Free Republic

6 precision strikes in 24 hours target Bandar Abbas, sinking 11 Iranian warships and setting the 'Makran' base ship ablaze. U.S. forces cripple Iran’s economic lifeline and intercept critical missile fuel components from China. (snip) The timing of this massive assault appears linked to critical intelligence regarding supply routes. Reports reveal that two Iranian cargo ships, the Shabdis and the Barzin, were en route from a Chinese port to Bandar Abbas carrying sodium perchlorate, a key component for solid rocket fuel.For Tehran, the need for these components has shifted from "urgent" to "existential" following heavy damage sustained by its missile...

On Sunday afternoon, protesters in Islamabad pressed shoulder to shoulder, most of them dressed in black, and chanted slogans that rippled through the crowd. “Death to America, death to Israel,” they shouted in unison. Among them was also Kazim Hussain, who clutched a portrait of Ayatollah Khamenei. The student, also an activist affiliated with Shia group Imamia Students Organisation (ISO), believes that the crisis unfolding in Iran was not a distant geopolitical conflict playing out beyond Pakistan’s western border. For him, it is deeply personal and emotionally moving.“This is not just an attack on Iran. It concerns all Shia Muslims,”...

An Iranian frigate and the Makran, a former oil tanker that was converted to a floating forward staging base, have been heading south along the east coast of Africa, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject. U.S. officials do not know for sure the destination of the Iranian ships, these officials said, but believe they may be ultimately headed for Venezuela. Iran’s intent in sending the vessels in the direction of the Western Hemisphere remains a mystery, the people said, as does their cargo. Iranian media has claimed the 755-foot long Makran, which...

US security agencies are keep a close eye on two Iranian warships that may be headed toward Venezuela. An Iranian frigate and a former oil tanker known as the Makran are currently sailing south along the east coast of Africa, anonymous sources told Politico on Saturday. Intelligence officials remain mystified by Iran's motivations with the two vessels and they are unsure what kind of cargo they may be holding. However, if the ships do end up in Venezuela it could be a sign Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is trying to intimidate Washington. The 755-foot long Makrtan was commissioned this year....