Ivan Shishkin The wilds 1881
I was skeptical at first, but the No Kings rally worked.
I woke up this morning and my country still has no king.
Good job, everyone!
— Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) June 15, 2025
https://twitter.com/imetatronink/status/1934081168208433568
https://twitter.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1934254532600517061
https://twitter.com/hippyygoat/status/1933943791779451176
https://twitter.com/The_Real_ITDUDE/status/1933978549230145722
For those in the back, Japan imports 100% of their oil. It’s priced in $USD. When it spikes massively in price it unwinds the yen carry trade in a hurry. The last major unwind was in the summer of 2008 when oil spiked to $147. The S&P immediately fell 30% after. The war itself…
— John (@market_sleuth) June 15, 2025
https://twitter.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1934291867971006740
“..Israel’s Iron Dome failed. Israeli intelligence failed. Now Netanyahu is pleading with Washington to intervene with American Military Power to rescue Israel from certain defeat..”
• America First means AMERICA FIRST (Douglas Macgregor)
In the last 72 hours, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran when negotiations between Washington and Tehran were still ongoing. Iran was caught off-guard. But Iran recovered more quickly from its Pearl Harbor moment than Israel expected. In less than 18 hours after Israel’s surprise attack, Iran responded firing hundreds of ballistic missiles including hypersonic missiles into central Tel Aviv and across Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s Iron Dome failed. Israeli intelligence failed. Now Netanyahu is pleading with Washington to intervene with American Military Power to rescue Israel from certain defeat; a defeat Netanyahu crafted with encouragement from Washington. At the same time, Russia, China, Pakistan and most of the Muslim World are rallying to Iran’s defense.
Supplies, equipment and technical assistance are pouring into Iran. It’s time for a reality check: Washington burned through $12 trillion in the Middle East since 2003. Result? 7,000 dead Americans. 50,000 wounded, open borders and 100,000 Americans dying yearly from Fentanyl poisoning. Today, the United States is $37 trillion in debt, a sum that does not include so-called “agency debt.” 77 million Americans voted for President Trump because he promised to end the overseas conflicts and halt the march to WW3. Trump’s mandate is unchanged: Secure America’s borders, ports and coastal waters. Deport illegal aliens, crush the criminals r-ping and murdering Americans. Restore the rule of law. But not one more drop of American blood for foreign wars.
One Israeli strike on Kharg Island—where 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow—or Bandar Abbas terminals, and Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz. That’s 20% of global oil supply. That means disrupted supply chains and runaway inflation. Gas hits $7/gallon overnight. Every working family crushed. Truckers can’t deliver food. Economy crashes. For what? So Israel that started this insane war can drag Americans into a wider regional conflict with the potential for nuclear war? We have 40,000 troops in UAE, Qatar, across the Persian Gulf. They are sitting ducks. Iranian Shahed-136 Drones cost $20,000 each. American Patriot Missiles cost $4 million per interceptor. Do the math. We will run through our inventory of missiles and go broke while Americans come home in boxes.
The Middle East is on the brink. Here’s what Washington must do to defuse conflict:
1. Ask for an Emergency UN Security Council meeting. Ask for an Immediate ceasefire making it clear that Washington opposes the destruction of Iran, Israel and any other state in the Middle East.
2. Demand that Israel stop the killing of Palestinians in Gaza and withdraw its forces from Gaza and the West Bank.
3. Suspend all military aid to Israel until Israel agrees to remove its troops from Gaza and permit humanitarian assistance to reach the people of Gaza.
4. Propose the commitment of Armed Forces from non-aligned nations to police Gaza and the West Bank. 5. Propose that the United States, Russia, China, India and Brazil convene a peace conference to arbitrate the dispute between Israel, Iran and Israel’s neighbors. I led American Soldiers under fire into action. I’ve seen plenty of flag-draped coffins. I don’t want to see any more. Washington’s warmongers had 22 years. They failed. They lied.They profited while America bled. Time’s up. America First means AMERICA FIRST. Not Israel first. Not Ukraine first. Not NATO first. AMERICA FIRST.
War with Iran is likely to walk The United States directly into WW III.
Let's avoid this!pic.twitter.com/K7Sv5NkwhA
— Douglas Macgregor (@DougAMacgregor) June 15, 2025
“It seems that the Iranians would in principle be able to inflict huge damage on the US and Israel, as they – unlike Israel and the US – have hypersonic missiles..”
• From Peace President to Warmonger (Hanseler)
One day before the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, Ukraine attacked aircraft from Russia’s strategic bomber fleet with drones hidden in trucks that were smuggled into Russia. We reported on this in “Operation Spiderweb: Ukraine and NATO attack on Russia: a new Pearl Harbor? Full escalation? Are the fanatics back? Facts and analysis.” The military damage was minor; what remained was a propaganda victory for the West – nothing more. On June 11, the Financial Times went to great lengths to prove that these attacks were carried out with AI without Western help. The FT should probably confine itself to business news – pure propaganda without a shred of evidence. A feeble attempt to keep the Americans out of it, without whose help this attack would not have been possible.
This was followed shortly afterwards by a major attack by Israel on Iran. TheTimes of Israel boasted that the US, together with the Israelis, had carried out a multi-layered disinformation campaign to make the Iranians believe that an attack was not imminent. This report is credible, as Trump made no attempt to hide US complicity in the Israeli attack on Iran at the end of the week. That’s not all, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied US involvement, saying: “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”- Marco Rubio – 13. Juni 2025. This proves that the Americans certainly had a hand in this deadly game and that the Trump administration cannot even manage to coordinate coherently within its own team. Not a sign of professionalism. A few hours ago, a 180 from Trump:
“The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and… pic.twitter.com/9F10xj1xU8
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 15, 2025
It’s clear that there’s no hope of finding out anymore what the President of the US believes and does. What a joy to negotiate with such a person. We can confirm with depressing certainty that it is very possible that the final chapter of the series of wars launched by the US has begun in the Middle East. Please refer to our article “Bloodbaths change the world – Part 2 – 9/11”, where General Clark provided information about the US’s real intentions and plans in 2007:
The target countries were: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Sudan – and finally Iran. Instead of five years in which the US wanted to “pacify” these countries, almost 25 years have now passed. But it seems that the Americans have fulfilled Netanyahu’s wish, who had wanted to attack Iran for 25 years, after all. A few weeks ago, in the article “Anything is possible – unfortunately”, I categorized the Iran smouldering fire as non-critical. In my analysis, I assumed that the Americans were not naive enough to allow themselves to be drawn into such a catastrophic war based on a delusion and Netanyahu’s fantasies of empire. Perhaps the naive person was myself.
It is not yet clear how many levels of escalation will be exceeded in the coming days. After this attack, however, Iran will have to respond militarily in a way that will give the Americans and Israelis existential fears. The Americans about their presence in the Middle East and the Israelis about their existence as a state. It seems that the Iranians would in principle be able to inflict huge damage on the US and Israel, as they – unlike Israel and the US – have hypersonic missiles. We will soon see whether they decide to do so and actually have this strike power.
“..our soldiers never give up, never surrender and never ever quit. They fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win.”
• Trump Presides Over Army’s 250th Birthday Event (JTN)
President Trump on Saturday presided over the Army’s 250th birthday celebration and a military parade undeterred by the rainy and cloudy skies that seemed to cast their shadow beyond the nation’s capital. “Every other country celebrates their victories,” Trump, on whose 79th birthday the event was held, said as the parade of about 6,000 soldiers, 50 military aircraft and 150 vehicles came to an end near the White House. “It’s about time America did, too. That’s what we’re doing tonight. “Time and again, America’s enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you. Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final. … our soldiers never give up, never surrender and never ever quit. They fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win.”
The crowd sang “Happy Birthday” after Trump’s remarks from the viewing stage, according to NBC News. Earlier in the day, a gunman, still at large Saturday night, fatally shot Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband Mark after shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and wife Yvette, at the couples’ respective homes, in what authorities called “targeted” attacks. The Army parade began about 30 minutes before its scheduled 6:30 p.m. start because of the weather, a Secret Service official said. Still, Army tanks rolled slowly down Constitution Avenue under the drizzle as large crowds walked among the monuments, some carrying U.S. flags and wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also attended the parade.
Meanwhile, anti-Trump “No Kings” protesters came out across the country. The liberal group MoveOn.org, which organized the protests, estimated that about 5 million people attended the demonstrations, which took place in cities large and small – including Houston; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Florida; Arlington, Virginia, Charlotte, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. Organizers described the “No Kings coalition” as non-violent, emphasizing that they canceled the Minnesota protests after news of the shootings. “The No Kings coalition is and remains a nonviolent movement. We are heartbroken by the shooting in Minnesota,” the organization said in a statement when the protests ended. “Our prayers are with their families, their communities, and all those grieving.”
The No Kings protests were planned before violent protests earlier this week in Los Angeles in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s illegal-migrant raids. The protests, including some that were violent, resulted in Trump deploying Marines and the California National Guard. The protests and the Army parade were also held one day after Israel launched missile attacks on Iran, which in turn launched air attacks on Israel. Protesters at a demonstration Saturday in Philadelphia were photographed holding signs that read, “TREASON, Punishable by Death,” “Your silence is consent” and “NO ONE IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND.” Protesters in other cities held signs that read, “America Has No King” while others called for Trump’s removal from office.
Arrests were made at some of the demonstrations. A man was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee at a “No Kings” protest for allegedly shoving people in the crowd. A man was arrested in Culpeper, Va. for driving his vehicle into a “No Kings” protest. No injuries were reported. Police arrested eight protesters at an anti-Trump demonstration on Saturday in DeKalb County, Georgia focused on immigration. Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman defended the parade as the protests began to wind down. “This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers—the very best of us,” he wrote on X. “Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service.”
Putin won’t do it. Not while the bombing continues.
• Trump ‘Open’ To Putin As Iran-Israel Mediator (RT)
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he is open to Russian President Vladimir Putin serving as a mediator in the Israel-Iran conflict. In an hour-long phone call the previous day, the two leaders focused on the Middle East crisis. “Yeah, I would be open to it. He is ready. He called me about it,” Trump responded to ABC News’ Rachel Scott, when asked about Putin’s potential role in brokering peace. “We had a long talk about it. We talked about this more than his situation. This is something I believe is going to get resolved,” Trump added.
After the phone call the Kremlin later said that Putin had condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran and expressed concern over further escalation, while reiterating Russia’s willingness to facilitate negotiations. Putin recalled that Moscow had previously proposed concrete measures to facilitate “mutually acceptable agreements” in US-Iran nuclear negotiations before the current escalation, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov revealed. “Russia’s principled position and commitment to resolving this issue remain unchanged,” Ushakov stated. “As President Putin emphasized, we will continue to act accordingly.”
Despite the cancellation of Oman-mediated nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington following Israel’s strikes, Trump maintained that discussions continued. “They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking,” he said, suggesting the escalation might actually accelerate diplomacy.When asked about possible American engagement in the conflict, Trump stated: “We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved.” The conflict in the Middle East escalated on June 12 when Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites, killing senior military officials and prompting retaliatory missile barrages from Tehran. Both sides have exchanged fire for a third straight day.
Not openly.
• Israel Asked US To Join Iran Attack – Axios (RT)
West Jerusalem has asked the White House to take part in its military campaign against Iran in order to eliminate Tehran’s nuclear program, according to two Israeli officials cited by Axios. Several above-ground facilities in Iran, including sites in Natanz and Esfahan, were destroyed in recent Israeli strikes, according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi. Israel described the operation as a preemptive move to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon – Iran has consistently denied that it has any intention to do so. Grossi said the Iranian government had also informed him that the Fordow enrichment plant near the city of Qom, a heavily fortified site built deep inside a mountain, was targeted, but there are no indications that the site sustained significant damage.
According to Axios, Israel lacks the bunker-busting bombs and long-range bomber aircraft required to destroy Fordow. The US, however, possesses both and operates forces within range of Iran. Israeli officials reportedly believe that if Fordow remains operational after the operation ends, West Jerusalem’s mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program will have failed. An Israeli official told Axios the US might participate in the campaign and said President Donald Trump had indicated during a recent call with Netanyahu that he would consider it “if necessary.” The White House has denied this claim. A second American official confirmed that Israel had requested US involvement but said the Trump administration is not considering it.
Washington has reportedly distanced itself from the operation, while warning that even a limited strike could draw the US into the war. White House officials have argued that it would be illegitimate for Iran to retaliate against American forces. A senior US official told the outlet that while the Israeli attacks could not be prevented, a peaceful resolution remains possible. “We have the ability to negotiate a successful, peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing,” the source said. “The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program.”
Nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington began in April, with Trump warning of military consequences if diplomacy failed.On Saturday, Tehran cancelled a sixth round of negotiations scheduled in Oman. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said talks would not resume until Israeli strikes come to an end. Earlier on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart held a 50-minute phone call to discuss the situation in the Middle East. The two leaders reportedly agreed on the possibility of restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Havoc ahead.
• Iraq Warns of $300 Per Barrel Oil (RT)
Escalating tensions in the Middle East and a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could drive oil prices up to $300 per barrel, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein warned during a phone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. On Friday morning, Israeli jets bombed military and nuclear sites across Iran, kicking off an ongoing exchange of hostilities between the two countries. According to Hussein, oil prices could surge to between $200 and $300 per barrel “if military operations were to break out, which would significantly increase inflation rates in European countries and complicate oil exports for producing states such as Iraq.”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transport route, could “result in the loss of approximately five million barrels per day from Gulf and Iraqi oil supplies in the global market,” the Iraqi foreign minister was quoted as saying. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply flows. On Saturday, Iranian MP and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Esmail Kousari stated that Tehran is seriously considering closing the strait to shipping. Analysts have highlighted the potential impact of such a closure on global oil prices. JPMorgan analysts estimate that in a severe scenario, oil could surge to $130 per barrel. Other experts suggest that a complete blockade could push prices even higher, with some forecasts reaching $300 per barrel.
Brent crude prices rose 7% on Friday to $74.23 per barrel in response to the first attacks. While Israel has not targeted Iran’s main oil export facilities, analysts warn that future strikes could severely impact oil supplies. Conversely, the Islamic Republic could retaliate by disrupting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, in Russia, the head of the Federation Council’s information policy commission, Aleksey Pushkov, has said that the conflict between Israel and Iran could lead to a significant increase in oil prices due to Tehran’s possible blocking of the Persian Gulf.
“The official outlined Iran’s extensive list of potential targets within “occupied territories,” which include covert residences of Israeli government leaders, energy facilities, factories supplying military aircraft, and critical command-and-control infrastructure.”
• Iran Preparing To ‘Shut Down Israel’s War Machine’ – Source (RT)
Tehran is gearing up to decisively counter Israel’s military operations, and intends to “shut down the regime’s war machine,” a senior Iranian security official told RT exclusively on Sunday. Israel and Iran have been engaged in a fierce exchange of fire for three consecutive days. According to Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom, Iranian strikes have killed at least ten people, bringing the total death toll to 13. In Iran, Israeli strikes have caused at least 406 deaths and 654 injuries, according to the group Human Rights Activists. The Iranian government has not released official casualty figures yet.
”Iran has been preparing for a long war,” the official told RT, emphasizing the country’s resolve to confront Israel. According to the source, millions of Iranians rallied in the streets on Saturday, defying West Jerusalem’s attacks, and demanding retribution. “This is an important support for Iran to continue its actions with force,” the official added. The official outlined Iran’s extensive list of potential targets within “occupied territories,” which include covert residences of Israeli government leaders, energy facilities, factories supplying military aircraft, and critical command-and-control infrastructure.
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said that the country’s missiles had targeted fuel production facilities for Israeli fighter jets, a claim not acknowledged by Israel. World leaders urgently called for de-escalation in order to prevent an all-out war. Russian President Vladimir Putin had condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran and expressed concern over further escalation. In a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Saturday, Putin reiterated Moscow’s willingness to facilitate negotiations. Oman-mediated nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington were scheduled for Sunday; however, they were canceled following Israel’s strikes. Trump did not rule out the possibility of continuing the negotiations, saying, “They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking.”
Hey! I need attention!
• Zelensky Says The US Is Being ‘Too Warm’ Towards Russia (NYP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky chided the tone of U.S. and Russia relations as “too warm” Saturday, while re-upping his push for Washington to ratchet up sanctions on Moscow. The Ukrainian leader stressed that “no one has been able to stop” Russian strongman Vladimir Putin so far, but surmised that President Trump could if he takes a tougher stand. “Right now, the tone of the U.S.–Russia dialogue feels too warm. Let’s be honest: that won’t stop Putin. What’s needed is a shift in tone,” Zelensky wrote on X. “Putin must understand clearly: America will stand with Ukraine, including by imposing sanctions and supporting our army. Any signals of reduced aid, or of treating Ukraine and Russia as equals, are deeply unfair. Russia is the aggressor. They started this war. They do not want to end it.
“That’s why the world must send a clear message: if Putin refuses to end the war, the strongest possible sanctions will follow.” Zelensky’s remarks appear to take aim at some of Trump’s recent comments, where he likened the warring nations to “two young children fighting like crazy.” He’s also repeatedly implied that Kyiv bears — as does Russia — responsibility for the bloody war. “You should have never started it,” Trump pubically said of Zelensky back in February. Russia began the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are currently mulling a sanctions package introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) last month.That sweeping package further tightens the existing sanctions on Russia and slaps 500% tariffs on countries that do business with the Kremlin.
Trump has sent mixed signals about the sanctions package, concerned that it could derail negotiations with Russia while also indicating that he is losing patience with Putin. Zelensky appears to be angling to pressure Trump on further tightening the screws on Russia ahead of the Group of 7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, beginning on Sunday. Zelensky had been working to meet Trump at the G7, which would be their first face-to-face since their meeting at the Vatican in April. “No one has been able to stop Putin. Only Trump remains, he might be able to. But to stop Putin, one thing is essential: he must lose money. Only then will he be unable to expand his army and military sector,” Zelensky said.
“Moscow is not expected to come to Iran’s aid in this current emerging war.”
• Zelensky Says Iran Poses ‘Serious Threat’ To Ukraine, Amid Israel War
Once again another major Middle East conflict is taking much of the West’s attention away from the long war in Ukraine, but President Volodymyr Zelensky is speaking up (or rather inserting himself), suggesting that events in Iran have a direct impact on Ukraine. He has told Newsmax the Islamic Republic poses a “serious threat” to Ukraine, given that it has for years supplied military arms and technology to Russian forces, which are then used against Iranian cities. There have been more recent reports that Tehran might be supplying short-range ballistic missiles. It is the Iranian-produced Shahed Kamikaze drone which has wreaked havoc on Ukraine from since the war’s start. Zelensky claimed in the comments that Iran is “actively working” against his country.
“Iran is, in fact, actively working against us by supplying weapons and technology to Russia. That makes them a serious threat. Even so, we do not seek escalation,” Zelenskyy said. “We understand all too well the devastating consequences such a conflict can bring. The human cost, the losses, the potential outcomes of a full-scale war. But Iran continues to support Russia.” “This regime is enabling Russia’s aggression by providing arms and technological support. Iran uses its oil revenues to fund war efforts. That is the harsh reality we are dealing with,” he added. The last 48 hours have seen open war explode between Iran and Israel after the Israeli Air Force began attacking Iranian nuclear sites, as well as ballistic missile batteries. Nuclear scientists and military leaders have also been killed in Iran.
Iran has responded by launching unprecedented numbers of ballistic missiles and drones against Israel, in a serious tit-for-tat which is now ongoing. “Let me be frank. We don’t want escalation in any part of the world. But if this continues, if there is another wave of conflict, more missile strikes, more collaboration between Russia and Iran, then the situation could grow even more dangerous,” Zelensky said. Washington is the biggest funder of both the Ukrainian and Israeli militaries… While Russia and Iran have indeed stepped up their defense relationship over the last several years, Moscow is not expected to come to Iran’s aid in this current emerging war.
Spring chicken at 72.
• Putin Congratulates Xi On His Birthday (RT)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended birthday greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, 72, according to a statement from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. “The president wished his Chinese counterpart and friend all the very best,” Peskov said. The message comes on the heels of a visit by Xi in May, when he traveled to Moscow to participate in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II. Xi and Putin held a formal meeting at the Kremlin on May 8, joined by senior delegations from both sides. The talks lasted over three and a half hours and concluded with the signing of a number of joint agreements. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described Xi’s visit to Moscow as “a complete success.”
Putin described the meeting with Xi as “highly positive” and emphasized the value of face-to-face dialogue. He also thanked the Chinese leader for attending the commemorative event and confirmed his own plans to visit China for ceremonies marking the defeat of militarist Japan. Beijing has advocated a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict since it escalated in 2022. It has also been critical of the West’s unilateral sanctions against Russia and blamed NATO expansion for provoking the crisis. In 2023, China released a 12-point proposal, received favorably by Moscow, on how to resolve the conflict through a political settlement which respects the realities on the ground.
“..He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end,” Trump wrote.
• Putin Wished Me A Happy Birthday – Trump (RT)
US President Donald Trump has revealed that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, wished him a happy birthday during a phone conversation on Saturday. Shortly after the phone call, the US president took to his Truth Social to provide details. “President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday, but to more importantly, talk about Iran, a country he knows very well. We talked at length,” Trump, who turned 79 on Saturday, wrote. The two presidents spent “much less time” discussing the Ukraine conflict, he noted, adding that the topic “will be for next week.” “The call lasted approximately one hour. He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end,” Trump wrote.
According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the conversation between Putin and Trump was “meaningful, frank, and most importantly, very useful.” Putin condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran, noting that they occurred just before the sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, originally scheduled for June 15, would have begun. “Despite such a complicated situation, the Russian and American presidents didn’t rule out a return to the negotiating track on the Iranian nuclear program,” Ushakov added. The presidential aide also confirmed that Putin had extended his birthday wishes to Trump, noting that both leaders have “expressed their satisfaction with the personal relationships that allow [them] to communicate in a businesslike manner,” as well as to “seek solutions to pressing issues on the bilateral and international agenda, no matter how complex these issues may be.”
“cordon sanitaire” or “firewall”
• Europe’s Populist Parties Keep Gaining Ground, but Cannot Get Into Power (ET)
Across the European continent, despite gaining considerable proportions of the vote, populist parties are increasingly being frozen out of governing in coalitions by political opponents who regard them as extremist. Proponents of the tactic known as a “cordon sanitaire” or “firewall” say it’s not an attack on democracy but a defense of it. But one war expert said the tactic will only arouse anger in voters and that “there is no potential for peaceful political change.” Coalitions are part and parcel of political life in many European countries. But the cordon sanitaire, a measure normally directed at keeping out fringe outliers, is now being used to keep out parties that are gaining majority-level support. Such parties include the Alternative for Germany, France’s National Rally, Austria’s Freedom Party, Spain’s Vox, and the Netherlands’ Party for Freedom.
They all deny being “far-right” as they are often dubbed by media, opponents, or academics, but their political opponents regard them as beyond the pale and have formed coalitions on the promise of shutting them out of governance. The AfD, an anti-mass immigration party, which came second in Germany’s national parliamentary elections, earning nearly 21 percent of the vote, was recently denied allotted committee chairmanships and vice-chairmanships. The party is locked in a legal battle with the state to avoid being branded an “extremist” right-wing movement by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.
AfD’s policies include strong support for traditional marriage between a man and woman and the nuclear family, the preservation of national independence in the face of the European Union’s increasing power, the preservation of German culture amid “European integration” and Islamization, and border security, including the expulsion of illegal immigrants. But this doesn’t seem to have dented the party’s popularity in the polls. According to a recent INSA survey, the AfD is at 24.5 percent, hot on the heels of the CDU at 26 percent. nA similar pattern is being seen in other countries.
Early in June, the Dutch government collapsed after Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders said his party would pull out of the governing coalition. Wilders asked coalition partners to sign up to a plan to cut illegal immigration, which included using the army to protect Dutch borders, rejecting all illegal immigrants, sending Syrian refugees back to their country, and closing asylum shelters. At the time, he said that if the country’s immigration policy was not strengthened, the PVV would be “out of the Cabinet.” He followed through on the threat.
In Austria, conservatives, Social Democrats, and liberals formed a coalition in March to block the anti-immigration and euro-skeptic Freedom Party from taking power, even after it won an electoral victory with 29 percent of the vote last September. The party was founded in 1956 by Anton Reinthaller, a former SS officer and member of the Reichstag.Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron called a surprise snap election on June 9, following his centrist Renaissance party’s poor performance in European Parliament elections when the populist and nationalist party National Rally (RN) performed very strongly.
But RN has increased its voter share ahead of the French presidential elections, which are scheduled to be held in or around April 2027, and is currently polling at 35 percent. In 2023, Socialist Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called a snap national election after his party was beaten in local government polls by the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the nationalist Vox.Sanchez managed to retain power but only after months of wrangling with regional parties and a controversial power deal with Catalan separatists. Vox, founded in 2013, is now the third-largest force in the Spanish Parliament.
Transparent? Who?
• Republicans Investigating California Governor and LA Mayor Over Riots (RT)
The US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has begun an investigation into riots in California that have followed a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on illegal migrants. Committee members are accusing Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass of inaction and obstructing federal attempts to manage the unrest. The protests that erupted last week quickly devolved into riots, with participants torching police cars and US flags, blocking highways, and clashing with law enforcement officers. The latter have responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, with hundreds of arrests, as well as multiple injuries on both sides reported. The start of the probe was announced in a press release by the US House Oversight Committee on Friday.
Chairman James Comer and Clay Higgins, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, both Republicans, sent letters to Newsom and Bass, requesting that they hand over “documents and communications” dated June 1, 2025 and later, relevant to the ongoing riots and the state authorities’ response to them. The letters also accused the two Democrats of falsely claiming that “state and local law enforcement had protests under control” and of “falsely blaming” President Donald Trump “for the actions of violent rioters.” Newsom previously sued the Trump administration over its decision to deploy the National Guard to California. On Thursday, a US district judge ruled the move illegal, only for a Court of Appeals to issue a temporary injunction against that ruling hours later. For now, the National Guard remains under Trump’s control, and not that of the state authorities, until a hearing on Tuesday.
Responding to the committee’s request, Governor Newsom’s press office said in a post on X on Saturday that the records requested “will include some highly unusual communications from the White House.” “We’re good with transparency. Will the White House say the same?” the message added. In an acrimonious exchange throughout the week, Newsom described Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard as a “step toward authoritarianism” and a “serious breach of state sovereignty.” Trump, in turn, urged the “grossly incompetent” California governor to “get his act together” and to “apologize… for the absolutely horrible job” he has allegedly done. The US president also suggested he would back a proposal by White House border czar Tom Homan to have Newsom arrested for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts.
USAID
Hungarian Government releasing a documentary on how Democrats funneled money through USAID to George Soros “to promote Democrat agendas such as illegal migration, transgenders and war stances”
“The Hungarian government has announced that they will be releasing a documentary… pic.twitter.com/27yqdTKggj
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) June 14, 2025
Dragon
– Just one dragonfly can consume over one hundred mosquitos in a day
– Dragonflies can fly backwards
– They have nearly 360-degree vision
– Their wings inhibit bacterial growth due to their natural structures
– They're actually beautifulThis is not stained glass, it's a wing. pic.twitter.com/0BfB3ljjuE
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) June 15, 2025
Ostrich
https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1934169597328121989
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