Information is everywhere ⦿ Understanding is not

18 Feb 2026

Amidst rising tensions between Iran and the United States, Russia and China have reportedly deployed naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes as Iran conducted military drills and announced the closure of the strait for several hours, sparking fears of a potential conflict. The United States has also increased its military presence in the region, further escalating the situation.

18 Feb 2026

Russia is warning of potential naval retaliation against European efforts to seize its oil tankers, particularly those in its shadow fleet. The US recently seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Marinara, in the North Atlantic, alleging sanctions violations. This escalation in tensions between the US and Russia raises concerns about a potential maritime confrontation.

18 Feb 2026

Russia sent its Navy Baltic Fleet Stoy Corvette to Iran amid increasing tensions with the United States. The Russian corvette arrived at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port for joint naval exercises, a show of unity against the US. Iran fired live missiles towards the Strait of Hormuz and closed the waterway for several hours, the first instance since US threats of military action.

18 Feb 2026

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a direct military warning to the US, challenging American naval power in the Gulf. This comes after Russia and China confirmed sending warships to join Iran for joint naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region.

17 Feb 2026

Iran is conducting a “smart control” exercise to manage traffic around the Strait of Hormuz, potentially leveraging this control in negotiations with the United States. However, the author believes this strategy will not succeed as Iran anticipates. The author also discusses recent military movements, including increased ISR activity over the US East Coast and Europe, and a surge in C17 traffic, suggesting potential preparations for a longer conflict.

The US is actively deploying heavy equipment and fighter jets to the Middle East, indicating a potential for a significant air campaign. Iran is conducting military exercises, asserting continuous battle space awareness and threatening to regulate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially disrupting oil flow and increasing insurance costs. Despite US-Iran talks in Geneva, a deal is unlikely, and both sides are preparing for potential conflict.

Iran is threatening to control the Strait of Hormuz, potentially disrupting oil flow, as a means of leverage. The US, Israel, and other nations are preparing for potential escalation, with the US reportedly moving stealth aircraft and missile defence systems into the region. Israel is pushing for enriched uranium to be removed from Iran, and Netanyahu is believed to be influencing Trump’s stance on the situation.

The US military is planning extended operations in Iran, with a focus on a potential strike. The deployment of a third carrier group, the USS Ford, to the Middle East, along with the presence of other carrier groups, suggests a significant escalation. The situation is further complicated by Iran’s stall tactics in negotiations, allowing them to prepare for the impending conflict.

18 Feb 2026

Protests against the Islamic Republic of Iran continue, with the IRGC shooting unarmed demonstrators. Negotiations between the US and Iran have failed, and the White House has instructed Israel to prepare for potential conflict. The situation is escalating, with the IRGC threatening President Trump and closing the Strait of Hormuz for naval exercises.

The Trump administration has informed the Israeli government that negotiations with Iran have reached a deadlock. The US has sent over 50 fighter jets to the Middle East, including F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s, within 24 hours. The situation is escalating rapidly, with the possibility of a preemptive attack from either side, and the Israeli Defence Forces are preparing for potential conflict.

The US is exploring diplomatic options with Iran but has a powerful military and will use it if necessary. The US’s primary concern is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and causing nuclear proliferation. A recent negotiation with Iran revealed that the US has set red lines that Iran is not yet willing to acknowledge.

A 25-day hostage recounts horrific torture and abuse endured in an Iranian detention centre. The testimony highlights the brutal treatment of prisoners, including forced confessions, physical violence, and psychological torment. The speaker emphasises the ongoing repression in Iran and the need for international attention and support for the Iranian people.

The Iranian regime is described as a dangerous and oppressive force, with the IRGC being particularly criticised for its actions. The speaker suggests that the US and Israel are preparing for a potential conflict with Iran, using negotiations as a means to buy time and build a narrative for regime change.

17 Feb 2026

Iranian special forces launched a surprise assault on a covert network allegedly linked to Israel’s Mossad, arresting several individuals in Tehran. This crackdown unfolds amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear programme ongoing. Iran has also launched major naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, showcasing its military might and geopolitical advantages in the region.

The President emphasises the importance of reaching a deal with Iran, warning of potential consequences if they fail to do so. He highlights the strong relationship with Venezuela, particularly regarding oil production and refining, and expresses confidence in the success of negotiations. The President also praises Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s leadership during wartime and criticises the Israeli President for not granting a pardon.

17 Feb 2026

Russian politician Grigory Yeremeyev publicly stated that the war in Ukraine is lost and that Putin’s goals are unobtainable. Despite facing backlash and potential legal consequences, Yeremeyev’s comments highlight the growing dissent within Russia regarding the war’s progress and Putin’s leadership. The war has lasted longer than Russia’s involvement in World War II, resulting in significant losses and failing to achieve any of Putin’s stated objectives.

The Ukraine war is a strategic failure for Russia, with Putin’s goals of preventing NATO expansion, keeping defence spending low, and achieving territorial gains in Ukraine all unmet. Russia’s losses in the war are staggering, with over 1.25 million casualties and a shrinking territorial hold, while its economy suffers under the strain of the conflict. Putin’s obsession with reversing the Soviet collapse and reviving the Russian Empire has led him into a no-win situation, trapped by his own failures and increasingly reliant on China, further weakening Russia.

17 Feb 2026

The US is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln, signalling a potential military confrontation with Iran. This move comes amid stalled nuclear negotiations and Iran’s continued ballistic missile programme, as well as its brutal crackdown on protests. The US, alongside Israel, appears prepared to take military action against Iran if necessary.

The US is preparing for a potential multi-week conflict with Iran, deploying two aircraft carriers to the Persian Gulf. The US plan involves a sustained campaign of airstrikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and regime facilities, utilising F-35 and F-18 fighters, and Tomahawk missiles. Iran, aware of its disadvantage, is attempting to deter the US through asymmetric tactics and threats against US bases in the region.

17 Feb 2026

Iran fired missiles towards the Strait of Hormuz and conducted a live-fire exercise, coinciding with nuclear talks in Geneva. Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stark warning against the US naval presence, emphasising Iran’s defensive capabilities. The talks, involving US and Iranian representatives, focused on Iran’s nuclear programme, with Iran demanding sanctions relief and the US seeking to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.