Tag Archives: Could start in the war between Israel and Iran

Aug 11 2025

Lebanon Announces War Will Escalate


Posted originally on Aug 11, 2025 by Martin Armstrong |  

Hezbollah

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam left a six-hour cabinet meeting, whereby it was determined that the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah must be eliminated by the end of the year. Salam said it is the “state’s duty to monopolise the possession of weapons”, and disarm Hezbollah. Western influence has successfully penetrated Lebanon, and war is guaranteed to escalate.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on Hezbollah to abandon its weapons to prevent war—a request that he knew would go unanswered. Such a request would have been unfathomable one year ago when Hezbollah was at the peak of its power. Israel recently accused Hezbollah of expanding its forces, with the US World Factbook estimating that the group had 50,000 active combatants. Yet, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that he has 100,000 men who are prepared to fight.

“The government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam committed a grave sin by taking a decision to strip Lebanon of its weapons to resist the Israeli enemy… This decision fully serves Israel’s interest,” the militant group said. “This decision undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and gives Israel a free hand to tamper with its security, geography, politics and future existence. Therefore, we will treat this decision as if it does not exist.”

Lebanon is indebted to the West and must expel Hezbollah to secure funding. Lebanese Finance Minister Yassin Jaber announced earlier in the year that the World Bank prepared a “preliminary plan” worth $1 billion to assist in rebuilding efforts. Lebanon is attempting to form a new government, and the West is encroaching on the Middle Eastern nation to ensure it can insert political influence, if not dominance.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said that any funding would be “linked to specific steps and procedures with a specific time frame and objective.” The European Union has taken an interest as well, offering to disburse €500 million in aid as part of a deal signed last year that was contingent on reducing the number of migrants. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff also stated he believes the US may wish to broker a deal.

LandofPlentyLebanon1

I reported that the US military is building a $1.2 billion mega compound in Awkwar, Lebanon. The location is a mere 10 miles from the center of Beirut and 60 miles away from the Israeli border.  Hezbollah and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on November 27, 2024, but the group is still strong and continues to support Hamas. Lebanon is vulnerable to becoming part of a larger regional crisis, which could involve escalation around its southern border and deeper Turkish influence. Syria was a key supporter of Hezbollah but has been gutted with a new interim puppet government. Iran remains Hezbollah’s top supporter and has said it will not support any efforts to disarm the militant group, blaming the West for interfering in the Middle East once more. Notably, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year treaty back in January to bypass US sanctions. Could Lebanon become the new battlefield for the proxy war?

Aug 8 2025

60% of Germans Refuse to Play War Games


Posted originally on Aug 8, 2025 by Martin Armstrong |  

GermanyUkraineWarPropogandaRecruitment

The people do not wish to play the neocons’ war games. Germany has been discussing reintroducing mandatory military service since the war began—a war that was never Germany’s battle but always the obligation and responsibility of the German people. I reported in May that over half of Brits would not fight for their country in the event of an attack. A new survey by German broadcaster RND revealed that nearly 60% of Germans would refuse to go into battle.

Only 16% of respondents said they would “definitely fight,” and another 22% reported they “probably” would. This is precisely why Germany has been considering a mandatory conscription for all adults over the age of 18. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he is “convinced” that Germany “needs a form of military conscription.” Since the West has effectively eliminated genders or the need for a family structure, they plan to draft both men and women. Anyone fit to fight will be sent off to die.

Russia Threaten Germany

Pistorius has been urging Germany to amass 260,000 active-duty troops, whom he believes should begin training immediately. Germany has a goal of gathering an army of 203,000 troops at a minimum, but the current force is a bit over 180,000. The military also plans to increase its reserve forces from 60,000 to 200,000, citing the need for immediate mobilization if the conflict escalates. Mandatory conscription may be introduced in 2026, which would align with our models precisely.

German politicians speaking out against the war are being silenced. The government has been preparing the European public for the inevitable. Everyone currently living in Europe knows how intensely the media has been discussing Europe’s alleged duty to prevent Russian aggression. “Will you fight for Germany? None of us wants war, but we already have to prepare for it. How ready are we really?” German magazine Stern states on its March 2025 cover.

The people always lose in times of war. Those on the ground firing missiles at one another are on the same side—the people—while the neocons sit in their safe high towers, unaffected by the destruction they unleashed.

Aug 7 2025

Japan to Build Australia’s New Warships


Posted originally on Aug 7, 2025 by Martin Armstrong | 

Australia has tapped Japan to begin building its next fleet of warships as the nation retires the ANZAC-class fleet. Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries beat German manufacturer Thyssen­Krupp Marine Systems as Japan’s Mogami frigate was more desirable than the German MEKO A-200. This is a landmark win for Japan as it marks the first time Japan has exported warships to a foreign nation.

The first 11 frigates alone are worth at least 10 billion Australian dollars ($6.5 billion USD). Japan will produce the first three ships domestically before building a facility in Australia to create the rest. Australia has exclusive access to the first Mogami warships. The 4,800-tonne Mogami carriers are faster than their German rival’s at a speed of 30 knots and has a range of 10,000 nautical miles. The ANZAC-class ship required a crew of 170 compared to the frigate’s need for only 90 personnel, maximizing operational efficiency.

“The upgraded Mogami is built in a way that makes it easy to customise depending on the owner’s order — the power setting and the space design are different from the original one, so the ship is ready to cater to any requests coming from the Australian government,” ATLA official Koji Nishimura stated. “From the very first phase of the project, I thought about the benefit for Australia and for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, because of that we formed an all-Japan team — with Ministry of Defence working as a team to make this project happen,” he added.

“This is clearly the biggest defence industry agreement that will ever have been struck between Japan and Australia. In fact, it’s really one of the biggest defence exports that Japan has ever engaged in,” Defence Minister Richard Marles said

This is a huge win for Japan as they have not previously had a heavy role in defense exports. The deal will show the world if Japanese manufacturers can reliably enter the sector and begin exerting its geopolitical power. Domestic defense is a matter of survival for Japan but now it has the ability to share its elite manufacturing capacities with the world.

The US supported Japan’s bid because it plans to use American-made components and comes equipped to carry American-made missiles specifically. The European Union has been back and forth on whether it wants to continue purchasing military equipment from America. Germany’s loss is a big hit to its already contracting manufacturing sector, as the nation was once the go-to for industrial exports. Japan is not beholden to unelected officials who could sway policy and, therefore, trade.

Aug 7 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio Discusses Potential for President Trump and President Putin Meeting


Posted originally on CTH on August 6, 2025 | Sundance

Secretary of State Marco Rubio appears for an interview with Larry Kudlow to discuss the recent reporting around a potential meeting between President Trump and President Putin.

As Rubio notes, following the recent Moscow visit by Steve Witkoff, there is now great clarity on the terms and conditions for Russia to enter a ceasefire period.  President Trump has reportedly told EU officials he will likely pick-up the ceasefire negotiations soon via a face-to-face meeting with Putin.  WATCH:

At the White House event with Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Trump said that “there’s a really good prospect that” there will be a meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin. But he disagreed with the suggestion it amounted to a “breakthrough.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio notes in the interview here, “an opportunity will present itself very soon for the president to meet both with Vladimir Putin and with President Zelenskyy at some point here, hopefully in the near future.” Rubio added “a lot has to happen before that can occur.”

Aug 6 2025

The Rare Earth Elements Crisis – Why isn’t America Digging in Ukraine?


Posted originally on Aug 6, 2025 by Martin Armstrong |  

MINERALS.Ukraine Mineral Resources_Site_Elements

America is desperate for rare earth minerals. China was supplying the US with around 70% of all such minerals, but they’re not going to supply them to an enemy nation to create weapons. As I mentioned yesterday, this is precisely why America is desperate to access Ukraine. I received a few comments asking why the US has not begun digging, and unfortunately, they are unable to reach those crucial minerals due to the ongoing war.

It is estimated that Ukraine holds 5% of the world’s critical raw materials. Ukrainian officials believe they have 19 million tonnes of graphite reserves and significant deposits of titanium, rare earth metals, and lithium. The current plan would require harvesting up to HALF of Ukraine’s minerals and rare earth materials.

On April 30, 2025, Ukraine and the US finalized a minerals deal and established a United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Congress approved a $50 million defense package to Ukraine through direct commercial sales (DCS). Trump is a businessman first and foremost—the mineral deal had to be approved before he would approve of any aid package. The United States now has preferential rights to extract minerals from Ukraine.

Why hasn’t the US begun digging? An estimated 50% of Ukrainian minerals are in areas under Russian control. The Donbas region, the Donetsk and Luhansk are rich in critical minerals, rare earth minerals, coal, and gas. They host the Shevchenko lithium field. Russia currently controls 40% of Ukraine’s metal resources and 56% of its coal reserves. Other essential sites are within a 10-mile radius of occupied enemy territory. Dnipropetrovsk & Kharkiv have uranium, but they are unstable due to frontline advances. Zaporizhzhia has the rare earth elements that America is seeking but it is partially occupied by Russian troops and extremely dangerous. Central and Western Ukraine could be safe for extractions, but they are far less rich in minerals.

MineralsUkraine

Where else can the West turn? Europe faces the same crisis. Estonia has rare minerals, but not enough to meet demand, with the nation currently providing the US with 5% of its needs. Malaysia imports about 13% of US rare earth imports, with Japan providing another 6%. Japan has minerals, but still imports from China. They plan to begin extracting rare earth minerals from the Minami-Torishima Island in 2026, marking the world’s first large-scale mining operation 6,000 meters beneath the ocean. Scientists believe that the area could contain around 16 million tonnes of rare earth elements, but that is a mere estimate. Malaysia has a low mineral reserve in comparison to other nations and cannot be an alternative supplier. Malaysia hosts the Lynas Corporation, the biggest rare earths processor outside China, but the nation has modest reserves.

So while Ukraine may hold nearly $15 trillion worth of crucial minerals and 15% of the world’s reserves, they cannot be accessed due to the ongoing war. China and Russia are abundant in minerals and have no restrictions when it comes to weapon production. China has pioneered molten salt reactors to produce uranium and convert it into nuclear energy. America’s enemies have a notable advantage right now and there are no reliable alternatives.

Aug 5 2025

Trump is Taking us into World War III listening to the Wrong People


Posted originally on Aug 4, 2025 by Martin Armstrong |  

COMMENT:

Marty,

yes, they want to talk and force war by any means necessary. How

incredibly crude and predictable the words coming from the mouth of US

Ambassador to NATO, Matt Whitaker, are. Although I know, especially

based on historical facts from WW1 and WW2, how war propaganda and the

demonization of the enemy work, I am still shocked every time by how

blatantly and crudely they keep doing it. I am even more shocked every

time by how stupid the vast majority of people are.

There are times when I would even welcome a population exchange and

extermination of the Western world in the hope and with the stupid but

human impulse that this would eradicate a large part of the evil. I am

fully aware that this is not true. But the human impulse still rises

within me.

I have sons and grandchildren; we left Europe last decade! Especially

because of your predictions! We hope to be far away from the catastrophe

unfolding here in the coming years.

Marty, we owe you a great deal for making the timely decision to leave

Europe.

US Ambassador to NATO, Matt Whitaker:

It’s impossible to get into the mind of Vladimir Putin because it’s sick

and twisted and probably not logical.

But I’m guessing he doesn’t want to take on the most powerful military

in the world, which is the United States of America.

GB

Incompetent

REPLY: This is the problem. Whitaker’s arrogance thinks that the US is so powerful that it can crush Russia without ever firing a shot and calling Putin “sick and twisted” when we started this war, and there were TWO peace deals which the WEST broke – not Russia. I have NEVER in my entire life witnessed such INCOMPETENT diplomacy. The Neocons have been instructing Trump to be strong and yield nothing to Putin, and he will fold.  Peace is easy. Just HONOR the Minsk Agreement. But this is a war to destroy Russia, and Trump is a fool who is being played just like George Bush, Jr.

Financial Capital World Economy

China has already said that they will NOT let Russia lose BECAUSE they know they will be next. The ONLY way to defend against our insane Neocons is to pull together as a united front with Russia, China, North Korea, and others against the West. Both India and China have previously been the financial capitals of the world. Just as Europe lost that because of two world wars, we will do the same.

WWIII Sides

These Neocons have waged endless wars, and they have lost EVERY SINGLE ONE! They think this will be just a war against Russia, and they can tell China to wait for its turn. This is a war against NATO and China, along with everyone else tired of this Neocon arrogance, will join to eradicate the West.

NATO_Defeat Russia_in_3_Days Adam Kinzinger

These insane and arrogant Neocons are just full of themselves. They are NEVER the ones on the battlefield. They send everyone else’s children to die for their aspirations of world dominance and glory. Make no mistake. They seek what they accuse their adversaries of doing – the conquest of the world.

Neocon Propaganda

This is the story they always put out. Russia is losing, and we can crush them like an ant.

DJIND W Array 8 4 25

The computer shows shift changes as of next week, escalating into the week of the 18th. So let me see, Trump will impose crushing sanctions on China for buying Russian oil? They are supposed to bend the knee and say Oh, sorry. We will buy from the US instead? That would be a massive loss of face. Every ultimatum coming out of Trump’s mouth is pushing China and Russia closer together.

Here is Tony Blair’s Apology for listening to the NEOCONS.

Here is General Wesley Clark, who was shocked when the Neocons told him they wanted to conquer the entire Middle East with American troops.

2022 Intl War Index

I’m not sure we will have a recording of Trump’s apology for starting World War III. I had hoped he would keep us out. I was wrong. The computer has always been correct. We have a major war on the horizon, and it does not look good.

Jul 30 2025

Rickards: “He’s Being Sucked Into This War, It’s No Longer Biden’s War It’s Trump’s War.”


Posted originally on Rumble By Bannon’s War Room on: July 29, 2025

Jul 30 2025

EU and IMF Reconsider Funding Ukraine over Govt Corruption


Posted originally on Jul 30, 2025 by Martin Armstrong 

UkraineCorruptionfunding

Ukraine was well-known as the most corrupt nation in Europe, if not the world. This is why Ukraine was not permitted to join the European Union, as the bloc determined that the country needed to implement harsh anti-corruption measures if it wanted to join. The EU decided to give that same corrupt government endless funds in their proxy war with Russia. Now, the EU is threatening to freeze funding to Ukraine if government corruption continues.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) lost their independent statuses last week after President Zelensky signed a law to usurp these agencies that are tasked with investigating high-level corruption. The EU has insisted since the 2014 Revolution of Dignity that these agencies remain independent. The promise was a main component of Ukraine’s accession into the bloc, but Zelensky is using martial law to consolidate power. EU officials warned that these actions “cross a red line,” and they are now reluctant to provide unconditional funding.

This is an issue that the people of Ukraine have been speaking out on. They realize that their government is corrupt, and many initially voted for Zelensky as he campaigned on the promise to end government corruption. My sources have said there are ongoing protests over Zelensky’s recent actions that have not been aired on any mainstream media outlet.

The EU is now holding off on providing $20 billion of the $50 billion promised to Ukraine under the Russian asset confiscation scheme. If corruption continues, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) plan to pause funding. The next package to Ukraine’s Facility Program has been reduced to 3.05 billion euros ($3.5 billion) from 4.5 billion euros ($5.2 billion) as a direct result of ongoing corruption. “Everything has been put on hold until the situation is corrected,” EU officials stated to Ukrainska Pravda.

Zelensky_defied_US scrap corruption_law 7 25 25

The European Union has provided Ukraine with $48.6 billion in funds since the war began, and provided another $9.3 billion through frozen Russian assets. Yaroslav Zheleznyak, deputy chairman of the parliamentary tax committee, admitted that Ukraine has only fulfilled 5 of the 11 requirements to join the European Union in a move that could cost Ukraine 3 billion euros. Ukraine is anticipating a 17.2 billion euro ERA loan and a 12.5 billion euro loan to the Ukraine Facility in 2025, but none of that will happen if Zelensky continues down his current path.

2024_07_05_10_52_56_Ukraine_is_too_CORRUPT_to_join_NATO_US_says_in_major_blow_to_Zelensky_and_boo

Ukraine’s government has no checks and balances for how it spends these loans or donations. The government claims it is operating at a $19 billion deficit despite the large increase in aid. Analysts estimate that the deficit will rise to $40 billion if EU aid ceases. Now, the IMF stipulated that Ukraine needs to reduce its budget deficit to 10% of GDP in 2026 to continue to receive financing.

Several parliament members voting on the future of the NABU and SAPO are currently under investigation by those agencies. They’re going to vote in their best interest, as no government employee is actually a public servant. The Verkhovna Rada will reconsider the future of these anti-corruption agencies on July 31. Rest assured that the corruption will continue, but Zelensky cannot be as blatant about his dealings now that funding is on the line.

Jul 30 2025

Zelensky Urges Women and Seniors to Enlist


Posted originally on Jul 30, 2025 by Martin Armstrong  

Zelensky.Skulls

Where have we seen this before? President Volodymyr Zelensky is wiping through troops so rapidly that he is encouraging men and women over 60 years of age to enlist in the military. Previously prohibited, Zelensky signed the measure into law under the premise of martial law.

The new law encourages people over 60 to sign up for one-year military contracts if they are cleared to serve. There is now no maximum age of service. The Ukrainian military will place seniors under a two-month probationary period to see if they are fit to fight. I fear where they would place these individuals on the battlefield.

Last April, Zelensky also lowered the draft age from 27 to 25. Casualties outnumbered estimates, and in February 2025, Zelensky implemented one-year military contracts for teens and young adults aged 18 to 24 on a voluntary basis. The youngest and oldest among the population are encouraged to fight voluntarily, for now—again, where have we seen this before in modern history?

The Kyiv Independent recently published an article regarding the manpower shortage. Ukraine began a military campaign to specifically target women. They believe women are discouraged from fighting due to “Soviet-rooted prejudice” and are firing up the propaganda to encourage women to enlist. There are currently 70,000 women serving in Ukraine’s military, but the nation needs more women to replenish the ranks.

UkraineWomenTroops

Ukraine’s military was slated to be around 1 million strong at the beginning of the year, but Zelensky wants to increase that number by 50%. “The Ukrainian army is the largest in Europe. The second place after us (France) is four times smaller than us,” Zelensky attempted to brag. “I think the French have about 200,000. We have 980,000.” Russia allegedly has 1.5 million troops but actual data is opaque.

Zelensky needs everyone in Ukraine to prepare for battle. Children are learning about firearms and ammunition in school. There will come a time when service is no longer voluntary for women, seniors, teens, and young adults. The entire civilian population is expected to sacrifice itself for the deadliest European conflict since World War II, which could have been prevented.

Jul 30 2025

Zelenskyy on Ropes – Ukranian Regime Grabs More Authoritarian Power Then Backtracks When Protests Erupt


Posted originally on CTH on July 29, 2025 | Sundance

The terms Ukraine and government corruption are synonymous regardless of who is funding the schemes.  After Volodymyr Zelenskyy grabbed more power by stripping two key anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), of their independence, protests erupted.

European leaders immediately noticed the intent of the power move and threatened Zelenskyy with a withdrawal of support. The current dictatorship of Zelensky and his small team then quickly reversed course.  However, the damage is done, and once again Ukranian corruption is center stage.

It doesn’t matter how much western intelligence agencies and pro-Ukraine western govt officials try to hide the nature of the duck represented by Zelenskyy by calling him a swan, eventually the quacking returns – the mask drops.

UKRAINE – […] Some also cautioned that the agitation could spark a popular uprising like the one that toppled then-President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. “We are now in the face of the most dangerous development in all the years since Maidan,” wrote Sevgil Musayeva, editor-in-chief of the Ukrainska Pravda newspaper. And like others, she hazarded that Zelenskyy’s powerful Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak was behind the move, amid signs that NABU is preparing cases against presidential insiders.

Eventually, with public uproar mounting, Ukraine’s president bowed to the pressure and agreed to restore the independence of the agencies — a new law turning back the clock is meant to be voted on Thursday.

Among the insiders currently under investigation are former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and former Deputy Head of the Office of the President Rostyslav Shurma. Shurma was dismissed last year, after it emerged his brother was receiving green subsidies from the Ukrainian government for solar plants operating in Russian-occupied Donbas. Coincidentally, Shurma’s Munich home was raided by NABU investigators and German police in mid-July.

“It is critical not to lose the unity. To listen to people, to have dialogue, and so on,” Zelenskyy told reporters at a press briefing on Friday, explaining his about-face and consequent decision to restore the independence of the agencies in question.

QUACK!

[…] some civil society leaders think targeting the agencies is a sign that Zelenskyy and his clan-like group of aides are starting to panic about his poor polling numbers. As it stands, his chances of winning the next election, when it is eventually held, appear remote, with former armed forces commander General Valery Zaluzhny, who Zelenskyy fired after clashing over war strategy, seen as most likely to get elected.

[…] The street protests in Ukraine have put Zelenskyy on notice, and they’re an indication that patience is wearing thin. (read more)

Everywhere you travel in Europe the one constant amid the ordinary working-class is their knowledge that Ukraine is a bastion of political corruption. The summer coastline of Europe is full of Ukrainian govt officials and very wealthy Ukranian businessmen spending money, a lot of money, that everyone knows is coming from USA and European subsidy.

Visible Ukraine corruption is a joke amid those who cannot afford pretending and those in the service industries in the vacation resorts all along the European coast.

Making it all worse, is the in-your-face aspect of it very visible from the Ukrainians staying in luxury hotels, villas and opulent residences while sneering through their designer sunglasses. “Meh, or she, is Ukrainian,” is the simple response to the rudeness when noted.

There may be no love for Vladimir Putin within the muscle memory of some older populations within some former Soviet states.  However, amid the working-class and the portion of the younger generation self-inoculated from western propaganda, opinion of Zelenskyy is even lower.

Eastern European support for the Zelenskyy regime is akin to U.S. support during the Biden regime. The pretending exists in media and government officials’ proclamations only.

Don’t kid yourself, the politicians know it.