By Jeremy Scahill – Drop Site News

The future of U.S.-Iran negotiations remains in doubt after President Donald Trump and Tehran’s leaders staked out opposing positions on the Strait of Hormuz. “Diplomacy is a tool to secure national interests and security,” said Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, in a briefing in Tehran on Wednesday. “Whenever we conclude that the necessary and logical grounds for using this tool to realize national interests and consolidate the achievements of the Iranian nation in thwarting the enemies from reaching their evil goals are prepared, we will act.” Continue reading “Trump Blinks First, Extending Ceasefire with Iran as Hormuz Deadlock Continues”

By Tyler Derden – Zerohedge

Summary

  • IRGC seized the MSC Francesca and a Greek-owned ship named Euphoria, which had been attempting to transit the Hormuz chokepoint earlier today.
  • Within hours, a third ship comes under fire by the IRGC
  • Senior Iranian adviser says the US naval blockade is “no different than bombing” and must be met “with a military response”.

Continue reading “Iran Fires On Third Ship In Hormuz Chokepoint, Says US Navy Blockade ‘No Different Than Bombing’”

By Jason Ditz – Antiwar.com

While the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is holding across most of the country, the far south area of Lebanon occupied by Israel continues to see some limited fighting, and a massive amount of destruction as the systematic destruction of towns and villages by Israeli forces continues. Continue reading “Displaced Lebanese Again Warned Not to Return to Israeli-Occupied South”

By Tyler Derden – Zerohedge

DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer warned Bloomberg TV earlier this morning that a persistent Gulf energy shock could morph into broader trouble for the global economy.

“Well we have seen this before, that you have recognized by consumers as having an impact that sparks broader discussion, the real economic implications for people. Now, this hasn’t happened yet. We’re trying to prevent that from happening. The 10, 12 million barrels of crude oil per day, it will come to that tipping point. Solutions are needed and political momentum is building up to resolve the situation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Meyer said. Continue reading “DHL CEO Warns Prolonged Energy Shock Could Push Global Economy To “Tipping Point””