According to a CNN report, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth believes military action is key to his job security and has been a strong proponent of the ongoing Iran war. President Trump has indicated Hegseth’s eagerness for continued conflict, with one source describing him as “trigger happy.” Hegseth has taken a prominent role in communicating the administration’s wartime stance, holding more press briefings since the conflict began. This assertive posture extends to other military operations, including strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, despite questions surrounding their legality and necessity.
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White House officials are preparing for oil prices to surge past $150 a barrel, with some analysts predicting a potential spike to $200, due to the ongoing war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping lane, through which 20 percent of global oil flows, has been largely shut down due to the threat of attacks, causing significant disruptions to supply chains. The escalating oil prices have already led to gas prices exceeding $4 a gallon, with further increases expected to impact the broader economy, affecting everything from groceries to airfares.
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President Donald Trump is strongly considering withdrawing the U.S. from NATO due to allies’ refusal to join the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, viewing the alliance as a “paper tiger” and questioning its support for the U.S. While European leaders urge calm and emphasize the importance of transatlantic cooperation, the U.S. has reevaluated its support for Ukraine, passing more financial burden to European allies. This situation highlights ongoing tensions within the alliance, with some experts warning that such rhetoric benefits adversaries like Russia.
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Crude prices are escalating to their highest levels in nearly two weeks, now exceeding $116 a barrel for Brent crude, due to an intensifying US-Israel war on Iran. Iran’s preparation for a potential US ground invasion and warnings to punish regional allies, coupled with Houthi missile launches at Israel and Israel’s expanded invasion of Lebanon, have significantly disrupted global energy supplies. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, responsible for about one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies, has plunged the world into its most severe energy crisis in decades, with prices already up nearly 60 percent and further increases anticipated.
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Erik Prince, a key ally of Donald Trump and founder of Blackwater, predicts a non-peaceful conclusion to the Iran war, warning that the U.S. could soon witness images of its warships destroyed if American troops are deployed. Prince, who counseled against intervention, expressed extreme concern over potential escalation, particularly if U.S. forces attempt to force open the Strait of Hormuz. He highlighted the ineffectiveness of past U.S. military actions against Iranian-backed forces and contrasted it with Iran’s 46-year preparation for conflict. Prince advised Americans to “beware the dangers of foreign entangling alliances” as the Pentagon prepares for significant ground operations in Iran.
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As the Iran war enters its second month, Pope Leo has delivered an unusually forceful Palm Sunday message, directly warning world leaders against the use of faith to justify military action. He emphatically stated, “God rejects the prayers of those who wage war,” countering recent appeals, including those from the US, that invoke religion to support the conflict. Analysts view the Pope’s homily as a strong and unequivocal call for peace amid the escalating hostilities.
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Pope Leo XIV has publicly condemned Donald Trump’s military operation in Iran, stating that God does not heed the prayers of those who engage in warfare. During his Palm Sunday address, the pontiff advocated for peace, reminding worshipers that Jesus Christ rejects the prayers of those with “hands full of blood.” The Pope expressed deep concern for “crucified humanity” and urged those instigating conflicts to have mercy on the victims. This statement comes amid reports of U.S. officials using religious justifications for the war, with some commanders reportedly invoking divine plans and Armageddon to encourage troops, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praying for “overwhelming violence” in Iran.
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More than 3,500 U.S. troops, including the USS Tripoli with about 2,500 Marines, have arrived in the Middle East as strikes in the Iran war intensify. This deployment of advanced amphibious warships and aircraft comes amid escalating tensions after Iran fired missiles and drones at a Saudi Arabian air base, injuring U.S. personnel. The war has significantly impacted global air travel, oil exports, and fuel prices, with Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz exacerbating the economic fallout. Adding to the regional instability, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have claimed missile launches, potentially further disrupting global shipping if they target vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed the UK’s stance against direct involvement in the ongoing war against Iran, emphasizing a clear divergence from Washington’s position. Despite pressure to commit British forces, Starmer remains resolute, highlighting the UK’s refusal to join offensive operations. This position aligns with Türkiye’s parallel call for non-involvement and diplomatic resolution, as both nations advocate for de-escalation and a mediated solution to the conflict.
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The idea of a call between former President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Elon Musk joining in, to discuss the Iran war is certainly a scenario that sparks a lot of conversation and, frankly, a bit of bewilderment. It’s the kind of gathering that prompts questions about who really holds sway in global affairs.
When you hear about a powerful private citizen like Elon Musk participating in high-level discussions about international conflict, it’s natural to wonder about the historical context. Has this kind of direct involvement from influential individuals in government policy always been the norm, with past figures simply being more discreet?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood