This is a thread specifically for the war, not a general megathread (use the pinned /c/genzedong thread for that).
Please keep related news in this thread rather than making separate posts. Remember to include sources and avoid spreading rumours.
❗️US reportedly used over half its THAAD interceptor stockpile defending Israel during war on Iran
The Washington Post reported on 21 May, citing Pentagon assessments and US officials, that the United States fired more than 200 THAAD interceptors, roughly half of its total inventory, to defend Israel during the war on Iran.
The report added that US forces also launched more than 100 SM-3 and SM-6 naval interceptors from warships in the eastern Mediterranean.
According to the report, Israel used far fewer high-end interceptors, firing fewer than 100 Arrow interceptors and around 90 David’s Sling interceptors, while relying on the US to absorb most of the ballistic missile defense burden during what officials referred to as “Operation Epic Fury.”
One US administration official told the paper that the US “shot around 120 more interceptors and engaged twice as many Iranian missiles” as Israel did.
The report said the heavy expenditure has raised concerns inside the Pentagon and among US allies in Asia over depleted interceptor stockpiles and broader military readiness.
Kelly Grieco of the Stimson Center told the paper the US is now left with roughly 200 THAAD interceptors while production “can’t keep pace with demand,” warning that shortages could impact theaters unrelated to Iran, including deterrence against China and North Korea.
Israel has reportedly taken some missile defense batteries offline for maintenance, according to US officials cited by The Washington Post, a move that could force Washington to expend an even greater share of its interceptor inventory if the war on Iran resumes.
Another US official told the paper that “Israel is not capable of fighting and winning wars on its own” without extensive US military support.
❗️Israeli citizen caught smuggling embryos through Cyprus as possible trafficking network comes under scrutiny
Turkish Cypriot outlet Bugün Kıbrıs reported that four embryos seized at Ercan Airport while being prepared for transfer abroad were found inside a numbered transport tank bearing the name of Israeli courier company LifeParcel.
The first suspect arrested, identified as Y.M.G., was reportedly an Israeli citizen.
According to the report, the transport tank belonged to LifeParcel, an international IVF courier company founded by Israeli-linked embryologist Aharon Peretz.
The embryos were allegedly sourced from Vita Altera IVF, a fertility center in Lefkoşa described in police records as operating in egg, sperm, and embryo donation, embryo freezing, IVF, ICSI, and genetic screening services.
Bugün Kıbrıs noted that no clear information about Vita Altera IVF’s founders or ownership structure appears in open sources, raising further questions about the network behind the operation.
Ynet reported that the Israeli suspect was arrested on 19 May at Ercan Airport while allegedly attempting to fly to Mexico via Istanbul carrying the embryos in four separate test tubes inside a specialized “LifeParcel” transport container.
Israeli media said authorities suspect violations related to the illegal transfer and trafficking of embryos and genetic material across borders, while police in Northern Cyprus also arrested the director of the clinic and a local doctor as part of the ongoing investigation.
https://t.me/thecradlemedia/60083
Such a strange and disturbed soceity.
Washington hits pause on $14bn Taiwan arms deal to divert weapons to West Asia
Iran reportedly destroyed about 20 percent of the US Reaper drone stockpile, causing billions in losses
🇺🇸🇮🇷The US lost 20% of its MQ-9 Reaper drones during the operation against Iran, Bloomberg reported. According to the agency, the total damage from the destroyed drones could reach $1 billion.
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VIDEO | Israeli settlers and soldiers celebrating the return of an Israeli military unit screened footage showing the destruction and bombing of entire villages in south Lebanon, as cheers and laughter could be heard from the crowd.
Hezbollah military media music could also be heard playing in the background during the celebration.
Video: https://t.me/thecradlemedia/60109
Disgusting and deranged soceity. I hope that when the US inevitably restarts the war, Iran goes even further and levels every zionist outpost to dust. Make it look like Gaza, and let the settlers scurry like rats.
⭕️ The IRGC Navy’s public relations office announced that 35 vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz after obtaining authorization and coordinating with Iranian naval forces, which also provided security for the passage.
The statement added that despite the insecurity caused by the “aggression of the terrorist US army” in the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC Navy had established a safe maritime corridor to ensure shipping traffic and the continuation of global trade.
(IRNA)
🇦🇲 Law enforcement officers in Armenia conducted searches in the office of opposition leader Andranik Tevanian, reported the 24news portal.
Earlier, the candidate for deputy from the “Prosperous Armenia” party was charged with treason.
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https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/184677
I’m adding this here because of the upcoming elections in Armenia will effect it’s relationship with Iran significantly. Pashinyan is a complete western puppet whose said he’ll allow for the zangidor corridor to be occupied by the US, which is a red line for Iran. It would circumvent trade that would go through Iran and place a US military presence directly on Iran’s borders.
❗️Iran says it seeks ‘rights, not concessions’ from the US
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran is not seeking any “concessions” from the United States, stressing that Iran is only demanding the restoration of its rights after decades of “crippling sanctions” imposed under various pretexts, particularly allegations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
Baghaei said there has never been any nuclear threat from Iran against regional or international actors, adding that Tehran’s core demands include lifting US sanctions, ending Washington’s “criminal measures” against the Iranian people, and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
He also condemned the illegal “naval blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the US must take steps to end it, as the measures violate international law.
(Tasnim)
Caspian lifeline redraws the Iran–Russia war map
As Washington and Tel Aviv squeeze Iran from the south, the Caspian is becoming the northern artery of a Eurasian supply network built beyond western reach.
By Aidan J. Simardone
🇺🇲Reuters is reporting that the White House forced U.S. intelligence official Tulsi Gabbard to resign from her post, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday.
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https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/184713
❗️Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal releases statement ahead of Resistance and Liberation Day (25 May):
“Amid the existential challenges facing our homeland, we recall on Resistance and Liberation Day a national milestone that marked a bright chapter in Lebanon’s history, embodying the Lebanese people’s attachment to their land, sovereignty, and national dignity in the face of the Israeli occupation.
Today, we remember the sacrifices of the martyrs and everyone who contributed to safeguarding the homeland, drawing from that period a spirit of resilience, unity, and hope for a more stable and prosperous future for all Lebanese.
We are still living through the consequences of the ongoing Israeli aggression and the destruction and thousands of martyrs and wounded it has caused across various regions, especially in the south, alongside the continued occupation of Lebanese territory. The army is exerting its maximum capabilities, under complex circumstances and major dangers, to mitigate the effects of the aggression and stand by the citizens, particularly the displaced and those remaining steadfast, while continuing its security missions, including combating terrorism and organized crime, arresting wanted individuals and those disturbing security, and controlling and protecting the northern and eastern borders.”
🌟🏴☠️Scenes from the targeting operation of the Islamic Resistance on 14-05-2026, a Merkava tank belonging to the Israeli enemy army in the city of Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, in a surprise attack.
Video in https://t.me/naya_foriraq/75903
❗️Saudi Arabia expands Red Sea shipping routes amid Hormuz disruptions
Saudi Ports Authority Mawani has launched a new shipping service connecting the ports of Jeddah, Salalah, and Djibouti with a capacity of 1,730 standard containers, according to Saudi state TV.
The service is aimed at strengthening maritime trade links between the kingdom and global ports.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates alternative Red Sea shipping corridors amid disruptions tied to the US-Israeli war on Iran and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier this week, Mawani also launched the “Red Sea Express” route linking Jeddah and Yanbu with Egypt’s Ain Sokhna and Jordan’s Aqaba.
(Al-Arabiya)
https://t.me/thecradlemedia/60100
Saudi port authority unveils new Red Sea shipping service to bypass Hormuz The move aims to ‘enhance connectivity’ by linking the ports of Jeddah, Oman, and Djibouti
🇱🇧 Hezbollah’s bloc in the Lebanese parliament:
What is needed is a clear position from the Lebanese authorities to protect their institutions from American interferenceWe condemn the imposition of sanctions on deputies of the bloc, officials from the Amal Movement and Hezbollah, and army officers
We condemn the imposition of American sanctions on army and public security officers, and on the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon https://t.me/naya_foriraq/75870
❗️Netherlands approves ban on goods from illegal Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian territories
The Dutch government has approved a measure banning trade in goods originating from illegal Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the occupied West Bank and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, according to local media reports.
Dutch Prime Minister said the move is aimed at increasing pressure on the government of Israeli Prime Minister over violations of international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The ban currently applies only to goods, while broader restrictions on services and investments remain under review.
Dutch officials said they will seek coordination with other European countries, including Belgium, to strengthen enforcement.
(AA)
