While the democrat clown show was diverting attentions -
Iran
More rhetoric. Today it is expected that Iran will exceed the limits to enriched uranium formerly agreed to.
The US Navy has rotated surface units into/out of the gulf region. The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and a combat helicopter squadron arrived in the region of the Strait of Hormuz. Also deployed were the amphibious transport dock, USS John P. Murtha, and the amphibious dock landing ship, USS Harpers Ferry. They are believed to be replacing other naval assets led by the USS Kearsarge which have been in the region since April.
It has been confirmed that overnight Iran suffered severe internet degradation across the country. No report of the cause, but rumor is that it could be part of the ongoing US cyber attacks.
Interesting discussions on just why Iran is behaving are they are -
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2019/06/what-iran-is-really-up-to.php
https://mosaicmagazine.com/observation/politics-current-affairs/2019/06/what-iran-is-really-up-to/
In large part it is trying to bully the weak kneed Europeans into violating sanctions or trying to get them to force US into issuing wavers and providing cover for the Iranian nuclear program.
Israel / Hamas
Fire balloon campaign increased against Israel. In a potentially troubling development - still unconfirmed - is that Hamas as incorporated other chemicals in their attacks. Residents report a strong odor, burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty breathing. Earlier, one of the hamas balloon units - Sons of Al-Yassin, militant group linked to Sons of Zawari - posted images and warnings of including some kind of chemical to their fire bomb balloons.
Israel/Russia/Syria
Yesterday Israel reported that GPS instruments at their Tel Aviv airport were ‘jammed’. Today claims are that this was the result of Russian units. GPS jamming of civilian aircraft is a serious business. Israel (as well as the US) relies upon GPS for advanced targeting of weapons and though jamming is anticipated in war, this is concerning.
Shutting Down the Gulf Oil Trade: All Iran Needs to Do to Destroy the World Economy
(Excerpt)
“...shutting down the Strait of Hormuz would destroy the American economy by detonating the $1.2 quadrillion derivatives market; and that would collapse the world banking system, crushing the world’s $80 trillion GDP and causing an unprecedented depression.
“Soleimani should also state bluntly that Iran may in fact shut down the Strait of Hormuz if the nation is prevented from exporting essential two million barrels of oil a day, mostly to Asia. Exports, which before illegal US sanctions and de facto blockade would normally reach 2.5 million barrels a day, now may be down to only 400,000.
“Soleimani’s intervention would align with consistent signs already coming from the IRGC. The Persian Gulf is being described as an imminent “shooting gallery.” Brigadier General Hossein Salami stressed that Iran’s ballistic missiles are capable of hitting “carriers in the sea” with pinpoint precision. The whole northern border of the Persian Gulf, on Iranian territory, is lined up with anti-ship missiles...”
Over the weekend
Israel/Syria/Iran
Israel launched significant strikes at numerous locations south of Damascus and Homs. Typical targets being storage locations of Iranian/Hezbollah munitions. It is being reported that it is likely that a stray Syrian anti-air missile struck a Turkish facility in N. Cyprus during the attack in Syria, killing 15. Initial reports indicate the rocket was soviet made - very possibly an S300.
Iran
Iran reported it has exceeded the limit of enriched uranium. This sets up a potential action by Israel or US to take action. Iran has stated that starting July 7 it will begin to enrich towards weapons grade uranium. Breaching the sanctioned limits only encourages increased sanctions and actions. A significant part of this is what will the EU’s response be as sanctions affect Iran’s trade with the EU and who Iran considers to be the most susceptible to its current threats and actions (blackmail). We will need to monitor international responses this week to guesstimate future actions.
Iran/US/Saudi/Straits of Hormuz
It is reported that Iranian proxy forces launched a drone attack against a Saudi oil pipeline from a location in Iraq. This has the potential to increase internal friction and conflict within Iran as Iran has used the weakened Iraq as a base of support for its Syrian operations. Potential for internal conflict by Iraq to stop it being used as a base for future attacks.
US has deployed 12 F22 fighters to the ME for support of Centcom operations. This is a substantial number of these fighters and greatly increases the offensive potential of US forces.
N Korea
POTUS impromptu meeting with Kim may or may not bear fruit is the current log jam of nuclear reduction/elimination talks. But the exploding liberal head were all over the board.
Hong Kong
Protests continued as residents continued to demand the resignation of the mainland China leadership in HK. What China’s response will be is uncertain. At the height of the earlier protests it was estimated that nearly 1/3 of the population participated. Yesterday’s protests continue the pressure against the mainland’s incremental actions to get around the agreement with the British for independent governance of HK.
US Domestic
The battle of Portland - round two - displayed the continuing increasing violent nature of antifa. Modification of tactics and weapons. More concering is the potential for more damaging devices when they try to disrupt free speech events in DC. There are posts from antifa members that they will use acid bombs (Muratic acid - basically diluted HCl - with wax) in their attacks. As evidenced in Portland, law enforcement in liberal cities will stand down and not stop antifa. DC law enforcement history against antifa is similar.
In the Sacramento area, a memorial to a recently murdered rookie officer was defaced with antifa graffiti - though local news sources refuse to recognize it as such.
ISIS
ISIS has threatened to launch terror attacks against 4th of July celebrations. Remembering the threats following 9/11, they have not panned out. Unless LEO’s and national intelligence sources have found solid evidences of a plot, my consensus is be alert, be armed and enjoy the holiday.