The Contradictions Defining Trump’s Iran War

PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF (PDB): U.S. forces shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones as Tehran appeared to attempt to strike commercial ships transiting Strait of Hormuz, hours after President Trump announced a “great settlement” to end the war.

Trump called off planned Thursday evening strikes on Iran saying discussions to end conflict have reached highest level of Iranian leadership, but country’s government has not publicly weighed in.

More than 50 Iranian military bases, jets, and warships damaged in U.S. strikes since start of war, satellite images show.

As I recommended months ago, President Trump threatened to seize Kharg Island — the linchpin of Iran’s oil industry — as he escalated pressure on Tehran amid a fraying ceasefire. “At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

But an hour later, Trump backtracked on the threat to take Kharg Island, saying in an interview that he wasn’t sure the U.S. “has the stomach” for a protracted fight over the island.

U.S. would need at least 1,200 troops to take Kharg Island in Persian Gulf, experts say. Whether or not that number would be enough to hold the island is less clear.

Iran’s attacks on Gulf states underscore their dependence on U.S. The targeted countries host sprawling U.S. military bases and thousands of personnel as U.S. wages war against Iran.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here’s the latest defense news from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.

THE PDB – Not the President’s Daily Briefing, but almost as good – PAUL’S DEFENSE BRIEF:    

SPACEX IPO

World’s biggest IPO. SpaceX has raised $75bn in record-breaking initial public offering, propelling Elon Musk’s rocket, satellite and AI group into top tier of publicly traded U.S. companies.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Trump and Hegseth broadcast U.S. military strikes before they happen. Commanders do not usually speak publicly about future operations to avoid jeopardizing the mission’s success.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Numerals seemingly depicting an anti-Trump phrase (8647) have been photographed on Washington DC’s National Mall, an apparent act of vandalism ahead of President Trump’s birthday.

Air testing confirms ‘no hazard exists’ at Pentagon after lockdown incident. Building’s systems had detected an “air quality issue,” prompting response from hazmat teams.

Adversaries can exploit smartphone app GPS location and other data to track troops, families giving enemies a chance to threaten their personal safety, information security.

DEFENSE POLITICS

Senate Armed Services Committee voted this week to advance legislation that would rename the Department of Defense to Department of War, moving the proposal one step closer to law.

Better choice. Trump to nominate Jay Clayton, Manhattan U.S attorney, to be next director of national intelligence (DNI).

Senators want Pentagon to create new autonomous AI-robot warfare-focused combatant command led by four-star general, according to latest version of annual defense policy bill.

Air Force cites ban prohibiting “events related to cultural awareness months” and DEI programs in cancellation of 28th annual wreath-laying ceremony honoring women troops at memorial outside Arlington National Cemetery.

Tucked into Senate Armed Services Committee’s annual defense policy bill is legal backing Space Force needs to dissolve Space Development Agency and Space Rapid Capabilities Office as part of its acquisition reform efforts.

US POWER OVERSEAS

Iraqi Prime Minister to visit Washington, DC, as his government seeks investment, security cooperation, and support for efforts to strengthen state authority, especially bringing weapons held by Iranian-backed militias under government control — a process Baghdad hopes to advance before planned end of U.S. anti-ISIS mission in September 2026.

As Nicolás Maduro’s foreign minister and vice president, interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez previously helped build Caracas’s ties to Russia, China, and other U.S. adversaries. Despite Washington’s desire for Venezuela to now orient toward the West, Rodríguez, thanks to Venezuela’s recovering oil economy, is also courting middle powers that can give Caracas room to maneuver.

CHINA THREAT

U.S. monitoring Chinese activity in South China Sea around disputed shoal. This, amid growing concerns that China may be laying groundwork for more permanent presence at one of region’s most volatile maritime flash points.

China claims ‘spy sea turtles’ are studying its coastline. “Relatively large marine animals with sensors attached have been discovered in certain waters of China,” Ministry of State Security said in section titled “spy turtles, spy fish.”

Chain of peace: Do supply chain chokepoints deter war? Next war over Taiwan may be deterred not by aircraft carriers or nuclear arsenals, but by a Dutch lithography machine.

RUSSIA THREAT/UKRAINE WAR

Russia’s Taliban embrace signals new power shift in Afghanistan. Sometimes only thing more frightening than Afghanistan’s problems is Taliban’s solutions and recently signed Russia-Taliban military-technical agreement may be most alarming one yet.

EUROPEAN DEFENSE

British Defense Secretary John Healey resigned, accusing prime minister Keir Starmer of skimping on defense spending at a time of “rising threats.”

German and Spanish companies involved the now-defunct Future Combat Air System 6th generation stealth fighter program are appealing to their governments to keep funding the expertise gained under the developmental effort.

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Delhi issues ‘strong protest’ after U.S. strikes kill three Indian seafarers in Gulf. Washington claims vessel was violating its blockade of Iranian ports and failed to comply with instructions.

US MILITARY

GAO says Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps need to spend an additional $13.7 billion through 2031 to boost declining readiness rates of F-35 jet.

FOR MORE DETAILED, UNCENSORED, INTELLIGENCE, AND ANALYSIS FROM PAUL CRESPO, SUBSCRIBE TO HIS SUBSTACK.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.

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