(Smoke rises in Habboush following Israeli strikes, as seen from Nabatieh, Lebanon, May 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer)
Well, today, reality hit back.
According to the New York Times, Central Command alleged that the U.S. destroyed six Iranian military speedboats and shot down Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired at ships that the Navy was guiding through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed. The UAE alleged that a Iran drone struck Fujairah Oil Industry Zone and caused a fire in their largest oil storage area. Two people were injured in Oman near the Emirati territory, but Oman has yet to identify the culprit.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is now leaning on China to convince Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz, and Pakistan remains committed to its role as mediator. Israel continues its belligerence in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon as Netanyahu prepares for the upcoming national elections that could threaten his rule.
Does this sound like the conflict is “terminated?”
All of this chaos could have been avoided had Trump simply committed to the US-Iran deal initiated by President Obama, but the criminal vulgarian’s pettiness and rage against the first Black President blew up a diplomatic victory. As a result of the war, the U.S. is now weakened and further isolated, its allies are more insecure, and the world economy remains imperiled. Oil prices will be high throughout 2027, and food and energy shortages are now impacting the Asia Pacific.
Diplomacy is the only way out and can still restore some semblance of sanity and a road to progress, but that would require sound leadership and wise counsel. Unfortunately, we have Trump, Netanyahu, and cosplay Crusaders.
Iran expert Trita Parsi joins me to break down the latest news.
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