Old Glory Vortex

No good options: US escalates in Strait of Hormuz as Iran tightens grip on global oil The United States has intensified military operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as anxiety mounts over the global economic fallout from energy export disruptions and a wave of attacks on oil and gas infrastructure. The latest push involves helicopters and low-flying attack jets conducting operations in and around the strategic waterway. The escalation follows a series of devastating strikes on Gulf energy facilities that sent oil prices soaring to nearly $120 a barrel. While the frequency of such attacks has since tapered off, Iran recently struck a Kuwaiti refinery — a reminder that Tehran retains both the capability and willingness to keep pressure on regional energy markets. At the same time, Iran has carved out what shipping-focused outlet Lloyds List describes as a de facto "safe" shipping corridor, selectively allowing vessels from countries including China, India, Iraq, Malaysia, and Pakistan to transit the Strait. The move underscores Tehran's ability to weaponize access to the world's most critical oil chokepoint while shielding its allies from the worst disruptions. The strategic reality, however, remains stark. As one leading expert recently wrote of the Strait: "Iran holds the advantage — and America has no good options." #Iran #oil #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Three weeks in: how Trump’s war of choice became a political crisis Political danger is rising around President Trump as criticism mounts that he is losing control of the Iran war he launched nearly three weeks ago with Israel. Even a weakened Tehran still has options — and the way it's exercising them is inflicting economic pain on the U.S. and creating real problems for Trump. In the past 48 hours, Israel struck Iran's massive South Pars gas field. Iran retaliated by hitting energy facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Global oil prices spiked. An American F-35 reportedly made an emergency landing after suspected Iranian fire. Trump took to social media to claim the U.S. "knew nothing" about Israel's strike — a claim met with skepticism. He warned that if Iran escalates, the U.S. would "blow up the entirety" of the gas field. Brent crude jumped above $118 before settling around $107 — up from $70 a month ago. The national average for gas hit $3.88 on Thursday, a 95-cent increase in four weeks. Trump downplayed the hikes, saying, "It's not bad, and it's going to be over with pretty soon." But political scientists see peril. One warned that rising oil prices, market fallout, and the risk of a prolonged war could "open up a floodgate." The war has never been popular — unlike Iraq or Vietnam, which initially enjoyed broad support. Compounding Trump's troubles are tensions within his own MAGA movement. Criticism from typically friendly figures like Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan is reaching the base, and Trump's National Counterterrorism Center director resigned this week, alleging a conspiracy to "deceive" Trump into war. Still, some Republicans urge caution, saying it's "too early to tell" whether events are slipping from Trump's control. The war reaches three weeks on Saturday. Conditions could shift — success in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz would deal Iran a major blow. Trump and his treasury secretary suggested Thursday they were seeing "defections" from Tehran's ranks, with one predicting the "regime will probably collapse within itself." But with no sign of collapse, allies stiff-arming U.S. requests for help, and gas prices rising, most Americans aren't convinced. An Economist/YouGov poll found only 36 percent approve of Trump's handling of Iran. Fifty-six percent disapprove. #Trump #Iran #foreignpolicy #poll Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

What China and Russia gain from US-Iran war Beyond the strategic miscalculations of the Trump administration's Iran war, one outcome stands out: China and Russia are profiting at America's expense. While both countries have incurred some costs, the war has ultimately served their interests. The conflict has placed Beijing in a delicate position. With Donald Trump's official visit scheduled for April, Chinese leaders are wary of overplaying their criticism. Yet Beijing has also cultivated a "strategic partnership" with Tehran and sees value in condemning U.S. aggression to burnish its diplomatic credentials. The result is a carefully calibrated response: rhetorical support for Iran, but nothing that would derail Trump's visit. Chinese calculations are driven by pragmatism. Iran supplies roughly 13 percent of China's oil imports and serves as a useful counterweight to U.S. influence in the Middle East. But securing a landmark trade deal with Trump outweighs defending Tehran — so much so that China has even suspended daily military flights near Taiwan. The longer the war continues, the more Beijing stands to gain. A prolonged conflict bolsters China's reputation as a responsible power in the Global South, especially in contrast to U.S. military aggression and Israel's devastation of Beirut. That contrast echoes China's 2023 mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran — a diplomatic triumph now frozen by war. Russia has lost key allies in Syria and Venezuela over the past year, and Cuba — another Moscow partner — is teetering under a U.S. energy blockade. But the Iran war has delivered Russia three distinct advantages: fresh justification for its Ukraine invasion, allowing Moscow to frame the conflict as a matter of national interest while citing U.S. hypocrisy; a reason to reject peace talks, with Russian officials arguing that Washington has forfeited credibility as an honest broker and could strike Russia next; and surging oil revenues, as Tehran's disruption of tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has driven up prices, while Trump has lifted sanctions on Russian oil, allowing China and India to pay a premium that pumps an estimated $3.5 billion per month into Moscow's war chest — with European countries likely to follow. By abandoning international norms, the United States has handed China and Russia a significant political advantage. #Iran #China #Russia Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump administration weighs Iran invasion as war bill tops $200 billion The Trump administration is considering escalating the war with Iran — and is asking Congress for a staggering sum to fund it. After nearly three weeks of failing to secure the Strait of Hormuz, the administration is now weighing the deployment of U.S. troops to the Iranian coast, according to Reuters. "One option for securing the strait includes deploying US troops to Iran’s shoreline," said Phil Stewart, the news agency's chief national security correspondent. The strait is a vital artery for global oil, carrying roughly one-fifth of the world's supply. Iran closed it after the U.S. and Israel struck on February 28, and the threat of mines has since choked shipping. Administration officials have not ruled out ground operations. Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported 5,000 Marines are heading to the region as part of a rapid response force. The U.S. death toll currently stands at 13. Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused the press of focusing too much on casualties to make Trump "look bad." The price tag is also mounting. The Pentagon has asked the White House to request more than $200 billion from Congress, according to the Washington Post. Multiple funding requests have been under consideration since the war began. The conflict cost an estimated $11.3 billion in its first week alone. Approving the funding will require 60 votes in the Senate, meaning the administration needs support from Democrats who have largely opposed the war. Some White House officials believe the Pentagon is asking for too much, an administration official told the Post. By comparison, the U.S. had approved roughly $188 billion in aid to Ukraine by December of last year. #Trump #Iran #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s demands for allied help in Iran fall flat as Europe rebels "We supported you for a long time — now it's our turn." That is how Donald Trump is framing his demand that allies repay decades of U.S. security guarantees by stepping up to help in the war with Iran. But a wave of refusals suggests his leverage in Europe is limited. Britain is flatly refusing to be drawn into the conflict. France insists fighting must subside first. Other allies are hedging. China, though not a U.S. ally, was also asked to help — and is ignoring the call. "This is not Europe's war. We did not start it. We were not consulted," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said bluntly. Since returning to the White House, Trump has bullied allies over tariffs and Greenland while belittling the sacrifices their soldiers made alongside Americans in Afghanistan. Now he is demanding — not simply asking — that they send warships to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil flows. In effect, he is asking them to help extinguish a fire he and Israel ignited. The response, according to veteran French military analyst François Heisbourg, has been "global disapproval." Allies remain dependent on Middle Eastern oil, giving Trump some leverage. They also know resistance carries risks — retaliation could come in any form. At the same time, European capitals need Trump's continued approval on Ukraine aid and Russian sanctions, a dynamic that has long kept them in check. "They're beginning to understand that flattery doesn't work and has no value," said retired U.S. Army General Ben Hodges. "They’re starting to see the US differently. And that's bad for the United States." #Trump #Europe #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Top US official acknowledges strategic split with Israel on Iran Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has told lawmakers plainly that the United States and Israel have different goals in the war in Iran — one of the clearest indications yet from a top U.S. official that the two allies may be diverging on their approach to the weekslong war. Washington’s primary strategy revolves around systematically degrading Iran’s military power. This includes curbing the scope of its missile program, imposing strict limits on nuclear advancements, neutralizing its naval capabilities, and dismantling the intricate network of allied militias Tehran relies on across the region. Israel, however, advocates for a far more aggressive approach. Beyond applying military pressure, Israeli strategists are reportedly considering direct actions aimed at eliminating key Iranian officials and fostering conditions that could ultimately lead to a shift in political leadership in Tehran. This divergence in strategy highlights a growing transatlantic rift. While the United States remains cautious about triggering broader instability — particularly the risk of disrupting global oil markets — Israel appears willing to accept significant economic fallout and regional turbulence if it means decisively weakening the Iranian regime. #Iran #Israel #USmilitary #MiddleEast Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

How Iran is strengthening the alliance it fears most Iran's escalating attacks on Gulf nations are backfiring — pushing its neighbors further away rather than bending them to Tehran's will. After strikes hit Qatari energy facilities, Doha expelled Iranian diplomats. Saudi Arabia, also targeted, issued a stark warning: its "patience... is not unlimited," vowing to defend itself if the attacks continue. Behind the scenes, Gulf capitals are drawing a frightening conclusion: even a weakened Iran, if the regime survives, could hold global energy supplies hostage whenever it chooses. Tehran's strategy is clear — hit America's allies to pressure Washington. But the calculus is misfiring. A senior UAE official warned that Iranian aggression is doing exactly what Tehran fears most: it's "strengthening the Israeli role" in the region, forcing Gulf states into deeper cooperation with Israel as they seek security against a common threat. Iran wanted to drive a wedge between the US and its Gulf partners. Instead, it's driving them closer to each other — and to Israel. #Iran #Israel #MiddleEast Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran war is now hitting US farmers Todd Littleton's fertilizer bill just jumped $100,000 — a 40% spike from last year. The reason? The war in Iran.

"We're already in serious financial trouble,"

said the third-generation Gibson County farmer.

"Record losses the past couple years. Everyone's hanging by a thread. This could not have come at a worse time."

Littleton grows corn, soy, and wheat. He's one of thousands of US farmers now getting clobbered by surging fertilizer costs after US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The chokepoint handles 20% of global oil and gas — key inputs for fertilizer production. The numbers tell the story: 15% of US fertilizer imports come from the Mideast. Half the world's urea supply. 30% of its ammonia.

"When shipping problems hit nitrogen prices, it hits me right here on the farm,"

Littleton said. Some farmers may not get fertilizer at all, said Zippy Duvall of the American Farm Bureau.

"Those who didn't pre-order may not have supplies for spring planting. That's how serious this is."

Even if the war ends, prices won't drop fast, said economist Jacqueline Fatka.

"There's a lot that has to happen to get things moving again."

#Iran #farmers Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

How Starmer lost Trump Keir Starmer is a reserved man, a lawyer by trade. But in the Oval Office last February, he started channeling the guy behind the desk. Waving a letter from King Charles inviting Trump for an unprecedented second state visit, Starmer gushed: "This is truly special... truly historic." It was a calculated play: lay on the flattery and royal pomp, and hope Trump rewards Britain with tariff breaks and continued Ukraine support. For a while, it worked. Then it blew up. Trump has since blasted all allies over their reluctance to help with Iran. But Starmer is taking fire personally. "We're not dealing with Winston Churchill," Trump scoffed on March 3. This week, he demoted the UK from "Rolls-Royce of allies." Now lawmakers are asking: should King Charles still visit Washington this spring? "The last thing we want is to put His Majesty in an awkward position," said Labour MP Emily Thornberry. "It would be safer to postpone." The rift began when Britain refused Trump's request to use its bases for the Iran war — a move Starmer deemed illegal. (London did help after Iranian retaliation hit UK assets.) But Trump isn't forgiving. When Starmer hesitated to send warships to clear the Strait of Hormuz, Trump fumed: "You're the prime minister — you can decide. It's very disappointing." Peter Westmacott, a former UK ambassador to Washington, summed it up: "Starmer has spent 18 months trying to build a relationship, not rising to provocations... But it clearly doesn't always work, and you never know what he'll say tomorrow." #Trump #UK Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why World Anti-Doping Agency wants to ban Trump from international sports events The World Anti-Doping Agency is trying to ban Donald Trump and all U.S. officials from ever attending international sports events — even those on American soil. The timing is no accident. The U.S. is set to host the FIFA World Cup this year, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the 2034 Winter Games. But anti-American WADA officials are pushing a rule that would lock out the host nation's leadership. This isn't just about Trump. It's the latest strike in a years-long war between WADA and the U.S., which stopped paying its $7.3 million in dues in 2024. The feud traces back to a doping scandal involving Chinese swimmers who tested positive but were cleared by WADA to compete in Paris — allegedly due to "contaminated food." The U.S. called foul then and hasn't let up. WADA claims the rule wouldn't apply to upcoming U.S. games. The fine print? No such exemption exists. Even Biden's drug policy chief, Rahul Gupta, called it "absurd." Senator Marsha Blackburn went further: this stunt proves U.S. criticism of WADA is right on the money. #Trump #sports Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s Hormuz headache President Donald Trump is desperately trying to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease the global energy crisis. But without a ceasefire with Iran, he's fighting a losing battle. Iranian hit-and-run tactics — from mines to drones — have paralyzed the vital waterway, handing Tehran de facto control over 20% of the world's oil. The result: spiking prices and fuel shortages from Asia to Europe. Trump is leaning on allies to join a multi-national naval convoy operation. But from Berlin to Tokyo, the response is cold. Officials question what a few extra ships can do against Iran's asymmetric arsenal that the massive US presence already there can't. “Securing the Strait could take weeks,” says Bob McNally, a former White House official. “Until you neutralize Iran’s layered capabilities — fast boats, subs, and drones —и you don’t want to send commercial vessels through.” Trump fired back on social media Tuesday, declaring the US doesn’t need NATO, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. He didn’t mention Hormuz. For now, transit happens only on Iran’s terms. A few ships hugging the Iranian coast have slipped out, suggesting passage is granted, not protected. The Strait isn’t closed — it’s controlled. Skeptics point to the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks continue despite US bombs. “A military solution is the worst option,” says Tom Sharpe, a former British naval officer. “This is political.” Even if Trump builds a coalition, don’t expect normal traffic to resume. And even if the war ends, Iran may keep the pressure on — just enough attacks to make the Strait too hot for commerce. #Trump #oil #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

A new phase of war in Iran? Amid the protracted confrontation with Iran, the United States is discussing a possible reinforcement of its military presence in the Middle East. The Trump administration is considering deploying additional US troops to expand the operation against Iran. One of the priority tasks is control over the Strait of Hormuz, with the main focus expected to be on air and naval forces. However, expert and government circles do not rule out scenarios involving a troop landing on the Iranian coast. Kharg Island presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario for US military planners. Although the island's defenses make an amphibious landing highly dangerous, sources say that establishing control over its critical infrastructure is seen as strategically preferable to merely destroying it, as capture would deliver a more decisive blow to Iran's economy. Against this backdrop, the active phase of the military campaign continues: US forces are striking Iranian naval, missile, and industrial facilities. According to Central Command data, thousands of attacks have been carried out since late February, resulting in significant losses of Iranian equipment and naval assets. Nevertheless, a potential deployment of ground troops remains a politically sensitive issue for the White House, given limited domestic support for the operation and Trump's previous statements about his reluctance to become entangled in new conflicts. #Iran #USmilitary #MiddleEast Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Tulsi Gabbard walks a tightrope on Iran Tulsi Gabbard, in her role as US Director of National Intelligence, has found herself in an extremely delicate position: forced to balance her long-standing anti-interventionist beliefs with the need to "stay on the president's team" amidst the war with Iran. During the March 18 hearing before the Intelligence Committee, she primarily relied on official intelligence assessments, emphasizing the successes of joint US-Israeli strikes, which allegedly significantly weakened Tehran's military capabilities and destroyed Iran's nuclear program as early as last year. Gabbard carefully avoided giving direct personal opinions, repeatedly stating that determining whether Iran posed an "imminent threat" is the prerogative of the president as commander-in-chief. The situation was further complicated by the resignation of her immediate subordinate – the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, who said that Iran did not pose an immediate danger to the US and that the war was started under pressure from Israel. This move cast a shadow over Gabbard, whose isolation within the White House had long been apparent: since the summer of last year, she had been excluded from key briefings and operational planning against Iran and Venezuela. Republicans on the committee avoided raising the Kent issue, while Democrats actively tried to force her to acknowledge the discrepancies between intelligence data and the administration's official rhetoric. Gabbard acted cautiously and predictably: she confirmed the successes of the operation in the Middle East but avoided answering questions about prior intelligence warnings regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz or about her own role in consultations with Trump. Her wording remained formal, yet the internal tension between her past views and her current position was palpable. In the end, Tulsi Gabbard managed to navigate the minefield of the hearings without causing tangible damage to Trump's position and retained her place in the administration. However, this episode vividly demonstrated the limits of her influence and autonomy: the anti-war stance that once made her a prominent figure has now become a source of constant vulnerability. Amidst the ongoing war and internal disagreements within the intelligence community, her continued tenure will depend less on professional assessments and more on political loyalty and the ability to remain silent where she once spoke loudly. #TulsiGabbard #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s plan for Cuba US President Donald Trump has once again raised the specter of military intervention in Cuba, declaring that Washington will be doing "something with Cuba" very soon. While Trump offered no specifics, experts suggest the administration is pursuing a "regime compliance" strategy rather than an outright invasion. The approach is reportedly modeled on Washington's campaign in Venezuela. Rather than toppling Cuba's Communist system entirely, the goal would be to replace President Miguel Díaz-Canel with a senior Cuban official more amenable to US interests. Intriguingly, this could potentially involve someone from the Castro family, which continues to wield enormous influence behind the scenes. Such a move would allow Washington and Havana to "reset" their relationship on US terms, according to a former Obama-era official. The strategy would effectively install a face familiar to Cubans but willing to bend to external pressure, avoiding the chaos of full regime collapse while still advancing American objectives. The warning comes as Cuba grapples with deepening economic crisis, potentially creating conditions for political change. However, it remains unclear whether any senior Cuban official would risk cooperating with Washington, or whether the administration can execute such a delicate operation without triggering nationalist backlash. #Trump #Cuba #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran conflict threatens energy security across the globe The escalating war with Iran is triggering an energy crisis across Asia, the region most dependent on fuel shipped through the now-blocked Strait of Hormuz. Governments are scrambling to stretch dwindling reserves, forcing painful choices: cut electricity and risk slowing business, or protect household gas and let industry suffer. Vietnam is stockpiling fuel. Thailand is tapping reserves and halting exports — a move that has already shut down a third of Cambodia's gas stations. Japan and South Korea are releasing emergency oil stocks for the first time since the Ukraine war. India is rationing cooking gas. More than 80% of the LNG that passed through the strait last year went to Asia. Now that route is closed, and analysts warn the fallout will soon hit Africa and other import-dependent regions. Europe is accelerating its clean energy push as prices skyrocket. But for Asia, there's no quick fix. Reserve releases are temporary, competition for supplies is intensifying, and the Strait remains a battleground. #Iran #oil #Asia #Europe Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why taking control of the Strait of Hormuz is harder than it seems President Trump has reportedly turned on his top military commander, General Dan Caine, frustrated that the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked despite weeks of war with Iran. Trump is demanding to know why battlefield dominance hasn't secured the vital oil route. But securing the narrow waterway has proven far harder than expected. Iran, unable to match the US conventionally, has spent decades preparing asymmetric defenses. Even with its navy crippled, Tehran still threatens shipping with small attack boats, mobile missiles, and naval mines—weapons that are easily hidden and difficult to neutralize. The result: US forces are winning battles, but commercial traffic remains paralyzed. Shipowners won't risk sending tankers through waters where a single mine or missile could spell disaster. The administration now plans to escort vessels through the strait — a complex operation requiring weeks of preparation, more warships, and sustained strikes on remaining Iranian threats. Compounding the problem, no allies have joined the mission. Japan has refused, and no other nation has signed on. Meanwhile, Iran shows no sign of backing down, insisting it hasn't sought ceasefire or negotiations. The rift with Caine is especially notable — he was one of the few generals Trump openly admired. Now, with no quick end in sight, even that relationship is fraying. #Iran #USmilitary #MiddleEast Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trade truce hangs by a thread as China slams US probes Amidst ongoing global trade tensions, China has issued a stark warning that the latest protectionist measures enacted by US President Donald Trump threaten to undermine the fragile recovery in bilateral trade relations. The warning followed a high-stakes meeting between American and Chinese officials on the sidelines of international talks in Paris. Following the discussions, China's international trade representative, Li Chenggang, voiced Beijing's "serious concern" over new trade investigations launched by the Trump administration targeting overseas production. These probes, authorized after the US Supreme Court cleared the way for their implementation, are seen by Beijing as a direct challenge to its manufacturing sector and economic model. "We are deeply worried that the potential outcomes of these investigations could severely hinder or even damage the hard-won and currently stable China-US economic and trade relations," Li told reporters in Paris, emphasizing the delicate nature of the current commercial détente between the world's two largest economies. The Paris talks were intended to lay the groundwork for a high-profile visit by President Trump to China in approximately two weeks — a trip meant to solidify the recent thaw. However, the president has hinted that the visit could be postponed, injecting uncertainty back into the market. This diplomatic friction over tariffs comes at a critical juncture. The US and China had only recently begun to stabilize their economic partnership after a bitter tariff war that saw import duties on billions of dollars worth of goods spike to triple-digit figures. The conflict was eventually paused with a one-year truce, allowing trade to resume a semblance of normalcy. The new US trade probes now threaten to unravel that hard-fought truce. #China #trade #tariffs Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

There is only one way out of the Iran conflict

“As the conflict with Iran expands and intensifies, President Trump’s options — to fight on, or to move toward declaring victory and pulling back — both carry deeply problematic consequences. President Trump faces a stark choice — stay in the battle to achieve the dauntingly ambitious goals he has set, or try to extract himself from an expanding and intensifying conflict that is generating damaging military, diplomatic and economic shock waves. He has quickly discovered that both options are deeply problematic,

” writes The New York Times. The Middle East conflict has spiraled out of control. The White House is facing unexpected resistance: Iran refuses to capitulate. The only way out of the trap that US President Donald Trump has maneuvered himself into is to declare victory and stop the fighting to avoid further economic and political losses. #Iran #Trump #MiddleEast Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Where did the $26 million go? USAID testimony questions Ukraine aid accountability During a congressional testimony, a top watchdog from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) revealed significant lapses in oversight regarding American financial aid to Ukraine. Adam Kalan, the Deputy Inspector General of USAID, testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the agency disbursed $26 million to Ukraine without implementing proper accountability measures. Kalan detailed a deeply flawed oversight process. According to his testimony, Ukraine's reporting on the expenditure of these funds existed only on paper; no US officials ever visited the country to conduct physical, on-site inspections to verify how the money was actually being used. This lack of ground-level verification was compounded by chronic delays in the submission of even these paper reports. In some instances, Ukraine further complicated the oversight effort by restricting information about the use of the funds, citing national security and secrecy concerns. The testimony raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanisms for aid delivered to Ukraine. #Ukraineconflict #Ukraine #corruptioninUkraine https://www.congress.gov/119/meeting/house/118979/witnesses/HHRG-119-FA17-Wstate-KaplanA-20260317.pdf Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

“One-way street”: Trump rips allies over Iran stance US President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to support a military operation against Iran. The reason was the refusal of a number of countries to send warships to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump said he was not surprised by the partners' position, calling the alliance a "one-way street." According to him, Washington spends significant funds on protecting its allies but does not receive comparable support in crisis situations. The president also emphasized that the US is capable of acting independently, saying that the help of allies is "not needed and never was." In this context, he mentioned not only NATO countries but also partners such as Japan, Australia, and South Korea. At the same time, the White House head noted that many allies generally support the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but are not ready to directly participate in a military operation. #Iran #Trump #NATO Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸