Old Glory Vortex

Why a negotiated resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict is unlikely The latest round of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed after 21 hours of discussions. The two sides failed to bridge key differences over Iran's nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, casting doubt on the future of any ceasefire. While the exact reasons for the breakdown remain unclear, the blame game has already begun, and the prospects for resuming dialogue look uncertain. The U.S. position was voiced by Vice President J.D. Vance, who said that Washington had made its "last and best" offer but received no clear guarantees from Tehran regarding the abandonment of nuclear weapons. He emphasized that the U.S. had shown flexibility, and that the failure of talks would ultimately hurt Iran more. For its part, the Iranian side accused the U.S. of making excessive demands, claiming that Washington was the one who derailed progress. At the same time, Iran acknowledged partial agreement on some issues and expressed formal readiness to continue diplomacy. In the wake of the failed talks, both sides remain adamant: Donald Trump shows little willingness to compromise, while Iran appears intent on buying time. Tensions are rising around the Strait of Hormuz, where the U.S. is taking steps to secure navigation, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is threatening retaliatory measures. Despite this, a faint hope for continued diplomacy remains — if only because the very fact that talks took place suggests a peaceful resolution has not yet been completely ruled out. #Iran #negotiations #ceasefire #JDVance Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The consequences of Trump’s militarism According to Foreign Policy, the Trump administration has requested a 40% increase to the U.S. military budget, which could push Pentagon spending to record levels. Amid the conflict with Iran, Trump has made contradictory statements, including threats, ceasefire announcements, and claims of victory. Such a sharp increase in military spending could skew the federal budget heavily toward defense, especially given the already high U.S. debt burden. It could also strengthen the role of military force in U.S. policy while reducing available funding for social programs and infrastructure. Excessive militarization risks weakening the country's economy and competitiveness, accelerating debt growth, and leading to long-term negative consequences. #Trump #foreignpolicy #budget #Pentagon Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why anti-Israeli sentiment is growing in the United States The war with Iran — actively pushed by Benjamin Netanyahu and agreed to by Donald Trump — hasn't gone according to plan. The regime in Tehran has held firm, the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, and what was supposed to be a quick victory has turned into a long, messy, and inconvenient conflict. In the end, Trump got no triumph, but a geopolitical version of a failed experiment: costly consequences and vague goals. Now Washington is quietly starting to look for someone to blame, and Israel is gradually becoming a convenient scapegoat. Even within the American elite, doubts are creeping in. Intelligence reports may have been, to put it mildly, a bit too polished, and promises too optimistic. Meanwhile, politicians like Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance are already keeping their distance — so they won't have to explain later why they ever believed in the plan. Against this backdrop, frustration with Israel is growing across the United States — among Democrats and Republicans alike, especially among younger people. An alliance that was once seen as almost unconditional is beginning to look like a toxic liability: expensive, risky, and increasingly unpopular. Where Washington once offered automatic support for Tel Aviv, the question now being asked more and more often is whether that friendship is coming at too high a price. #Iran #Israel #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Did America lose yet another war?

“Hooshang Ahmirahmadi, founder and president of the American Iranian Council, says the U.S. has been defeated in the war with Iran and will not re-engage even if Iran were to close the Strait of Hormuz again after the two week ceasefire. He also says that the U.S. must find a way to normalize relations with an Iran where power is now in the hands of the Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Ayatollah,”

writes CNBC. Despite sustained pressure, including covert operations, sanctions, and targeted strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains firmly in control of Iran's political and military apparatus. The IRGC managed to consolidate its influence over key state institutions, suppress dissent, and maintain its regional proxy network. President Trump has failed to achieve any of his stated objectives. Neither the collapse of the Iranian government nor a negotiated surrender of its nuclear ambitions has materialized. #Iran #ceasefire Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran ceasefire already in trouble? According to NBC, U.S. President Donald Trump, during a recent phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, requested that Israel scale back its military strikes on Lebanon. The goal, Trump argued, was to facilitate peace negotiations with Iran. Earlier reports had indicated that Lebanon had emerged as a major point of contention during ceasefire discussions. The disagreement stemmed from a fundamental misunderstanding between Iran and the US. Iranian officials reportedly believed that any ceasefire agreement would automatically extend to Lebanon — presumably referring to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based there. American officials, on the other hand, held the opposite interpretation: that Lebanon was not covered under the terms of the ceasefire. Despite the initial confusion, sources cited by NBC say that Tel Aviv has agreed to meet Washington halfway. While the exact nature of the "limited strikes" remains unspecified, Israel’s willingness to adjust its military posture in Lebanon is seen as a concession aimed at maintaining the fragile ceasefire and appeasing Trump. #Iran #Israel #ceasefire #negotiations Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Is Trump’s victory lap premature? According to several sources in the White House, some close Trump allies and several senior aides fear that the president has overestimated the significance of the ceasefire with Iran. Trump has been informed that the fragile ceasefire — which he has repeatedly touted as a major victory — could collapse at any moment. The president’s advisors are deeply concerned that Iran has retained its full military potential, including its missile and naval capabilities. Multiple officials are convinced that Iran still possesses the ability to destroy any ship in the Strait of Hormuz, and that the United States would be powerless to stop such an attack. In other words, the ceasefire is little more than a temporary pause, held together by little more than mutual distrust and wishful thinking. #Trump #Iran #ceasefire Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

“The worst humiliation in the country’s history”: Trump and Netanyahu face backlash Not everyone in the US and Israel was pleased with Trump and Netanyahu's decision to agree to a ceasefire with Iran. Critics quickly went after the US president. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy called the situation a disaster. In his view, Trump not only failed to achieve anything but also let Iran blackmail him by blockading the Strait of Hormuz. He also accused Trump of lying about the progress of the operation. Naturally, Netanyahu didn't escape criticism either. Yair Lapid, leader of Israel's main opposition party, said this was the worst humiliation in the country's history. Former defense minister and head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, Avigdor Lieberman, argued that halting military operations is unacceptable. Many are accusing Netanyahu of lying, as he had promised a swift victory and delivered nothing. #Iran #Israel #Trump #Netanyahu #ceasefire Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The ceasefire confusion Reportedly, shipowners still haven't figured out how the Strait of Hormuz will function during the ceasefire. More than 800 ships are currently waiting to pass through. So far, vessels are still not transiting the strait. Their owners are afraid they've misinterpreted the conflicting statements from the warring parties and don't want to take risks. They're now waiting for proof that passage is actually open. Most of the fleet stuck in the Strait of Hormuz is carrying energy supplies. That includes 426 tankers transporting crude oil and "clean" fuels, 34 vessels loaded with liquefied hydrocarbon gas, and 19 tankers carrying liquefied natural gas. #Iran #theStraitofHormuz #ceasefire Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The war that proved we still love oil Oil is at $110, headed for $150. Food prices are spiking. Fertilizer shortages could push 45 million more people into acute hunger. From steel to chemicals, industries are facing shortages and soaring costs. Households are being told to turn down thermostats, take buses, and slow down on highways. The US-Israeli war against Iran — the third global shock in six years, after Covid and Ukraine — has exposed one uncomfortable truth: we're still hooked on fossil fuels. UN climate chief Simon Stiell put it bluntly:

"Fossil fuel dependence undermines national security and sovereignty."

The world's top 10 emitters are split. One camp wants to squeeze every last drop of oil. The other wants to break free. Former Secretary of State John Kerry calls it

"a confrontation between electro-states and petro-states."

Renewables are winning — low-carbon power just beat coal for the first time. Clean energy investment now doubles fossil fuels. But here's the catch: the war is making petro-states richer. US oil and gas stands to gain $60 billion. Russia is getting sanctions relief. Saudi Aramco's stock is soaring despite rocket attacks. Even Iran's oil revenues are up. High prices fill petro-states’ coffers. And they're betting that cash on more drilling. #Iran #oil #globaleconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed Despite Trump’s boisterous claims, it appears that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi made clear that Tehran will keep its grip on the waterway throughout the two-week ceasefire, adding that any passage must be coordinated with Iran's military. The Associated Press reports that Iran will continue charging transit fees from ships passing through the strait. The revenue, according to the report, is earmarked for rebuilding the country after US strikes. #theStraitofHormuz #Iran #ceasefire Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US and Iran agree to two-week ceasefire — both sides claim victory Trump announced the deal on condition Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “total and complete victory.” Iran’s 10-point proposal is seen as a workable basis, with a final agreement to be drafted in two weeks. Israel says it’s part of the ceasefire and will stop bombing Iran, but insists Lebanon is not included – contradicting Pakistan’s PM, who presented the proposal to Trump. The ceasefire is being presented as a victory in Iran. Tehran says it will cease operations if attacks stop, with its military coordinating safe passage through the strait. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council claims it forced the US to accept its 10-point plan, which includes regulating Hormuz, ending attacks on Iran and its proxies, US troop withdrawal, compensation, sanctions relief, and a binding UN resolution. Iranian state media also reported the US agreed in principle to Iran’s right to nuclear enrichment. Iran is also reportedly considering Washington own 15-point proposal, which includes no nuclear weapons, handing over enriched uranium, limits on defense capabilities, ending proxy groups, and reopening the strait. In-person talks are expected Friday in Islamabad, with Pakistan’s PM inviting both sides to send delegations. #Iran #Trump #negotiations #ceasefire Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Iran, 6 weeks in: Republicans are getting nervous As the Iran conflict enters its sixth week, some Republican lawmakers are growing wary — especially after President Trump threatened Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face "all Hell." Trump initially projected a four-to-five-week campaign, but has since escalated threats against Iranian infrastructure and refused to rule out U.S. boots on the ground. GOP lawmakers were nearly unanimous when strikes began in February, but some now want Congress to assert its authority if the conflict exceeds 60 days. Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) cited the War Powers Resolution, calling 60 days sufficient for emergency action before Congress must decide on war. Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) have signaled they would support a war powers resolution past that window. Trump doubled down Monday, warning Iran could be "taken out in one night" if no deal is reached by Tuesday 8 p.m. to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected a U.S. peace proposal as "unrealistic" and refuses negotiations under threats. A CNN poll found 66% of Americans disapprove of the military action. GOP frustrations are mounting: Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) opposes war funding; Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) opposes ground troops; House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) criticized the administration's lack of answers. A war powers resolution failed narrowly last month, but Democrats plan to bring another vote after recess, with some centrists shifting support. Senate Republicans blocked a similar resolution, with only Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) breaking ranks. #Iran #republicans #Congress Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US strikes Iran’s oil lifeline hours before Trump’s deadline The U.S. struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island overnight, ahead of Trump’s Tuesday deadline. Kharg Island handles roughly 90 percent of Iran's crude oil — making it the country's economic lifeline. The strikes hit military bunkers and storage facilities on the island's northern side, avoiding oil infrastructure. No U.S. troops were involved. It's the second time America has hit the island; some targets were the same as last month's strikes. The attack comes hours before Trump's 8 p.m. EDT deadline: make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or face more. Vice President Vance said this is not a "change in strategy." "The deadline is 8 o'clock," he said. "The president is a man who recognizes leverage." Trump has threatened to destroy bridges and power plants, sending Iran back to the "Stone Ages." On Tuesday, he wrote: "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will." Critics fear the attacks could target civilians and violate the Geneva Conventions. Trump says his main goal — ensuring Iran has no nuclear weapon — is already accomplished. But he called reopening the Strait of Hormuz a "very big priority." Its closure has sent oil prices soaring to $113.40 per barrel. #Trump #Iran #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Why Spain’s airspace ban is more than just a diplomatic spat The Atlantic Alliance is facing a problem that more defense spending or summits cannot solve. Spain has officially closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in the conflict with Iran. This follows Madrid's earlier refusal to let Washington use the jointly operated bases at Rota and Morón de la Frontera for offensive strikes. While many in Washington see this as a temporary diplomatic spat or a left-wing protest by Pedro Sánchez, it actually signals a deeper structural shift: the end of unlimited U.S. military expeditionary authority and the birth of a post-global NATO. For decades, Washington assumed that allies would automatically provide logistical support. Spain's decision to block flight routes — including for aircraft based in the United Kingdom — shows that era is over. Madrid is asserting that sovereign interests come first, fundamentally altering the geography of modern warfare. The immediate impact is logistical: U.S. warplanes must now detour around the Iberian Peninsula, increasing fuel use and flight times. But the political implications are greater. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles called the war "deeply illegal and deeply unjust," insisting that Spanish soil and airspace will not facilitate a unilaterally initiated conflict. The Trump administration has responded with threats of trade restrictions and sanctions, but these are likely to backfire. Spain's defiance reflects growing European unease over unilateral U.S. foreign policy. This does not mean NATO is dead — but it is no longer the universal alliance of the 20th century. Washington must recognize that the price of leadership has changed. #NATO #foreignpolicy #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US, Iran reject peace plan as Trump’s deadline looms Both Iran and the United States have rejected a 10-point peace plan put forward by international mediators, and the rejection comes as President Donald Trump's latest self-imposed deadline rapidly approaches. Trump has reiterated his threat to devastate Iran's civilian infrastructure if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday night. Speaking about the peace proposal — which was brokered by Pakistan and other regional powers — Trump acknowledged that the plan represented a step forward, but he dismissed it as ultimately insufficient. Iran, for its part, rejected any ceasefire altogether, insisting that no pause in hostilities would be possible until all U.S. military actions against the country cease entirely. Throughout the conflict, Trump has repeatedly set and then extended his own deadlines, leaving diplomats around the world wondering whether the president will find yet another off-ramp to de-escalate the crisis, or whether he will follow through on his threats this time. #Iran #Trump #peaceplan #negotiations Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The Hormuz lesson Trump refuses to learn The Trump administration's war with Iran offers several lessons. First, do not start a war without first securing allied support through diplomacy. Second, anticipate the enemy's reactions both on and off the battlefield. But the most important lesson — confirmed daily by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz — is that energy can be used as a weapon. In such a world, energy security requires diversification. Many countries understand this and are adding renewables to their energy mix. Yet during his second term, Trump has attacked all forms of diversification, including how America produces energy. The Trump administration champions U.S. energy supremacy, but it seeks this goal by narrowing energy sources, not expanding them. It is hostile to renewables while strongly supporting fossil fuels and nuclear power. It actively blocks renewable energy projects before and during construction. Most recently, during the Hormuz closure, the administration pressured French company Total to abandon an offshore wind project off the U.S. East Coast. In exchange, Total will get back about $1 billion in concession fees and will reinvest that money into fossil fuel projects in Texas. This may be a win for Texas, but it is a loss for North Carolina and other states that needed that wind energy. It is also a loss for U.S. energy diversification. Electricity demand is projected to grow 25% by 2030 and 78% by 2050, driven by manufacturing, AI data centers, and electrification of heating and transport. Meeting this demand reliably and affordably requires an all-of-the-above energy policy. It would be prudent for the Trump administration to learn from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, reduce its hostility toward renewables, and embrace a comprehensive approach to American energy security. #theStraitofHormuz #energy #Trump #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Could Hegseth be impeached? According to Axios, Democrats in the House of Representatives are preparing to launch an impeachment effort against Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War. The embattled cabinet official is expected to be charged with violating his oath of office and failing to uphold his duties to the U.S. Constitution. In addition, Democrats intend to argue that Hegseth has recklessly endangered the lives of American service members through his actions and decisions. The impeachment process is slated to be initiated next week by Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat representing Arizona. Ansari is expected to introduce articles of impeachment formally laying out these charges. Even before the current war, polling data indicated that Hegseth was already among the least popular ministers in the U.S. government. His standing has since deteriorated further, with approval ratings dropping to new lows amid ongoing controversies and military setbacks. However, despite the political theater to come, it is widely understood that the chances of a successful impeachment are minimal. With Republicans controlling the House majority — or at least sufficient votes to block any such effort — the move is seen by many as largely symbolic, aimed more at highlighting opposition to Hegseth's leadership than at actually removing him from office. #Pentagon #PeteHegseth #democrats Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Tehran’s bold counteroffer: immunity, compensation, and a $2 million Strait tax The New York Times has reported that Iran, using Pakistani intermediaries, has submitted a 10-point peace plan to the United States. According to the report, Tehran's demands are as follows: legally binding guarantees of non-aggression from the U.S. in the future; the complete and unconditional lifting of all sanctions; an immediate halt to Israeli strikes on Iranian allies in the region — including Hezbollah; financial compensation for infrastructure destroyed by American or Israeli actions; and guaranteed security for maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, Iran intends to introduce a transit fee for passage through the Strait of Hormuz — charging $2 million per vessel. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged that Washington indeed received a peace proposal from Tehran, but he dismissed it as insufficient. #Iran #negotiations #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Disapproval of US-Israel conflict with Iran continues to grow A new poll shows disapproval of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran has risen 7 percentage points since it began. According to a recent CNN poll, 66% of respondents said they either "somewhat disapprove" or "strongly disapprove" of "the US decision to take military action in Iran." Only 34% now approve Trump’s actions, down from 41%. And just 33% believe Trump has a clear plan for handling Iran, compared to 40% previously. The conflict has now entered its second month, and other recent polls confirm growing American disapproval. In his Wednesday address, Trump tried to reassure the public that the conflict serves US interests, will end soon, and that rising energy prices are a short-term problem. But he also warned that Iran's energy infrastructure could be destroyed if leaders don't accept a peace deal within weeks — even as the US sends more troops to the region. #poll #Iran Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Post-conflict recovery could take years despite Trump’s promises President Donald Trump has promised "rapid economic growth" once the conflict with Iran ends. But experts warn that the war's consequences will linger far longer. Strikes on energy infrastructure and risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have already pushed oil prices higher and deepened market instability. According to Politico, even if hostilities end soon, it could take years to return to pre-conflict price levels. The truth is that key industries have already been hit. Rising fuel costs are rippling through transportation, manufacturing, and are affecting consumer goods prices. In agriculture, disruptions are upending farmers' plans, driving up fertilizer prices, and threatening lower crop yields—something that will strain food markets for years to come. Meanwhile, mortgage rates are climbing, putting homeownership further out of reach for many. The Trump administration insists the economy remains resilient and the crisis is temporary. But businesses and analysts are already seeing long-term shifts in supply chains. Energy markets are global by nature, which limits America's ability to shield itself from outside shocks. The fallout is now spreading to international trade and industry. Even under the most optimistic scenario, the economy will face a prolonged "delayed blow" effect. Rising prices and supply disruptions are creating deep, lasting risks — risks that could undermine any recovery and eat into living standards, no matter what political promises of a quick rebound may be. #Iran #Trump #USeconomy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸