Israeli soldier potentially by friendly fire.
Benjamin Netanyahu expedited the legalization of new outposts after the Tell incident, confirming Jasper Nathaniel's view that settler violence is a deliberate strategy to annex West Bank land.
Jasper Nathaniel argues that liberal Zionist positions, like supporting a two-state solution or blaming only the "extreme Netanyahu government," are disconnected from the reality of settler violence and Israeli politics.
Iran launched a surprise ballistic missile attack on a US base in Jordan at 5:45 pm ET, which US CENTCOM claimed were all intercepted, though regional footage suggests some impacts occurred.
The US and Saudi Arabia conducted joint airstrikes on Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militias, reportedly killing around 22 fighters, following over 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks.
Iranian attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities led to the shutdown of a refinery with a 400,000-barrel-a-day capacity, contributing to rising oil prices.
Iran is only willing to negotiate with Oman, not Washington, regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and believes military pressure will not force concessions.
Following major escalation, every transiting vessel in the Strait of Hormuz uses Iran's designated route, with none utilizing the US-promoted alternative, indicating Iran's control.
Jonathan Mahler states AIPAC's early pitch highlighted Israel as the sole Middle East democracy and a vital strategic ally during the Cold War, aligning US and Israeli interests.
Over decades, AIPAC lobbying secured billions in US military aid for Israel, making it the largest recipient of US foreign aid and bolstering its military capabilities, including fighter jets and the Iron Dome system.
The 2015 Iran nuclear deal marked a critical divergence, forcing AIPAC to choose between supporting Israel's opposition to the deal or President Obama's policy, ultimately siding with Israel.
Jonathan Mahler explains that the 2018 election of "The Squad," progressive lawmakers openly critical of Israel and supportive of BDS, presented a new challenge to AIPAC's traditional bipartisan support model.
Critics believe Erdogan influenced a court ruling that deposed Özel and replaced him with Kemal Kilishtaroulu, seen as a more manageable opponent.
Piotr Zilebsky notes 26 CHP mayors and hundreds of local officials have been arrested, suggesting the opposition's immediate focus is political survival.
Krystal reports an MQ-9 Reaper drone, valued at $30-34 million, was shot down over Iraq, noting Iran's ability to produce inexpensive, effective drones that the US has even copied.
Mourner Farishti Sultan Ali explicitly opposed negotiations with the U.S., telling Abdi Latif Tahir she was willing to die for revenge against Trump and Israel.
Iran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz shortly after the funeral, which a U.S. official deemed a "gross violation" of the peace agreement.
Farnas Fasih stated that Iran's current political infighting is distinct, occurring within the conservative camp rather than the traditional conservative-reformer divide.
Saeed Jalili leads Iran's ultra-hardliners, who advocate for no U.S. engagement and Israel's destruction, representing a loyal 10-20% minority of the 90 million population.
The new Supreme Leader, Mostaba al-Khamenei, remains in hiding and absent from public view due to fears of assassination and injuries from airstrikes, including vocal cord damage.
Mostaba al-Khamenei's absence creates a leadership void, as he lacks his father's religious and political authority, allowing deep internal divisions to fester without a final say.
Marty Bent notes Yemen announced a naval blockade in the Bab el-Mandeb straits, an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz, impacting oil shipping to Asia. John adds this route became a crucial pressure relief valve for Gulf oil exports, with millions of barrels previously heading to Asian countries.
Marty Bent highlights that the Middle East blockades have affected oil prices and ship insurance, with headlines indicating insurers are restricting war coverage for Saudi Arabian cargoes in the Red Sea. John mentions Lloyd's of London, a major maritime insurer, is considering pulling back from this volatile situation.
John explains the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) launched funding initiatives around April to encourage US-linked insurers to enter the Middle East market. This aims to increase US influence over the financial infrastructure facilitating global shipping, particularly at naval choke points.
John highlights evidence of significant demand destruction in China, specifically a 10% fall in diesel consumption in May. He views this as economic pain inflicted on China, potentially exacerbated by ongoing Middle East shipping disruptions.
Sawant critiques Representative Adam Smith as a "warmongering Democrat," noting his 9 years in Congress and his vote for the Iraq War, and accusing him of funding "genocide in Gaza."
Sawant argues that while the Democratic base supports progressive policies, the party's leadership is not leveraging mass movements, as evidenced by the breaking of the railroad workers' strike and continued funding for the Gaza conflict.