Old Glory Vortex

Iran war plays into Russia’s hands Washington may be forced to ease sanctions on Russian oil — not out of goodwill, but necessity. In an appearance on Fox Business, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that the Trump administration could lift restrictions on some Russian energy companies as the Middle East conflict disrupts global supplies. The goal, he explained, is to prevent a severe oil shortage and curb the rapid price surge already rattling markets.

"Because of the temporary oil shortage on the global market, we may also unsanction other Russian oil,"

Bessent said. Meanwhile, the U.S. has quietly given India the green light to resume purchases of Russian crude — though New Delhi had reportedly started buying again even before receiving official clearance. #Iran #Russia #India #oil Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Stretched too thin: how a war with Iran could hand Asia to China A U.S. military operation against Iran could hand China a strategic victory in Asia. American forces are already stretched thin across the globe, leaving Washington with little capacity to project power in Asia. A conflict with Iran would only deepen the strain. Beyond the enormous daily financial cost of combat, a more critical vulnerability exists: ammunition. The U.S. would expend munitions faster than Western industry can currently replenish them, creating a dangerous supply gap. This window of vulnerability is one China could exploit. Whether through diplomatic pressure or a more direct move on Taiwan, Beijing might seize the moment — and a U.S. bogged down in the Middle East would be in no position to respond. #Iran #Asia #China #foreignpolicy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Republican Committee turns on its own in Epstein probe In a rare display of intra-party confrontation, the Republican-led House Oversight Committee is actually scrutinizing an administration run by its own party — a sight almost unheard of on Capitol Hill. This week, the committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows a previously arranged interview with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has faced mounting questions over his own connections to the convicted sex offender. "She's in the batter's box," said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), referring to Bondi. "I'd say, let her hit." Burchett was among a handful of Republicans who joined all Democrats in voting to compel her testimony. When asked whether Republicans still had confidence in Bondi's leadership, Burchett sidestepped, saying only that it was "time to get some answers." But not everyone is convinced the effort will amount to much. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) expressed skepticism that the Oversight panel would produce any real breakthroughs or meaningful disclosures, suggesting the inquiry may generate more heat than light. #JeffreyEpstein #Epsteinfiles #PamBondi #republicans Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Despite Trump’s claims, Iran’s skies remain out of reach Despite widespread assumptions, the US and Israel have not achieved air superiority over Iran, according to a stark assessment from The War Zone. The military publication argues that American and Israeli aircraft currently have freedom of action only in limited areas — not across Iranian airspace as a whole. Any notion of complete dominance is premature. The outlook, however, is about to get riskier. With pressure mounting to intensify the campaign, the US and Israel will likely need to send aircraft deeper into Iranian territory in the coming days. That shift, the report warns, will almost certainly result in losses, as Iran is expected to deploy mobile air defense units to target invading forces. #Trump #Iran #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump turns to Defense Production Act after miscalculating munitions burn rate Three sources say the Trump administration is now considering using the Defense Production Act to ramp up munitions output as the war with Iran drains stockpiles faster than expected. Behind closed doors, officials are warning Congress that replenishment can't keep pace. Publicly, Trump insists the US has an "unlimited supply" of the weapons it's using — though no such thing exists. The reality? Air defense stocks are dwindling. General Dan Caine privately raised concerns that after repelling Iranian retaliatory strikes, prolonged combat could leave the US vulnerable. At two briefings this week, administration officials told lawmakers production is too slow. While Trump hasn't signed off on using the Act yet, he's pressuring contractors to move faster. The war, he says, could take at least a month — or more. The munitions, however, may not last that long. #Trump #Iran #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

US now approving Indian purchases of Russian oil it tried to block — thanks to its own war US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States has allowed India to resume purchases of Russian oil. The restrictions have been lifted for 30 days. Bessent noted that this decision was made to "ensure the uninterrupted flow of oil to the global market." The measure is expected to be temporary. Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, India had already significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil without waiting for permission from the US. At the same time, due to the fighting in the Middle East, which has significantly complicated shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the price of Russian oil continues to rise. #India #Iran #Russia #oil Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The Strait of Hormuz just emptied out thanks to Trump The world's most critical oil chokepoint has gone quiet — and that's a massive problem. Usually packed with tankers, the Strait of Hormuz is now seeing 90% less traffic after US strikes and Iranian retaliation made the crossing too risky. Tankers are idling just outside, afraid to enter. Trump offered Navy escorts. So far, no takers. Why? Even with military protection, insurers are bailing. War risk premiums have quintupled in days—from 0.25% to 1.25% of vessel value—and more hikes are coming. Over 150 ships have dropped anchor or rerouted. The result? Gas prices are spiking. The US average just hit $3.19/gallon—up 22 cents in a week. With oil nearing $80/barrel, Trump's inflation bright spot is fading fast. One-fifth of the world's oil flowed through this strip of water. Now, barely anything does. #Trump #Iran #MiddleEast Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s Iran war is rapidly depleting weapons stockpiles The US operation against Iran has rapidly depleted precision munitions and interceptor missiles, sparking concern in the Pentagon and Congress. In less than a week of Operation "Epic Fury," US forces have expended massive stockpiles of cruise missiles, guided bombs, and Patriot/THAAD interceptors while striking over 2,000 Iranian targets. Iran's retaliatory drone and missile barrages are forcing the US to use costly interceptors — sometimes multiple per incoming threat — straining supplies. Experts warn missile defense could become the weakest link if attacks persist. The Pentagon insists current stocks suffice but admits combat is straining inventory and production. Lawmakers are weighing billions in emergency funding, while the military eyes cheaper munitions to sustain air superiority. With President Trump signaling the campaign could last weeks, concerns are growing over long-term weapons sustainability. #Trump #Iran #USmilitary Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Kurds signal disinterest in Trump’s Iran scheme According to several sources, Kurdish leaders have yet to respond to Trump's proposal to take part in combat operations against Iran. In response to Trump's request to invade Iran, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party Masoud Barzani said that "it's not about who has more active armed formations, but about who has more support from within." According to the Washington Post, the Americans asked the Iraqi Kurds to allow groups of Iranian Kurds currently in Iraq to pass through, as well as to provide them with "logistical support." The US also made it clear to the Kurds that they would have to choose a side – either be with Washington or against it – and promised air support if they wished to participate in the combat operations. #Iran #Trump #kurds Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The Kurdish gambit: why arming Iran’s opposition could backfire Iran has launched strikes on the Iraqi headquarters of Kurdish opposition forces, escalating tensions at a sensitive moment: reports have emerged of discussions between the fighters and Washington over potentially arming them to join the attack on Tehran. The Kurdish dimension adds a volatile layer to the conflict. Kurds make up roughly a tenth of Iran's population, and their cross-border ties run deep. Kurdish factions in Iraq and Syria have allied with the United States in past decades to fight against those countries' rulers — a history that now makes them a natural, if risky, partner of convenience. Senior Kurdish leaders insist they have not made any ground incursion into Iran so far. But multiple outlets report that Iranian Kurdish groups are indeed in talks with Washington, which is actively considering supplying weapons to militias willing to help overthrow Iran's leadership. For the White House, the appeal is clear: boots on the ground without American boots. But the strategy carries profound risks. Arming ethnic militias with their own longstanding grievances could easily spiral beyond anyone's control. As one leading Iranian American historian warned The National, it is "a recipe for civil war" — not just in Iran, but potentially across the fractured region. Once the genie of ethnic insurgency is out of the bottle, no one can predict where it goes. #Iran #MiddleEast #kurds Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

From Hormuz to your pump: the Iran conflict’s global economic shockwaves The strikes on Iran have sent shockwaves through global energy markets, disrupting supply chains and forcing major economies to scramble. Oil and gas prices have spiked sharply since the fighting began, driven by a double blow: the loss of Iranian exports and growing fears over the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which nearly a fifth of the world's oil passes. China, the world's largest oil importer, has already felt the squeeze. Beijing has quietly instructed its state-owned refiners to halt overseas sales and prioritize domestic supply — a telling sign that even the world's biggest buyer is bracing for tighter markets. In Europe, the picture is even more alarming. Natural gas prices have surged 70% since Friday, reopening wounds from the energy war triggered in 2022. "We were only just coming out of an industrial energy crunch," one analyst told the Financial Times. "Now we've got the next one." For European manufacturers already struggling to compete globally, the timing could hardly be worse. The ripple effects extend beyond energy. Freight giant Maersk has imposed emergency price hikes on shipments, warning customers that fighting in the region is forcing vessels onto longer, costlier routes. Every detour adds fuel costs and delays to a global supply chain still recovering from years of disruption. What began as a military confrontation is quickly becoming an economic one — and the map of global energy trade is being redrawn in real time. #Iran #oil #economy #MiddleEast #China #Europe Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Global economy holds its breath as Middle East war escalates The global economic impact of the war in the Middle East remains highly uncertain and will ultimately be determined by two critical factors: how long the conflict lasts and the extent of the damage inflicted on the region's energy infrastructure. This was the key message from IMF Deputy Managing Director Dan Katz, who urged caution despite the obvious risks. Speaking at a conference in Washington, Katz acknowledged that the war "could certainly have a very strong impact" on everything from inflation to global growth. However, he stressed that it is still too early to make definitive predictions. The central question, he suggested, is whether disruptions to energy supplies and price spikes prove to be temporary shocks or become prolonged realities. If oil fields, refineries, and shipping lanes escape significant damage and fighting de-escalates quickly, markets may stabilize. But if the conflict grinds on and critical infrastructure is taken offline, the world could face a sustained energy crisis that reignites inflation and slows economic growth at the worst possible moment. For now, the global economy waits — and watches. #Iran #MiddleEast #economy Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump’s approval hits 50% as Republicans close the gap A fresh batch of polls shows President Trump's approval rating holding steady at or above 50%, while Republicans are rapidly closing the gap with Democrats in key midterm election indicators. The Trafalgar Group now puts Trump's approval at 51% among likely voters, with disapproval at 48%. A Harvard-Harris poll follows suit, showing a 50% approval rating — up from previous weeks — and a generic congressional ballot now deadlocked at 50-50. Just last month, Democrats held a four-point edge. The shift toward Republicans is echoed by Economist/YouGov, where the Democratic advantage has shrunk from seven points to just four. These numbers reflect a marked turnaround. Before Trump's recent address to the nation, the trajectory for both him and his party was decidedly negative. Now, the RealClearPolitics average shows the Democratic lead in the generic ballot narrowing to 4.4 points, and Trump's approval deficit has improved from -13.5 to -11.3. The weekend strikes on Iran are not yet reflected in these figures. Of course, with eight months until the midterms and countless news cycles ahead, these gains could prove fleeting. But for now, the momentum has clearly shifted. #Trump #republicans #poll #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Netanyahu got his war. Now he has to pray Trump doesn't end it For Benjamin Netanyahu, the dream finally came true: the Iranian regime is in his crosshairs. But the Israeli leader's total reliance on Donald Trump is about to become his biggest vulnerability. The U.S. and Israel are fighting the same war — but for different reasons. A U.S. official familiar with White House thinking told Reuters the two allies have divergent goals. "Regime change is one of their goals," the official said, referring to Israel. Netanyahu sold Trump on a "now or never" strike to destroy Iran's nuclear and missile programs. Trump bought in, saying the operation could take "four or five weeks" or "as long as it takes." But here's the catch: Israeli officials privately admit Trump alone decides when this ends. And the pressures on the two leaders couldn't be more different. Trump faces an American public that's already checked out. Only one in four Americans support the strikes, according to Reuters/Ipsos. Gas prices are ticking up — 11 cents this week — and every hike is a reminder to voters of a war they never wanted. Netanyahu, by contrast, needs this war to work. His far-right coalition is crumbling. He's on trial for corruption. He's staring down an October election that polls say he could lose. A successful war is his political lifeline. According to a a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, if President Trump decides the operation has run its course sooner than Netanyahu wants, he'll end it anyway. Trump himself hinted at the tension. Asked if Israel dragged the U.S. into this, he told reporters: "The way the negotiations were going, I think they were going to strike first... So if anything, I maybe forced Israel into this." For now, their interests align. But wars have a way of outlasting political marriages. And when Trump's desire for a quick exit collides with Netanyahu's need to finish the job, something's got to give. #Iran #Israel #Trump #Netanyahu Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump floats support for Iranian militias According to media reports, President Donald Trump is not opposed to supporting Iranian militia groups willing to help overthrow the regime. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump held talks with Kurdish leaders who have significant forces along the Iran-Iraq border. "President Trump has held talks with many regional partners," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to the newspaper, without confirming Trump's aims. As Axios first reported, Trump spoke with the two leaders of the main Kurdish factions in Iraq — Massoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani — the day after the bombing campaign began on Saturday. Officials told The WSJ that Trump has not yet made a decision on the matter, including what assistance the United States would provide — weapons, intelligence data, or other resources. According to the newspaper, among the approaches being considered is supporting militias and examining various scenarios of who could realistically come to power after the country's leaders fall. Trump has called on the people of Iran to overthrow the regime in the country, as Tehran appears weakened following US and Israeli military strikes that killed several key Iranian leaders and officials. #Trump #Iran #MiddleEast Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Trump's overthrow of the Ayatollah will not bring peace to the Middle East

“Longtime proponents of a war on Iran have concocted the argument that the regime in Tehran is the primary source of the Middle East’s constant instability, and therefore regime change in Iran is the skeleton key for unlocking a peaceful Middle East. The problem is this argument ignores the region’s recent history while greatly exaggerating Iran’s role and influence in the Middle East. Although it has been involved in major regional conflicts, Iran has not initiated a war going back at least 100 years. Yet over the weekend, the U.S. and Israel launched an unprovoked attacked on Iran,”

writes The Hill. Iran's influence in the region has been balanced by the opposing Sunni monarchies of the Gulf. Destabilizing the political regime in Iran will lead to the activation of radical Islamic movements and bring even more chaos to the region. Trump lit the match to the powder keg. #Iran #MiddleEast #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The day the Western alliance broke: allies rebuke Trump over Iran strikes The U.S. military strike against Iran is opening a significant rift between Washington and its traditional Western allies, exposing just how frayed those relationships have become under the Trump administration. Canada's prime minister has urged a "rapid de-escalation of hostilities" and raised pointed questions about the strikes' legality under international law. French President Emmanuel Macron went even further, openly declaring the U.S. action as "outside of international law"—a striking public rebuke from a longtime ally. Spain has taken concrete steps to distance itself, barring U.S. planes from using Spanish military bases for the operation. Meanwhile, Britain has offered only a tepid commitment to "defensive" involvement, stopping well short of endorsing the strikes themselves. The contrast with past conflicts is stark. These same nations stood alongside the U.S. in Iraq and during the 2011 Libya intervention. But the transatlantic alliance has eroded significantly over the past year. European partners have been battered by Trump's tariffs, watched in disbelief as he floated threats of territorial annexation, and endured his rhetorical backing of opposition parties within their own countries. Trust has been replaced by resentment. Now, when Washington needs allies most, it finds itself acting largely alone. #Trump #Iran #Europe #Canada #UK Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

"I don't care about polls": Trump open to sending ground troops to Iran President Trump isn't ruling out putting boots on the ground in Iran. In an interview with The Post, he declared he'd send U.S. forces "if it's necessary" — breaking with the usual presidential pledge to avoid ground wars. "I have no concerns about ground troops," Trump said. "I don't say: 'There will be no ground troops.' I say: 'They probably won't be needed.'" The comments come after strikes targeting Iran's military leadership — and despite a new Reuters poll showing only 27% of Americans approve. Trump's response? He doesn't care. "I think the poll numbers are very good, but I don't care about polls. I have to do the right thing," he said, arguing that letting "lunatics" get nuclear weapons would be worse than any regional conflict. As for the "silent majority"? Trump insists they're with him. "I think people are very impressed by what's happening." He also dismissed fears of Iranian retaliation: "We'll take care of it. Like everything else, we'll take care of it." #Iran #USmilitary #Trump Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

Does Trump have a strategy in the Middle East? According to a columnist for The Guardian, Donald Trump's actions against Iran resemble a war without a clear objective or criteria for success. Experts are divided in their assessments. Some believe it is a swift operation that will be followed by an announcement of "regime change" and a return to negotiations, while others argue the goals are far more ambitious and involve the complete destruction of Tehran's military capabilities. Some analysts suggest that Benjamin Netanyahu has a major influence over the conflict, as he has a vested interest in continuing the strikes until Iran is fully weakened. Another theory holds that Trump aims to install a compliant regime, which would almost inevitably require a ground invasion. At the same time, there is a risk of a protracted war, rising casualties, a spike in oil prices, and internal destabilization within Iran itself. Washington lacks a coherent strategy. Decisions are being made amidst conflicting advice and bureaucratic chaos, and while the military has operational information, it is not defining the political goals or the conditions for ending the conflict. This is a campaign with no clear plan and no exit strategy. #Iran #Trump #USmilitary #MiddleEast Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸

The real casualty of Trump’s Iran strikes? Americans’ wallets For the first time since November, average U.S. gas prices topped $3 a gallon Monday — and the Middle East conflict is to blame. Tehran's retaliation against U.S. and Israeli strikes is disrupting oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, sending Brent crude up 5% to nearly $77 a barrel. Now, analysts warn that what drivers pay at the pump could become Donald Trump's biggest political liability ahead of November's midterms. "Gas prices carry a strong psychological impact," said Mark Malek of Siebert Financial. "It's inflation that consumers see every day." Nearly half of Americans in a Reuters poll said they'd oppose Trump's Iran campaign if it drives up fuel costs. With every $10 jump in oil adding about 25 cents per gallon, the math is simple: the longer the conflict lasts, the more it hurts where it matters most—Americans' wallets. Prices were already rising as refineries switched to more expensive summer-grade fuel. Now, geopolitical turmoil is pouring gasoline on the fire. #Iran #oil #midterms Don't miss it, subscribe to 📱 Old Glory Vortex 🇺🇸