HEADS UP - My posts for the next couple weeks will continue to have the potential to be a bit sporadic as August activities take over my time.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Threat Level - ADVISORY - up dated July 26, 2025
UPCOMING -
- “People vs. Billionaires Week of Action” , 21-27 August
- Labor day of action, Sept 1
- 5-day national economic and labor boycott for 16-20 September
***
The U.S. Pentagon is preparing to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, Illinois, as part of a sweeping effort to address rising crime, homelessness, and undocumented immigration.
RELATED -
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is now calling on the citizens of Chicago to “rise up and fight against tyranny,” directly urging violence if President Trump sends in the National Guard to reduce crime in the city.
https://x.com/Rightanglenews/status/1959597033767002341
OBSERVATION - This development listed here because the Mayor of Chicago is calling for violence towards NG troops that may be deployed there. This may well play towards the left’s grand desire for martial law to be declared and the civic leaders are seemingly willing to lead the way. Any deployment to Chicago or other mentioned deep blue city will be under different rules than what is permitted for DC, indicating that the NG will have a much smaller, tighter set of rules and uses. So far it has been announce that they would serve as support and logistics to the ICE and other federal agencies - much like what was seen in LA.
The call of incitement to violence indicates that Trump is pushing against the lefts bright red line. This could turn violent and potentially develop into a nation wide level of protests and even violence.
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
The commanders of the Navy Reserve and Naval Special Warfare were removed from their leadership positions on Friday, USNI News has learned.
Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, the newly confirmed head of the Navy Reserve, and Rear Adm. Jamie Sands, commander of the Navy’s SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen units, were both removed from their positions on Friday, a Navy official confirmed to USNI News.
“Effective immediately, Rear Adm. Milton ‘Jamie’ Sands III will no longer serve as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command,” the official told USNI News. “Effective immediately, Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore will no longer serve as the chief of Navy Reserve.”
Lacore took charge of the Navy Reserve on Aug. 23, 2024. Sands had led Naval Special Warfare since Aug. 2, 2024.
The official provided no additional information beyond confirming the pair’s removal of command. The news of LaCore and Sands follows the relief of the commander of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse earlier on Friday and reports of the early retirement of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin earlier this week.
Lacore is a career helicopter pilot who graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1990 who was designated a naval aviator in 1993, according to her bio. Sands is a 1992 Naval Academy graduate who served as a surface warfare officer before joining the SEALs, according to his bio.
https://news.usni.org/2025/08/22/navy-reserve-naval-special-warfare-leaders-removed-from-command
OBSERVATION - A significant number of generals have been dumped across the DoD. These most likely for their continued support of woke policies and even out right opposition to administration policies and goals.
POLITICAL FRONT –
Florida evaluating redistricting that could add more republican seats to the house.
Illegal Immigration –
The fight against the courts continues as a federal judge orders Alligator Alcatraz to close.
China -
As China stages its largest-ever military parade through Beijing next week, it will be highlighting not just advancements in arms hardware, but also the vital technology required to protect, control, and command the weapons it would use in any future conflict.
Among the more eye-catching aircraft, hypersonic missiles, and undersea drones, will be equipment such as battlefield sensors on tanks, advanced early warning and targeting radars and air defense lasers - all part of an effort that some analysts describe as transparency designed to intimidate and deter potential rivals. But beyond the unprecedented scale and choreographed display of military might, question marks remain about how effectively China’s armed forces - untested since a bloody border conflict with Vietnam in 1979 - could knit it all together in a future conflict.
https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/china-military-parade-deterrence/2025/08/25/id/1223795/
OBSERVATION - China has developed a lot of new hardware for its military. But as the article notes, its military has not been battle tested. There are further concerns of corruption in the senior ranks that would further damage combat readiness.
IMHO China may initiate some level of combat first against the Philippines before tackling Taiwan but even that would be dangerous given the accelerated support and cooperation developing with the US and other regional nations.
Russia -
Threat Level WATCH, Ongoing - into the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
*****
ISW. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov used an English-language interview with a US outlet to reiterate the Kremlin’s explicit rejection of US-proposed initiatives for peace in Ukraine.
Lavrov continued efforts to mischaracterize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the impediment to an enduring peace in Ukraine, in order to distract from the Kremlin’s own unwillingness to compromise or engage in negotiations on US President Donald Trump’s proposed timeline.
Lavrov denied that Russia violated past international treaties prohibiting Russia from invading Ukraine and rejected Western-backed security guarantees for Ukraine in the future.
https://x.com/thestudyofwar/status/1959789776552231197?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
OBSERVATION - The Alaska meeting is fading into nothingness and a reversion back to the original status quo from Russia.
Ukraine –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing Apr 24, 2025
WEATHER FORECAST – Mostly fair with temps the 60-80 range with some scattered showers early.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Overnight on August 25, Russia launched 104 Shahed drones and decoys from multiple directions. Ukraine’s air defense, EW units, and mobile groups managed to shoot down or suppress 76 of them. 28 drones hit targets in 15 locations, with debris falling in 4 areas.
Russian losses per 25/08/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff
+870 men
+1 tank
+8 AFVs
+48 artillery
The airstrike on the Russian command post in Korenevo reportedly killed top officers of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade. Among them: Maj. Gen. Mikhail Gudkov, deputy head of Russia’s Navy; Col. Sergey Ilyin, brigade commander; and several senior staff including heads of comms and ops.
Ukraine 3rd Assault Corps have recaptured Novomykhailivka in Donetsk region. The operation caught Russian forces off guard, reportedly costing them around a company of troops and forcing them to pull in reserves. The area is now fully cleared and under Ukrainian control.
Summary —
Moderately low drone activity as well as on the ground. However, more and more reports of Ukraine recapturing terrain from Russia continue to bubble up from fog of war. This is the second report of a strike on a major Russian command post. Strikes on such command centers lead in part to the Ukraine offensive in 2022 that recaptured most of the territory initially captured by Russia in the early days of the war. It also strongly indicates Washington loosening its restriction on US munitions, allowing deeper strikes into the Russia rear areas.
Further, Ukraine continues to hammer Russian petroleum targets. On a target by target basis, Ukraine seems to be gaining the initiative, while Russia seems to be struggling on its focus.
Europe / NATO General –
The German economy shows no signs of emerging from recession. The monthly Mittelstand index, compiled by the consulting firm DATEV, confirms that the downturn continues unabated. The crisis has spread across virtually all sectors of the economy.
The numbers confirm that after contracting by 0.9 percent in 2023 and 0.5 percent last year, the German economy is set to slip even deeper this year. To assess the real trajectory, one must strip out the artificial boost from government spending. With a 3.5 percent deficit and a public-sector share of 50 percent of GDP, the private-sector recession looks dramatically worse—somewhere between –4 and –5 percent. Hospitality’s 4 percent drop lines up almost perfectly with this estimate.
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/german-economy-shows-no-signs-emerging-recession
OBSERVATION - Germany is fast becoming a boat anchor the larger EU economic woes - due in large part to the push to ‘green’ energy and global warming mandates.
ISRAEL –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing - Apr 24, 2025
Key overnight developments -
- Gaza City and surrounding continued to be hammered.
- Details on the airstrikes against the Houthis
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————
A series of violent raids rocked Gaza City as forces continued as battlefield preparation strikes continued.
***
Israel hit the upper floor of the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis. Gaza/Hamas claims only civilians were present including numerous reporters.
———“ISLAMIC RESISTANCE” ———————————
Follow up on Israels strike against the Houthis -
Four targets were hit, the Presidential palace (reportedly unoccupied), two power stations, and a fuel depot.
Around 12 Israeli aircraft dropped about 35 munitions, with multiple refuelings required due to the long distance to the heart of Sana’a. The palace sustained heavy damage, and the city’s power supply was severely affected.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Gaza moves forward, even if the hospital was inadvertently hit. What are a whole bunch of ‘journalists’ doing there to begin with?
Houthis got a good jab to the nose. Symbolic and practical strikes to force Houthi resources to things other than military
Iran –
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
Iran’s Supreme Leader declares Iran’s standoff with the US “unsolvable,” vowing defiance amid nuclear tensions and warning Tehran would never submit to American or Western pressure. “The Iranian nation will stand with all of its power against those who have such erroneous expectations,” Khamenei said, according to Iranian state media. “They want Iran to be obedient to America.”
***
Iran may be prepared to significantly reduce its uranium enrichment levels in a bid to stave off renewed UN sanctions and limit the risk of further strikes by Israel and the United States, according to a report published Sunday in The Telegraph.
Citing Iranian sources, the paper said Tehran is considering lowering enrichment from 60% to 20%.
The move is reportedly being championed by Ali Larijani, the newly appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who is holding talks with regime leaders.
“Larijani is trying to convince the system to reduce the level of enrichment in order to avoid further war,” a senior Iranian official told the paper.
The proposal, however, faces stiff resistance from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has long opposed concessions on the nuclear program. Still, the report suggests Iran’s leadership may be open to greater flexibility, including the possibility of reviving engagement with Western powers.
OBSERVATION - Any talk on reducing enrichment is just that - talk. Iran has already demonstrated it will do what ever it wants in the case of the current batch of enriched uranium. It is desperate to stave off sanctions and will lie as usual to do so.
***
A comprehensive survey conducted by the Netherlands-based Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN) found only 20% of those surveyed want the Islamic Republic to remain in power.
Even more telling, support for both the principles of the 1979 revolution and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has plummeted to just 11%, down from 18% in 2022.
Breaking down the opposition by demographics reveals predictable patterns. Opposition runs strongest among young, educated, and urban populations.
More than 74% of university graduates rejected the Islamic Republic, compared to 66% among those without higher education.
Rural areas showed notably higher support for the current system at 28%—nearly double what pollsters found in cities.
When asked about preferred forms of governance, 89% of Iranians expressed support for democracy. However, 43% also said they’d be open to rule under a strong leader, a sentiment more common among rural and less-educated citizens.
As for who should lead a new government, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi led with 31%, followed by former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at 9% and jailed Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi at 5%.
***
The nuclear talks of Iran delegation, with representatives of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom will be held on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland, Tasnim News Agency report
Iraq -
Reportedly, the U.S. has decided to withdraw all its forces from Ain al-Assad and Victoria military bases in Iraq ahead of schedule.
Lebanon -
Netanyahu -
The recent decision by the Council of Ministers to work towards the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of 2025 was a momentous decision.
It marks a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and restore the authority of its state institutions, military, and governance—free from the influence of non-state actors.
In light of this important development, Israel stands ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to work together towards a more secure and stable future for both nations.
If the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of IDF presence in coordination with the US-led security mechanism.
Now is the time for both Israel and Lebanon to move forward in a spirit of cooperation, focusing on the shared objective of disarming Hezbollah and promoting the stability and prosperity of both nations.
https://x.com/israelipm/status/1959886049146011773?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
OBSERVATION - A definitive olive branch being held out by Netanyahu.
Syria -
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 25, 2025
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed on Sunday evening that “advanced talks” are underway between Damascus and Jerusalem aimed at reaching a security agreement. He made the remarks during a meeting with Arab media representatives.
According to Nadim Koteich, director of Sky News Arabia, al-Sharaa indicated that the expected agreement would be based on the 1974 disengagement line between the two countries.The Syrian President stated that his objective is to renew the ceasefire with Israel and establish “security arrangements” that would preserve Syria’s sovereignty. He noted that these steps could open the door to initiatives potentially leading to further agreements in the future.
At the same time, al-Sharaa stressed that he does not currently see the possibility of a full peace accord with Israel.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413799
***
The Druze leader Al-Hijri’s demands international intervention to declare Suwayda as a separate region
***
SDF repels an attack by Damascus-affiliated groups in Deir Ezzor, holding the Syrian government responsible amid escalating military, political, and diplomatic tensions over the country’s future
***
Syrian security forces (armed groups of Ahmad al-Sharaa) continue their efforts to prevent the smuggling of weapons and ammunition into Lebanon from Syrian territory.
In the past 24 hours, Syrian security forces uncovered a smuggling route in the Qusayr area that was operated by a milkman. Hidden inside the milk containers were ammunition and hand grenades.
OVERALL OBSERVATIONS - Still much instability in Syria as non-sunni factions and other minority elements strongly distrust the new regime.
Central / South America General-
The Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has formally backed the deployment of US Navy vessels against drug cartels, or in the event of Venezuelan invasion of Guyana over the Essequibo Region; even allowing USN access.
“Gaza/Hamas claims only civilians were present including numerous reporters.”
Numerous reporters? Gee, that’s too bad.
Chicago street gangs help democrats get elected. That's telling.
HEADS UP - My posts for the next couple weeks will continue to have the potential to be a bit sporadic as August activities take over my time.
No posting this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday
CW2 / Domestic violence - Threat Level - ADVISORY - up dated July 26, 2025
UPCOMING -
- “People vs. Billionaires Week of Action” , 21-27 August
- Labor day of action, Sept 1
- 5-day national economic and labor boycott for 16-20 September
***
More discussions in the press from democrats threatening various levels of violence should Trump expand NG deployments and anti-crime/anti-illegal operations to their dark blue cities.
Terrorism - Threat Level - WATCH as of Jun 14, 2025
- Iran could activate cells in the US.
There have been a growing outbreak of ‘active shooter’ calls across college campuses and other sites in the past few days. The latest ones bordered on SWATing colleges.
The dark side of this current activity could be that terror cells are using these false alarms to gauge police response times and deployment schemes. With this data, a real strike can be planned.
POLITICAL FRONT –
President Trump fires Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook following a criminal referral citing deceitful and potentially negligent financial conduct.
Fed governor Lisa Cook says she will not resign, the Washington Post reports, citing a statement from Cook.
“President Trump purported to fire me ‘for cause’ when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so,” Cook said through a spokeswoman: WaPo
OBSERVATION - Clearly another one headed to the courts. However, precedent has already been set in that Trump has the authority to deal with these organizations as the Chief Executive. Since the board is manned by presidential appointees, it is clear that same presidential authority exists to remove for cause - and that is exactly what Trump did.
***
The Department of Commerce is CANCELLING the $7.4 BILLION slush fund set aside in the final days of the Biden Administration. This fund was operated by Natcast. Natcast is a non-profit created and staffed by top Biden Administration political appointees.
OBSERVATION - The more that gets peeled open the more grift and corruption keeps being discovered.
TRUMP Watch –
More than half of registered voters, including 28% of Democrats, said President Donald Trump’s actions in Washington, D.C., to tackle crime were “justified and necessary,” according to a new Harvard Center for American Political Studies (CAPS)-Harris poll
***
President Trump signed an executive order Monday meant to ban the burning of the American flag, an act currently protected under the First Amendment.
“If you burn a flag, you get one year in jail — no early exits, no nothing,” Trump said while signing the order.
OBSERVATION - This will hit the courts, bigly. Nothing is more sacred to the left than burning the flag as a way for them to denigrate the nation in their demands for a socialist nation. All other flags receive court protection - denying the transference of free speech to them, but the US flag is fair game. I doubt this EO will pass USSC muster, but it has engaged the public in open debate over the practice, which is what I think Trump’s overall intent is.
Illegal Immigration –
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detained alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia. This comes after his release from jail in Tennessee.
According to Fox News’ Bill Melugin, “ICE has just arrested Kilmar Abrego Garcia at his ICE Baltimore check in.” He had been ordered to report to ICE on Monday.
RELATED -
Federal judges are at it again. Another Obama appointee has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The Hill reports:
A federal judge on Monday doubled down that the Trump administration is “absolutely forbidden” from removing mistakenly deported man Kilmar Abrego Garcia from the U.S., for now.
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, an appointee of former President Obama, blocked Abrego Garcia’s deportation to Uganda until she can hold a hearing to determine whether the administration will let him contest his removal to the third country.
OBSERVATION - The USSC has already ruled that ICE is fully authorized to do this. Garcia has a standing court order for deportation - and its not in this judges’ authority to circumvent immigration law.
China -
Chinese property giant Evergrande’s shares were taken off the Hong Kong stock market on Monday after more than a decade and a half of trading.
It marks a grim milestone for what was once China’s biggest real estate firm, with a stock market valuation of more than $50bn (£37.1bn). That was before its spectacular collapse under the weight of the huge debts that had powered its meteoric rise.
Experts say the delisting was both inevitable and final.
“Once delisted, there is no coming back,” says Dan Wang, China director at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group.
Evergrande is now best-known for its part in a crisis that has for years dragged on the world’s second-largest economy.
China is facing a number of major problems, including US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, high local government debt, weak consumer spending, unemployment and an ageing population.
But experts say Evergrande’s collapse, along with the serious problems faced by other developers, has hit the country hardest.
“The property slump has been the biggest drag on the economy, and the ultimate reason why consumption is suppressed,” Ms Wang says.
“The whole property sector has been in trouble. More Chinese property firms will collapse,” Professor Qiao says.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14g7r44566o
OBSERVATION - I’ve followed this for several years now and this final action as noted will not stem the flow of red ink across China’s economy. Huge in the amount of bite it had on the economy, as noted, other related business are going to speedy fall apart as well. Chinese govt will be hard pressed to shake free the hundreds of billions of dollars this closure will have, let alone other business.
Russia -
Threat Level WATCH, Ongoing - into the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
*****
Trump on Ukraine/Russia: We will see what happens over the next week or two. At that point, I will step in strongly. If I have to be there, I will be there
Ukraine –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing Apr 24, 2025
WEATHER FORECAST – Mostly fair with temps the 60-80 range with some scattered showers early.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Overnight on August 26, Russia launched 59 Shahed drones and decoys from several directions. Ukraine’s air defense, EW units, and mobile groups shot down or suppressed 47 of them. 12 drones hit targets across 9 locations, but most were intercepted before reaching their objectives.
Russian losses per 26/08/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff
+890 men
+4 tanks
+3 AFVs
+33 artillery
Reuters reports that Novatek’s gas condensate plant in Ust-Luga port has halted operations after a Ukrainian drone strike on August 24. Sources say at least one, possibly two, of the plant’s three processing units (each with a 3 million ton annual capacity) were hit and damaged by fire.
Morning drone strikes hit railway infrastructure in occupied Crimea, damaging a key logistics hub near Krasnogvardeysky. A substation was also struck, further complicating Russian supply lines.
Summary —
A relatively slow day for drones, from both sides, though it is apparent that Ukraine is keeping up the petroleum and logistics pressure with its strikes.
The fight on the ground is appears to be maintaining the new status quo. Unconfirmed though generally reliable reports indicate that Ukrainian forces continue to regain land recently captured by Russia while on other parts of the front Russia manages to eek out very minor gains.
Hopes for any further talks between US/Ukraine and Russia are pretty much dead. Trump’s 10 day warning is running out and the world wonders just what will his response be.
ISRAEL –
Threat Level WATCH Ongoing - Apr 24, 2025
Key overnight developments -
- Intense ground action continues on the outskirts of Gaza City.
- Investigation into the hospital strike indicate Hamas was using upper floor as an observation post.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Israeli Defense Minister says the army will remain at the peak of Mount Hermon and in the security zone necessary to protect the Golan and Galilee settlements from threats looming from the Syrian side as the main lesson from the events of October 7.
***
Israelis took to the streets Tuesday to demand the release of hostages held in Gaza and an end to the war, beginning at 6:29 a.m., the exact time Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault began.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of the captives, called the day of demonstrations the “National Day of Solidarity” under the slogan “Israel Stands Together.”
OBSERVATION - These protests were overhyped and under attended, sponsored by extreme leftist organizations that have been attacking Netanyahu long before Oct 7.
***
Trump on the war in Gaza: “I think in the next two to three weeks you’re gonna have a pretty good conclusive ending.”
***
Surveillance video released by Israel shows an individual using binoculars conducting observation of Israeli units from the upper floor of the Nasser Medical Complex. It has already documented many times that Hamas has continually used places like hospitals and schools for military purposes. What has caused the greatest stir by Hamas supporters is that Israel apparently did a ‘double tap’ on the site, sending in a second rocket while emergency response teams were working the recovery from the first strike.
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————
Intensive Israeli raids and ongoing bombing operations target the towns of Jabalia and al-Nazla in the northern Gaza Strip.
Heavy explosions reported since last night in multiple areas of Jabalia and on the southern outskirts of Gaza City.
Hamas is now using bomb-laden robots inside a residential areas in northern Gaza.
——— JUDEA AND SAMARIA——————————-
IDF has deployed a large force in Ramallah, Judea and Samaria. The IDF’s deployment appears to be an extension of ongoing counterterrorism operations under “Iron Wall,” launched in January 2025 to dismantle Iranian-backed militant networks in the West Bank.
The IDF operated in the heart of the Palestinian city of Ramallah on Tuesday, according to Palestinian sources.
The military has yet to comment on the operation, and has not specified the type of activity warranted troops in the city, the report added.
However, the operation is reportedly focused on Palestinian bank branches.
Israeli Forces deploy snipers on rooftops and send additional reinforcements during their ongoing raid on Ramallah.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Egyptian Foreign Ministry: Targeting Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza confirms blatant Israeli violations of international law.
***
Egyptian sources told Al-Akhbar that Cairo has informed Israel and the U.S. it will boost its military presence along the Gaza-Sinai border, with fully armed forces deployed to prevent infiltration amid fears of Palestinians entering from Gaza.
***
German Chancellor Merz, speaking alongside Canada’s Prime Minister at a joint conference, stated that Germany will NOT, for now, join its allies in recognizing a Palestinian state.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Movement into Gaza City has begun with major recon in force missions. This is setting up a much larger ground assault into the city. Similar pattern as to the initial invasion into Gaza in 2022.
If Israeli polls are to be believed (very leftist), support for the continuation of the war is waining. Netanyahu is under increasing pressure to get the job done. Trump’s assessment of a few weeks is likely reflective of Israeli goals, not his demands on Israel. He has been pretty consistent in supporting the complete destruction of Hamas.
There has also been some rumors from OSINT folks monitoring heavy, military cargo aircraft activity going into Israel. Some are suggesting that the flights are related to bolstering ballistic missile defenses ahead of a potential Iranian attack. See more below.
Iran –
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 17, 2025
Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador on Tuesday, accusing Tehran of orchestrating antisemitic arson attacks in Melbourne and Sydney, marking the first such expulsion since World War II, AFP reported.
Australia also designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
***
Other rumblings, some see a growing concern that Iran may launch a surprise attack on Israel in the near future. This attack would be an effort to get the population’s eyes off the water and power shortages and attempt to get them united against Israel. It would also be an effort to drain resources away from the latest plans to bring Gaza under military control and physical defeat Hamas.
This would be a very dangerous action by Iran as it is still recovering from the damage caused during the 12 day war. Iran still has some juicy targets out there poorly defended.
Lebanon -
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem: Israel may occupy Lebanon, but Hezbollah will confront it to stop it from reaching its objectives, and Hezbollahs resistance and confrontation will continue.
(Israel announced today it will withdraw its positions along the Lebanon border if Hezbollah agrees to disarm.)
U.S. Special Envoy to Lebanon Morgan Ortagus takes a shot at Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem:
“Naim Qassem does not represent Lebanon. He represents Iran and outside
forces…”
US envoy Tom Barrack said that Washington will work to improve the lives of the Lebanese people, “whether Iran likes it or not.”
OBSERVATION - Hezbollah continues to try to reaffirm its presence and influence in Lebanon. However, minus an effective military force - largely destroyed by Israel - it can only bluster at this stage. The regional power shift that resulted from Israel’s attacks, as well as the sunni uprising in syria that eliminated hezbollah and Iranian influence there and shut down the pipeline of supplies to Hezbollah in Lebanon has been a significant factor in this swing.
Hezbollah is a wounded animal and still capable of some degree of fight. However, Lebanese are growing in the confidence that they can handle them and if need be, they would secretly welcome the help of Israel.
Syria -
Threat Level - ADVISORY July 25, 2025
Israeli forces carried out two incursions overnight in southern Quneitra, including a raid in the village of Suwaysa where locals confronted the troops. Soldiers conducted searches, and detained a young man
***
Nine more Druze factions join the newly created and Hijri-backed “National Guard Forces” today, including most notably Harakat Rijal al-Karamah
***
The Syrians expressed their concern to the Americans that the Druze minority might establish a form of autonomy in Syria under Israeli patronage, and the American representatives told them that ‘this is not Israel’s intention’ - senior Israeli officials
***
The US Treasury publishes the final decision to remove sanctions against Syria.
***
Israel’s Defense Minister Katz emphasizes in the context of reports about advanced talks on a security agreement with Syria:
The IDF will remain at the summit of Mount Hermon and in the security zone necessary to protect the settlements of the Golan and the Galilee from threats emanating from the Syrian side as the main lesson from the events of October 7. We will also continue to protect the Druze in Syria.
Venezuela -
Venezuela reportedly sending 15,000 troops to border as US warships approach - Bloomberg