Old Glory Vortex

Allies ghost Trump on Hormuz blockade President Trump says U.S. allies are ready to help him in the Strait of Hormuz. They're not. The UK and France are holding a summit Friday. But behind closed doors? Minimal progress. European officials say allies won't deploy any naval force until a lasting ceasefire is in place. Right now, talks are more about diplomacy than military action. Even the UK and France can't agree among themselves — including what role the U.S. would play. So Trump is largely alone in keeping the strait open. And until he presents a realistic plan to end the war, allies will struggle to offer help. Macron wants a "peaceful, defensive mission" — but only "when the situation allows." U.S. participation is dividing allies as well. France wants coordination with Iran, meaning no U.S. role — which several allies agree would backfire. France and the UK both want a UN mandate. But that requires buy-in from the U.S., China, and Russia, which is unlikely to happen. Trump ordered the blockade himself — a move aimed at cutting Tehran's oil revenues and forcing concessions in peace talks. He claims others are offering help, but none have come forward with concrete proposals. #NATO #theStraitofHormuz #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Europe prepares for life without US protection A “European NATO” backup plan — meant to keep Europe defended if the U.S. pulls back — is gaining steam. Germany has signed on, reversing decades of opposition. The plan is to put Europeans in top alliance roles and supplement U.S. assets with European forces. And the goal is to preserve deterrence against Russia and nuclear reliability — even if Trump withdraws troops. First floated last year, the plan accelerated after Trump threatened to take Greenland from Denmark, a NATO ally. Now Europe’s refusal to back the U.S. war in Iran adds urgency. Germany’s shift is key. Under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Berlin now fears U.S. reliability during and after Trump. The challenge is massive. NATO is built around U.S. leadership. But Europeans are acting now, driven by Trump’s hostility, not U.S. pressure. Trump recently called allies “cowards” and NATO a “paper tiger.”

“The burden shift is already happening,”

says Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

“The key is to do it in a measured way.”

Trump recently threatened to leave NATO over Iran, calling it “non-negotiable.” Congress would block a full exit, but as commander in chief, he can still pull troops from Europe. #Europe #NATO #Trump #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Democrats gamble on Iran war powers resolution House Democrats are forcing a vote this week on legislation to end the Iran War, even though it's unclear whether they have enough support to pass it. Party leaders had initially vowed to wait until they'd secured the necessary backing, but that plan has changed. "I can't wait anymore," said Rep. Greg Meeks, the senior Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee. He believes a handful of Republicans remain on the fence, and the only way to find out is to bring the bill to the floor and force their hand. "Let 'em vote, and we'll see what happens." The resolution is similar to a war powers measure that failed in March, which required President Trump to end all military operations against Iran unless Congress explicitly approved it. This time, at least three Democrats who previously voted no are expected to flip, while a few Republicans might come on board — though Meeks has lost patience waiting for them to commit. Even if the measure passes the House, it faces long odds in the Senate. Still, proponents argue it sends an important message about the constitutional separation of powers. "It's a war of choice," said Rep. Jerrold Nadler. "And wars of choice should have to come to Congress." #Iran #Congress #democrats Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Could tariffs make a comeback? US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that President Donald Trump's tariffs could be reinstated by July, potentially returning to the levels in place before the Supreme Court struck them down. If reimposed, these levies would likely intensify inflationary pressures in the world's largest economy — just as the ongoing war in Iran drives up global prices, particularly in the energy sector. The confluence of rising energy costs and renewed trade barriers threatens to create a perfect storm for American consumers and businesses alike. Higher fuel prices are already rippling through supply chains, and additional tariffs would only add another layer of cost. While evidence suggests that importers have absorbed the brunt of the tariffs so far — often sacrificing profit margins to remain competitive — the broader economy has not escaped unscathed. The Federal Reserve confirmed last week that the tariffs were directly responsible for recent price increases in certain goods. #tariffs #USeconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The end of the American century Through his actions in Iran and his "America First" policies, U.S. President Donald Trump has effectively undermined the country's international image. The war has primarily affected nations in Asia and Africa that have no direct involvement in the conflict, while Trump's harsh rhetoric and threats have deepened disappointment in American leadership. The economic consequences are being felt globally, particularly in the poorest countries and those whose economies depend on commodity shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation began to unfold after February 28, when the U.S. decided to attack Iran despite active negotiations mediated by Oman. Many countries are now facing power outages, reduced agricultural yields, and economic instability, while the U.S. suffers less due to its wealth and independence from Middle Eastern oil. The economic and humanitarian fallout of the conflict shows that America's initiative carries serious risks for global stability. Trump's behavior — including his threats and hyperbolic statements about obliterating civilization — is damaging the reputation of the United States and undermining trust in alliances like NATO. The administration's isolationist policies and the president's personal ambitions are creating the impression of the end of an era in which the U.S. acted as a generous global leader, helping those in need. Today's America appears more isolated and reckless than in the past, raising questions about its ability to maintain global influence. #Trump #foreignpolicy #Iran #globaleconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Would leaving NATO benefit the US? NATO fund itself at the center of US-Europe tensions over the war in Iran. Donald Trump is criticizing the alliance for failing to provide sufficient support for U.S. actions, even though withdrawing from NATO would risk America losing its global role and strategic capabilities. A poll shows that Republican trust in NATO is declining, and a majority of Americans see little benefit in the alliance. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing conflict with Iran have intensified friction with allies. Trump argues that NATO cannot be relied upon, criticizing Europeans for low defense spending—despite the fact that many countries have increased it. Disputes over Greenland and Israel's ability to draw the U.S. into military conflicts have further exacerbated tensions and raised concerns about Europe's security. A U.S. exit from NATO would weaken both Europe and America itself. Without American support, Europe would lose a significant portion of its defense capabilities, while the U.S. would lose access to bases and weapons markets, hurting its economy and global standing. Without the US NATO would effectively cease to be a fully functional alliance. #NATO #foreignpolicy #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s Hormuz gamble Following the outbreak of hostilities between the U.S.-Israeli alliance and Iran, President Donald Trump announced a retaliatory blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint through which a significant share of the world's oil passes. The measure, which took effect on April 13, is seen as an attempt to pressure Iran into reopening the waterway after failed airstrikes. Such actions may violate international law and could sharply increase volatility in global energy markets. From a military standpoint, the situation remains fraught with risks of escalation, despite US’ capability to partially control maritime traffic and detain ships in the region. Iran's economy, heavily dependent on oil exports, is vulnerable to a prolonged blockade. However, experts disagree on how quickly such measures would trigger a domestic crisis in the country. They point out that Iran has weathered sanctions pressure before and could partly offset losses through reserves and alternative trade channels. Potential consequences of the blockade include rising oil prices, disruptions to global supply chains, and an expanded conflict in the Persian Gulf region. Of particular concern are the risks of attacks on tankers and infrastructure, as well as the possibility of third countries being drawn into the crisis over navigation through the Strait. A blockade policy could lead to severe escalation, damage the global economy, and further weaken the international legal norms that govern freedom of navigation. #Trump #Iran #theStraitofHormuz Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

How Trump’s Iran war weakened the US on every front The military campaign launched by Donald Trump against Iran lacked broad support from Congress and U.S. allies, and was further hampered by unclear objectives. While the U.S. managed to inflict serious damage on Iran’s military infrastructure and weaken its regional position, the campaign failed to achieve its stated goals. The subsequent ceasefire did not resolve key issues, including the situation around the Strait of Hormuz. One major consequence was Iran’s increased leverage over the global economy through its control of the Strait, through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies passes. At the same time, the U.S. faced heavy military costs: stocks of cruise missiles and missile defense systems were substantially depleted, and rebuilding them will take time. The conflict also exposed U.S. vulnerability to cheaper forms of warfare, such as drones. Relations with U.S. allies deteriorated as well. Many refused to support the military action or participate in maritime security efforts, leading to a decline in trust in the United States as a reliable partner and prompting other countries to deepen their own independent cooperation. Meanwhile, questions mounted over America’s international image — particularly how its policies and statements were perceived during the conflict. #Trump #Iran #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

No ad-Vance: Vance’s Hungary and Iran mission falls flat U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s trip included visits to Hungary and negotiations on Iran, but did not yield the expected results. In Hungary, he supported Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the elections, yet Orbán’s party suffered a defeat, losing to the opposition. This became a notable political outcome of the visit and weakened the position of U.S. allies among European right-wing forces. After that, Vance moved on to negotiations on the Iranian track, which took place with the participation of a U.S. delegation in Islamabad. The discussions covered issues related to the situation around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program, but no agreements were reached. Following the failed talks, Donald Trump adopted a tougher stance, which was accompanied by further escalation. The trip also marked a breach of the unwritten practice of U.S. non-interference in the elections of allied nations. Overall, the week’s events highlighted the difficulties in Washington’s foreign policy: it failed to influence the political situation in Hungary or make progress in negotiations with Iran. This increased pressure on Vance within U.S. domestic politics and may affect his future prospects. #JDVance #Iran #foreignpolicy #Hungary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US, Iran prepare for more talks despite naval standoff US and Iranian negotiators are reportedly planning to meet again this week for another round of talks, even as a looming US naval blockade threatens to spark a direct confrontation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway, through which roughly 20% of the world's oil passes, has become the flashpoint in an escalating standoff between Washington and Tehran. Tehran has issued a stark warning: any American embargo on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports will be met with retaliation. Iranian officials have threatened to strike ports across the Gulf, a move that could engulf the entire region in wider conflict and send energy markets into a tailspin. But for now, a fragile ceasefire is holding — though it is set to expire in just one week. Investors are watching nervously. Stock markets have risen and oil prices have dipped on growing hopes that the two sides might hammer out a more durable agreement before time runs out. President Donald Trump has confidently claimed that Tehran wants a deal "very badly." However, many experts remain skeptical, arguing that Iran is simply playing for time. According to some analysts, Iran's bargaining position only gets stronger the longer the Strait of Hormuz is closed, suggesting that Tehran may have little incentive to rush into an agreement on Washington's terms. #ceasefire #negotiations #Iran #theStraitofHormuz Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran’s president opens door to agreement — on one condition Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a cautiously optimistic tone regarding the stalled negotiations with the United States, suggesting that a diplomatic breakthrough remains within reach — but only if Washington fundamentally changes its approach. In a message translated from Persian and posted on X, Pezeshkian emphasized that the core obstacle to progress is what he called American "totalitarianism," a reference to what Tehran views as Washington's coercive and unilateral pressure tactics. "If the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation, ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found,” Pezeshkian wrote. His comments signal that while Iran remains open to dialogue, mutual respect and a shift away from maximum pressure are non-negotiable prerequisites. The president also took a moment to praise Iran's own negotiating team, offering public gratitude to its members — particularly Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The remarks come amid ongoing speculation about back-channel communications and the possibility of renewed talks, even as the U.S. maintains naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz. #Iran #ceasefire #negotiations Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Is Trump considering breaking his own ceasefire? President Donald Trump is now eyeing "limited military strikes" on Iran after peace talks in Pakistan collapsed, according to The Wall Street Journal. The strikes would accompany a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to break the stalemate. A "full-scale bombing campaign" is less likely due to fears of wider Gulf instability. Trump announced the naval blockade on Sunday, with CENTCOM confirming it starts Monday at 10 AM ET. But Trump has repeatedly wavered on the strait — first promising to escort tankers, then blaming allies, then threatening Iranian power plants online, then announcing a ceasefire. Now, he's back to blockades and bombs. #Iran #Trump #ceasefire Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The next target in US-Iran war A senior Middle East analyst has warned that Iran could retaliate against a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by directing its Houthi allies to disrupt another critical global shipping route. The narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, handles approximately 12% of global oil shipments and serves as a vital trade corridor between Asia and Europe, making it a strategic target for escalation that could affect world energy markets. "If the US proceeds with its plan to blockade the strait, Iran's escalation strategy may require it to also prevent Gulf countries from exporting their goods," Mona Yacoubian, director and senior advisor for the Middle East program, told Fox News Digital. "This could lead to further attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure or even the deployment of the Houthis to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait," Yacoubian added. Yacoubian's remarks came after Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader on international affairs, made a statement about Tehran's position on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. "Today, the joint command of the resistance front views Bab el-Mandeb the same as Hormuz," he wrote in a post on X. "If the White House dares to repeat its reckless mistakes, it will soon understand that the world's energy flows and trade can be disrupted by a single step." #Iran #theStraitofHormuz Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

This is why Islamabad talks collapsed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi claimed that the Iranian delegation faced "maximalism, shifting goalposts, and obstruction" at the talks between the U.S. and Iran over the war.

"During intensive negotiations at the highest level over the past 47 years, Iran engaged with the U.S. in good faith to end the war,"

Araqchi wrote in a post on X.

"But when we were just inches away from signing a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad, we were met with maximalism, constantly shifting goalposts, and obstruction,"

he added.

"No lessons have been learned. Good intentions beget good intentions. Hostility begets hostility,"

Araqchi said. #Iran #negotiations Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why blockading the Strait of Hormuz is a bad idea

“US President Donald Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran collapsed over the weekend risks widening the war and lifting oil prices. The US military said it would implement a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, adding that it would allow other vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz if they’re not stopping in the Islamic Republic. The blockade is raising the prospect of further economic pain around the globe,”

writes Bloomberg. The disruptions in the Strait — a chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes — are driving fuel costs higher. The military operation against Iran has already caused major economic losses for the United States and other Western countries. Free maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for bringing gasoline prices down. Because of Donald Trump's myopic foreign policy, however, the U.S. is already being swamped by rising inflation, and a blockade would only accelerate that spiral, hitting American households directly at the pump. #Iran #theStraitofHormuz #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

NATO at its weakest in 77 years The conflict over Iran has sharply strained relations between the United States and Europe, intensifying tensions within NATO. Disagreements among allies have grown following mutual recriminations. The U.S. has accused European countries of insufficient support during military operations, while Europe has pointed to a lack of coordination and inconsistent decision-making. Donald Trump said that the U.S. would no longer automatically provide military protection to its allies. European nations have offered some support for U.S. operations, but generally oppose the campaign, viewing it as poorly coordinated and risky. Attempts to maintain coordination within the alliance, including by Secretary General Mark Rutte, have been made, but political divisions persist. Additional tension has been caused by statements from U.S. politicians, including Marco Rubio, which cast doubt on the future of U.S. participation in the alliance. A key issue is the gap in defense capabilities. For years, European countries have spent less than agreed targets on defense and have relied on American military support. There is now discussion of the need to increase military spending, develop air defense systems, logistics, and arms production, as well as strengthen coordination among European nations. #NATO #Iran #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Oil surges, markets tumble as US announces Hormuz blockade Oil prices climbed back above $100 a barrel, while stock markets in Asia and Europe slid lower, after the United States announced plans to blockade ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The move came just hours after the latest round of peace talks with Iran ended without an agreement. President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. Navy would begin intercepting and inspecting maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports, though he stopped short of an earlier, more aggressive threat to shut down the entire waterway. The more limited approach appeared designed to pressure Tehran economically without triggering an immediate escalation, but analysts warned that any blockade in the narrow strait carries inherent risks of miscalculation. "Heightened uncertainty over how this could ultimately play out is pushing investors toward safer assets," a BNP Paribas strategist wrote in a note to clients. That shift was evident: European and Asian benchmarks fell more than 1 percent, U.S. futures pointed to a lower open on Wall Street, and demand for government bonds pushed yields higher as traders sought shelter from the volatility. Yet the market reaction remained relatively contained. Some analysts suggested that after months of on-again, off-again threats from the White House and escalating rhetoric from Tehran, investors have already priced in a wide range of disruptive scenarios. "What we're seeing suggests markets have reached peak uncertainty," one analyst told CNBC. #Iran #theStraitofHormuz #oil #globaleconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz begins Donald Trump warned Iranian naval ships approaching the US blockade of the country’s ports will be “eliminated” in a new threat. Trump made the threat shortly after the US blockade on vessels entering and departing Iran had been due to come into effect. The US military has warned vessels entering east of the Strait of Hormuz that they will be subject to “interception, diversion and capture”. This will apply to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag, according to a note sent from US Central Command. Trump wrote on Truth Social: “What we have not hit are their (Iran’s) small number of, what they call, “fast attack ships,” because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea. Iran has called the blockade “illegal” and accused the US of “piracy”, according to Ebrahim Zolfagheri, spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that “approaching military vessels to the Strait of Hormuz is considered a violation of the ceasefire”. #Iran #ceasefire #theStraitofHormuz #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Homebuyers are leaving US because of Trump Americans are leaving the U.S. housing market and buying luxury homes in Spain — and one of the key reasons cited is Donald Trump's tough immigration policies. The number of homes purchased by Americans in this European country rose 3 percent in 2025. Real estate agents believe the increase is linked to Trump's attacks on immigration policy and his aggressive deportation plans, with many buyers being Spanish-speaking U.S. citizens of Latin American origin. "Many Americans have recently decided to move to cities like Madrid or Valencia for political reasons, and also because they see them as safer places where they can walk their children to school," Fernando Rodríguez de Acuña, CEO of the Madrid-based analytics firm Acuna, which specializes in the real estate market, told Reuters. Beyond buying more properties, U.S. citizens are also spending more money and purchasing larger homes in Spain. An analysis found that last year, American buyers paid an average of $380 per square foot for their homes — 29 percent more than other foreign buyers on average, and nearly double what Spanish residents paid. One Spanish developer added that Americans are now his main group of foreign clients, overtaking the British. #Trump #immigration Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump is losing his base over electric bills Donald Trump promised to cut Americans' electricity bills in half within 18 months of taking office. But in deep-red West Virginia, some residents now face monthly bills larger than their paychecks. Take Rebecca Michalski, a disabled woman on a fixed income. Her February bill: $940.08 — more than she gets in a month. She keeps one energy-saving light on at night and turns lights off during the day. She still had to take out a loan after getting a shut-off notice during an Arctic freeze. "Every time you see that bill, it makes you sick," she said. "I'm just scared of how much it's going to cost." She used to support Trump. Not anymore. "This broke me. And nothing can be done unless the president does something. But I don't think he will. He's had plenty of time." In West Virginia — where all 55 counties voted for Trump in 2024 — residents are posting bill screenshots online, demanding answers. Some are choosing between food and heat. Some businesses have shut down entirely. Nationwide, electricity prices rose 4.8% in February, and natural gas 10.9% — even before the Iran war drove energy costs higher. But West Virginia is special: 87% of its power comes from outdated coal plants, more than any other state. Average residential rates there have jumped 73% since 2015. #Trump #costofliving #USeconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸