Lindsey Graham Wants Trump to Hurry and Wrap Up Iran War – Need to Avoid Exposing NATO Weakness


Posted originally on CTH on March 31, 2026 | Sundance

Senator Lindsey Graham (U-DC) has never met a military combat operation he didn’t like.  In his career Graham, like his friend John McCain (RIH), has always supported war against every country.

However, beyond the unquenchable bloodlust there is one thing Senator Graham fears, an exit from NATO.  With the Iran conflict providing buckets of citations for why the United States should pull back from the NATO alliance, citations that Graham cannot easily refute, the war monger is worried the old war ethos of NATO could be lost.

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“But, DAMNIT peace isn’t a prize!”…

“Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together.”…

Secretary of State Rubio Gives Lengthy Interview to Al Jazeera


Posted originally on CTH on March 30, 2026 | Sundance

Al Jazeera is essentially the state run media outlet of Qatar.  Secretary of State Rubio sat down for a lengthy interview with Al Jazeera that will be shared throughout the Arab world.

In an exclusive Al Jazeera interview, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Trump always prefers diplomacy, with messages and indirect talks ongoing between the US and figures inside Iran. Rubio demanded that Iran abandon all nuclear weapons ambitions, end its missile and drone programmes, and stop sponsoring terrorism across the region. He rejected Iran’s conditions for ending the war — including sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and financial compensation — calling the strait demand illegal and a dangerous global precedent. Rubio declared that the strait “will be open one way or another” after US military objectives are achieved, whether through Iranian compliance or an international coalition.”

“He outlined those objectives as the destruction of Iran’s air force (achieved), navy (largely achieved), missile launchers, and weapons factories — all to be completed in weeks, not months. Rubio expressed disappointment with NATO allies like Spain for denying basing rights and airspace, warning that the US would re-examine its NATO commitment. He confirmed the US would welcome regime change in Iran but insisted it was not the official objective of the current military operation. The interview also covered post-Maduro stabilisation in Venezuela and called for serious economic and political reforms in Cuba.” 

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President Trump Presents a Strong Statement Toward Iran – Secretary Rubio Responds in Real Time


Posted originally on CTH onMarch 30, 2026 | Sundance

As Secretary of State Marco Rubio appears for an interview on Good Morning America, President Trump released the following statement:

The United States of America is in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran. Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately “Open for Business,” we will conclude our lovely “stay” in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet “touched.” This will be in retribution for our many soldiers, and others, that Iran has butchered and killed over the old Regime’s 47 year “Reign of Terror.” Thank you for your attention to this matter.” ~ President DONALD J. TRUMP

Secretary Rubio responded in real time to questions about the objectives.  Rubio impressively underlined the objectives in Iran, reemphasizing the core intent of the military operation to remove the capacity of Iran to pose a threat to the stable alliances that have formed in the region.  WATCH:

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CENTCOM Announces 3,500 Marines Arrive in Ready Position


Posted originally on CTH on March 29, 2026 | sundance |

As the ongoing Operation Epic Fury military engagement continues, CENTCOM announces the arrival of 3.500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit into forward position.

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As negotiations with Iranian leadership are reported to be ongoing, it would appear that options are now present for President Trump to make a decision on the potential seizure of Kharg Island, a crucial oil export hub off Iran’s coast.

(Via Wall Street Journal) – The Pentagon is looking at sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to give President Trump more military options even as he weighs peace talks with Tehran, Department of Defense officials with knowledge of the planning said.

The force, which would likely include infantry and armored vehicles, would be added to the roughly 5,000 Marines and the thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division who have already been ordered to the region.

It is unclear where precisely forces will go in the Middle East, but they will likely be within striking distance of Iran and Kharg Island, a crucial oil export hub off Iran’s coast.

Trump has repeatedly said he will open the Strait of Hormuz, with or without the help of U.S. allies. (read more)

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Unfortunately, The Israeli Government Blocks Palm Sunday Worship at Church of the Holy Sepulchre


Posted originally on CTH on March 29, 2026 | sundance 

For the first time in centuries, the Catholic mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem commemorating Palm Sunday, was stopped as a result of security concerns. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and launches the Holy Week commemorations for Christians which culminates in Easter.

Pope Leo XIV, at the end of Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, prayed for all Christians in the Middle East who he said were living through an “atrocious” conflict. He said that “in many cases, they cannot live fully the rites of these holy days.” (source)

Luke 19: 28-40 The Entry into Jerusalem.

Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.

As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples.

He said, “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’”

So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying this colt?” They answered, “The Master has need of it.”

So, they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount.

As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen.

They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
He said in reply, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”

When Allies Become Liabilities – Regime Change in Israel?


Posted originally on Mar 25, 2026 by Martin Armstrong |  

USA vs Iran

QUESTION: You were the first to say the US was going through Pakistan, and there was a 15-point plane. You also said no peace is possible. Iran just rejected Trump’s 15-point plan. You also commented that the markets were reflecting a protracted war. Do you see any hope whatsoever?

PD

ANSWER: Indeed, Iran said it rejected any US ceasefire proposal and maintained attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states. They are in the driver’s seat, and they know it. Not just that they control the Strait of Hormuz, but aside from oil, 30% of the fertilizer goes through there, and as we move into planting season, Iran is also keenly aware that it can cause a food crisis.

Netanyahu whispering Trump 1

Look, I know the Neocon thinking process. They CANNOT think beyond the end of their nose and ALWAYS think they will win in a matter of days or weeks, simply because they control the largest military force. SIZE does not matter! They NEVER look at the other side. Iran would have to be insane to accept the 15-point plan, dealing a significant blow to Trump’s efforts to end a war that Netanyahu began suckering in Trump.

Trump’s 15-point peace plan stipulates that the Islamic Republic dismantle its main nuclear facilities and use a reduced missile arsenal in self-defense only, according to reliable sources, and Trump would lift sanctions. Tehran realizes that it cannot agree to a ceasefire when Netanyahu has any authority whatsoever. Iran wants guarantees that the US and Israel won’t resume their attacks, alongside reparations for war damages and recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

In addition, Iran has REFUSED to even negotiate with Steve Witkoff or Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, both of whom are Jewish! For the life of me, why this dynamic duo would even dare to negotiate in the Middle is beyond me. This appears to be a very serious conflict of interest, regardless of whether it is true. Iran has insisted that it would deal only with J.D. Vance.

I believe Vice President J.D. Vance may travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran this weekend. Trump has said he hopes to reach an agreement by the end of the week. I would not hold my breath. Just as Netanyahu assassinated the Ayatollah and acted unilaterally, attacking their gas field, he does not care about the world economy, and CANNOT be trusted in any future peace deal. The only security Iran could possibly have is regime change in Israel, meaning Netanyahu is gone from the government.

Netanyahu Israel Regime Change 1

When Allies Become Liabilities – Regime Change in Israel

What is perhaps more surprising and not yet in the press is that Netanyahu’s problems have intensified under the Trump administration, which was expected to provide unconditional support for his Iranian conquest. Recent sources report a deep frustration within Trump’s team regarding Netanyahu.

The question of Benjamin Netanyahu’s political survival and whether there is serious discussion about regime change in Israel represents one of the most sensitive and complex dynamics in current Middle Eastern geopolitics being discussed behind the curtain. The short answer is that there has been significant talk—both public and private—about the need for Netanyahu to be removed from power, and this discussion is coming not just from his domestic opponents but from surprising quarters, including elements within the American establishment, European governments, and even segments of the Israeli security apparatus.

But we must be precise about what we mean by “regime change.” This is not talk of military intervention or external overthrow. Rather, it is a discussion about using diplomatic pressure, conditioning aid and support, leveraging legal processes, and supporting domestic opposition to facilitate Netanyahu’s removal through ostensibly democratic means. The distinction matters, but the intention—removing a sitting leader perceived as an obstacle to broader policy objectives—is fundamentally the same.

Without Netanyahu’s removal, it is going to be extremely hard to convince Iran that Israel will not attack again or try to assassinate all of their leaders in another covert action.

Susan Kokinda Outlines the Shift in Strategic Alliances


Posted originally on CTH on March 25, 2026 | Sundance 

The rebranded Lyndon LaRouche PAC has another good outline on the new strategic alliances assembled by President Trump as the ongoing conflict with Iran continues.

Susan Kokinda reviews how the United Kingdom and Europe have been sidelined as President Trump directly negotiates with key stakeholders in the middle east and Asia.  Kokinda correctly notes the messaging from Russia indicates a strategic awareness that old systems are fracturing and the potential for new strategic alliances is rising.

Susan Kokinda argues President Trump has opened a new diplomatic space to de-escalate the Iran conflict by working through a regional roster—Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Gulf States, and back channels into Iran—while the U.K., EU, and NATO are absent and increasingly irrelevant. Citing reporting that ministers met in Riyadh and that Egypt, Turkey, and Oman carried messages, she says this “Board of Peace” architecture is isolating Iran and weakening its proxies, pointing to Lebanon’s move against Hezbollah, the Palestinian Authority’s condemnation of Iran, and Hamas considering disarmament. Kokinda links Europe’s exclusion to self-inflicted energy weakness from Green and anti-Russia policies, noting rushed LNG moves and a delayed Russian oil ban vote. She concludes Ukraine’s outlook darkens as Europe and Britain lack leverage, highlighting Zelenskyy’s scramble for support in London and Washington.” WATCH:

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President Trump Notes Iranian Leadership Currently in Negotiations Sent Something of “Great Value” to Verify Their Control of Government


Posted originally on CTH on March 24, 2026 | Sundance 

Obviously, one of the challenges faced by President Trump following the elimination of all senior Iran political leadership, is to know who is left in power that has the ability to negotiate terms between Iran and the U.S.

During the Q&A media segment of Mark Wayne Mullin’s swearing in ceremony, President Trump was asked how he can trust the Iranian leadership he is currently communicating with.  President Trump responded that he doesn’t trust anyone; however, the voices in Iran currently negotiating with the U.S. team sent something of great value to the White House to verify their Bonafide’s.  It is an interesting segment.  WATCH (prompted):

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President Trump Holds an Impromptu Press Availability Following Announcement of 5-Day Pause on Iran Strikes


Posted originally on CTH on March 23, 2026 | Sundance 

President Trump delivers remarks and takes questions from reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, before boarding Air Force One en route to Memphis, Tennessee.  President Trump emphatically stated that continued negotiations with ‘leadership’ within Iran continues and reaffirms the conditions for a cessation of hostilities.

The military leadership within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (IRGC), do not recognize any political representation over their military control of Iran.  This fracture within the political structure of Iran is what seems to create the conflict with U.S. negotiations with political entities the IRGC refuses to recognize.

President Trump is confident the presentation of terms now being discussed with Iranian political leadership will be agreeable to both Israel and U.S. interests.  Additionally, President Trump discusses the issue and circumstances around former NTSC Director Joe Kent and his view on the controversy that have flowed since Kent’s resignation.  WATCH:

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CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper Gives Update and Overview Interview


Posted originally on CTH on March 23, 2026 | Sundance

The noise can seem overwhelming at times.  There are those who say the U.S-Israeli joint military operation against Iran is a catastrophic miscalculation.  There are those who say the operation is strategically succeeding.  Many interests even appear to be cheering for the military operation to fail; others want the operation to escalate.

It is difficult to find pragmatic facts about the events without shaped information to promote specific narratives.  However, accepting there is a psychological component to the information flow, it seems like the best option to listen to the experts who are conducting the operation.

Giving his first interview since Operation Epic Fury began, CENTCOM Commander Bradley Cooper outlines the current status of the conflict and the elements he notes are of most importance.  According to Adm. Cooper, Iran is “operating in a sign of desperation… In the last couple of weeks, they’ve attacked civilian targets very deliberately, more than 300 times.”

“The Strait of Hormuz is physically open to transit,” he said. “The reason ships are not transiting right now is because the Islamic Republic is shooting at them with drones and missiles.”  WATCH:

“I’d like everyone to note is I’ve watched this over the last week, this extraordinary contrast between the comfort and protection that you’re seeing with the senior generals in the Islamic Republic, at least those that are still alive, who are up in deep bunkers and facilities in and around Tehran. And contrast that with the soldiers who are down on the ground who are unprotected. The generals are protected. The soldiers are not protected.”

“They’re launching missiles and drones from populated areas and you need to stay inside for right now,” he said. “There will be a clear signal at some point, as the President has indicated, for you to be able to come out.”