Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/iran-set-to-close-strait-of-hormuz-trump-and-aipac-target-massie-ai-ceos-join-military/
Geopolitics
Tensions continue to escalate following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran’s parliament has approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil trade, in response to these strikes. If Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei enacts this decision, it could significantly impact oil prices and disrupt global energy markets. The U.S. operation, known as “Operation Midnight Hammer,” targeted nuclear sites in Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz.
In reaction to these events, Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev has criticized the U.S. actions, suggesting they might inadvertently encourage Iran’s nuclear proliferation. Iran has also reportedly threatened to target satellites, indicating its advancements in space technology. Some U.S. defense officials have described Iran as part of an ‘axis’ with Russia and North Korea, suggesting that the strikes were part of a broader strategy to contain this perceived threat.
Financial markets have shown a cautious response, with oil, gold, and the dollar experiencing increases. There is no immediate panic, although the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz has investors concerned. Futures have dipped, but markets remain relatively calm as Iran has not yet shown signs of retaliation. However, if hostilities escalate, Iran’s oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, could be targeted, potentially sending crude prices soaring.
On another front, Russia has conducted strikes on defense facilities in Ukraine, including a Boeing facility. These actions are part of Russia’s strategy to target defense manufacturing in Ukraine, where numerous Western companies have established operations since the conflict began. Andy Hunder, President of the ACC in Ukraine, told the Kyiv Independent that the strike on Boeing facilities in Ukraine is not just an attack on Ukraine but also an attack on American business interests.
US Politics
The US Army has appointed senior executives from Palantir, Meta, and OpenAI as lieutenant colonels in a newly formed unit, Detachment 201, or the “Executive Innovation Corps.” This initiative, announced ahead of President Trump’s military parade, aims to integrate technology with military strategy. The executives include Shyam Sankar from Palantir, Kevin Weil from OpenAI, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth from Meta, and Bob McGrew, formerly of OpenAI and Palantir. Their involvement reflects a trend where technology and military strategy are increasingly converging. General George, via X, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming tech executives into the Army, stating their skills would be instrumental in military innovation. However, critics have raised concerns about the ethics of blending corporate interests with military leadership, especially given Palantir’s controversial history.
In political news, Rep. Thomas Massie is reportedly facing opposition from both AIPAC and a PAC associated with President Trump due to his questioning of U.S. aid to Israel. This follows his comments on AIPAC’s influence on congressional messaging. Similarly, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has expressed opposition to military actions against Iran.
Health
The “Razor Throat” variant of COVID-19, scientifically named NB.1.8.1, has been identified in 15 U.S. states. This variant, which has caused a surge in cases in China, is characterized by symptoms such as a sharp sore throat, fever, and gastrointestinal issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no evidence suggesting this variant causes more severe disease than others, and current vaccines are expected to remain effective. However, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reportedly advised against vaccinations for healthy children and pregnant women. Despite the emergence of the new variant, the WHO has stated that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against symptomatic and severe disease caused by NB.1.8.1.
Sources
Tech Titans Take Command: Palantir, Meta, and OpenAI Execs Commissioned as Army Lt. Colonels
“By bringing private-sector know-how into uniform, Det. 201 is supercharging efforts like the Army Transformation Initiative, which aims to make the force leaner, smarter, and more lethal.”
Russia Targets Defense Facilities in Ukraine, Not American Business, Amidst Escalating Conflict
The target was not America or Germany; rather, the target was defense manufacturing facilities.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Historic U-Turn: Ships Retreat from Strait of Hormuz After Iran’s Parliament Approves Closure
Ships set to cross the Strait of Hormuz make a 180 degree U-Turn at ~9:15 AM ET this morning.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Iran’s Parliament Approves Strait of Hormuz Closure Amidst Escalating Tensions
The Iranian parliament has indeed approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US strikes against their nuclear facilities.
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Medvedev: US Strikes on Iran Ineffective, May Lead to Nuclear Proliferation
A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads.
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Iran Threatens to Target Satellites Amid Space Program Advancements
Iran may move to attacking satellites in space
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Iran’s Parliament Urges Closure of Strait of Hormuz Following U.S. Strikes on Nuclear Sites
“The Parliament has reached the conclusion that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed, but the final decision in this regard lies with the Supreme National Security Council.”
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
“Razor Throat” COVID Variant Spreads to 15 US States: Here’s What You Need to Know
“An internal university research report at China’s Peking University stated that NB.1.8.1 may become the next dominant global strain, with symptoms including a sharp sore throat, fever, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to previous Epoch Times reporting.”
Kremlin Threatens Nuclear Retaliation Over Hypothetical Ukrainian Dirty Bomb
“possible attempts by the enemy to create and use a so-called dirty bomb” would meet a “proportional” response from Moscow.
Futures Dip, Safe Havens Surge Amid Calm Market Response to US-Iran Tensions
“Futures Slide, Oil, Gold And Dollar Spike But No Panic Moves”
AIPAC and Trump’s PAC Target Rep. Thomas Massie for Questioning U.S. Aid to Israel
AIPAC tried to remove @RepThomasMassie from Congress last year for questioning US financing of Israel.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Advocates Against Bombing Iran, Highlights Domestic Crime Issues
I don’t know anyone in America who has been the victim of a crime or killed by Iran, but I know many people who have been victims of crime committed by criminal illegal aliens or MURDERED by Cartel and Chinese fentanyl/drugs.
Source | Submitted by nickythec
Thomas Massie Criticizes AIPAC’s Influence on Congressional Messaging
AIPAC is very persuasive. If you look at my colleagues’ feeds now, they all look the same, they’re all tweeting the same message.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: General George, TechDirt Blog, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Reuters, US Defense Officials, Andy Hunder, Bloomberg, and World Health Organization (WHO).
