Originally published at: Massie/Khanna Move to Block War with Iran, Tucker Detained in Israel, JP Morgan Bullish on Gold – Peak Prosperity
Geopolitics
US officials indicated preparations for a potential weeks-long conflict with Iran amid escalating military deployments, including the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group joining the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, over 150 cargo aircraft, additional fighter jets, and warships. Iran announced a temporary partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz for IRGC live-fire drills, the first since the 1980s. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei threatened US aircraft carriers. Geneva talks between US and Iranian officials concluded with agreement on principles but unresolved gaps, prompting plans for further discussions.
In response, Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie plan to force a House vote on their bipartisan War Powers Resolution requiring congressional approval for military action against Iran. The move responds to Trump administration signals of potential strikes amid a 90% assessed likelihood, two aircraft carriers, warships, and fighter jets deployed. Khanna cited his opposition to the Iraq War, while Massie emphasized constitutional requirements. Marjorie Taylor Greene stated most Americans oppose further Middle East conflicts, favoring domestic priorities.
Meanwhile, Tucker Carlson reported being detained at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv after interviewing US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Carlson stated that airport security took his passport and interrogated his executive producer about the discussion. The US Embassy described the process as routine security checks. Huckabee posted on X that all travelers, including himself with a diplomatic passport, undergo passport verification and questioning. Israeli media reported that authorities considered barring Carlson due to his past criticisms but decided against it to avoid diplomatic issues. Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett and Ambassador Gilad Erdan dismissed Carlson’s claims as fabrications.
Lastly, a US State Department official denied Russian claims of a gentlemen’s agreement to continue complying with the expired New START Treaty limits on nuclear weapons. Assistant Secretary Christopher Yeaw stated no such informal pact exists and that future arms control efforts would pursue trilateral agreements including China. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said President Putin proposed voluntary adherence, which received no official US response, and that Moscow would monitor US actions. Russian officials stated Moscow would uphold its moratorium on exceeding the limits as long as the US complies.
Epstein Files
Les Wexner testified before the House Oversight Committee that Jeffrey Epstein conned him out of nearly a billion dollars in cash and assets. Wexner insisted he witnessed no crimes, participated in none, and severed ties two decades ago upon learning of Epstein’s abuses. Epstein managed Wexner’s finances from the 1980s, became a director of his foundations, and lived on his Ohio property deeded in 1992. Accuser Maria Farmer alleged Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell assaulted her there in 1996, with Wexner security preventing her departure despite pleas. Epstein emails referenced mutual debts and “gang stuff” over 15 years. The FBI listed Wexner as a potential co-conspirator in 2019. Democrats on the committee described Wexner’s testimony as not credible.
In other Epstein news, recently released emails revealed that the Israeli government installed and maintained security equipment, including alarms and surveillance systems, at a Manhattan apartment building managed by Jeffrey Epstein and frequently used by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak starting in early 2016. Officials from the Israeli permanent mission to the United Nations, including Rafi Shlomo, who headed Barak’s security detail, coordinated with Epstein’s staff to arrange installations, control access, conduct background checks on personnel, and manage remote system overrides for guest entries over at least two years. The apartment, owned by a company linked to Epstein’s brother but effectively under Jeffrey Epstein’s control, was referred to in correspondence as “Ehud’s apartment.” Barak has previously described his interactions with Epstein as limited and non-financial. Neither Barak nor the Israeli mission responded to requests for comment on the disclosures. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that Barak’s association with Epstein undermines claims of broader Israeli involvement rather than supporting them.
Another batch of emails showed discussions with Steve Bannon about replacing Vice President Mike Pence with Mike Pompeo, followed by invoking the 25th Amendment against President Trump. The messages included Bannon responding positively to impeachment scenarios and Epstein noting Rudy Giuliani outlined Pelosi votes without targeting a “bunker.” Some observers characterized the exchanges as casual gossip rather than an active plot.
Lastly, Epstein coached a J.P. Morgan banker on pitching the Gates Foundation, describing Bill Gates as “terribly frustrated” after billions spent on vaccines with few successes beyond incomplete polio efforts, and urging inclusion of additional vaccine funding in proposals. The effort led to the 2013 launch of the Global Health Investment Fund involving J.P. Morgan, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Gates Foundation executives. Gates has previously described his Epstein interactions as a philanthropic mistake he regrets.
Economy
J.P. Morgan analysts are bullish on gold’s continued rally, arguing that structural trends driving its 170% surge over five years—geopolitical volatility, currency debasement concerns, and central bank diversification from the U.S. dollar (accelerated by Russia asset freezes)—remain strong and far from exhausted, with forecasts projecting higher prices into 2026. They acknowledge potential downsides like waning central bank purchases (e.g., the UK’s 1999-2002 auctions that dropped prices 13%), but view these as overstated. Emerging markets such as China, Poland, India, and Brazil continue increasing holdings, 95% of central banks expect rises, and retail ETF participation remains moderate at ~8% of central bank holdings (below 2020 peaks), leaving room for growth.
Energy
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright threatened withdrawal from the International Energy Agency unless it refocuses on energy security and data over green energy advocacy. The IEA recently revised oil demand peak forecasts after years of net-zero emphasis. A House committee advanced a bill to cut US funding, echoing Republican critiques of the agency’s shift from its 1970s oil crisis origins.
In other news, LIS Technologies submitted a Standard Practice Procedures Plan to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its laser uranium enrichment demonstration facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to handle classified nuclear information. The third-generation technology promises lower costs than gas centrifuges. The company is pursuing a $1.4 billion facility, recent $17 million funding, and partnerships like Nano Nuclear for integrated fuel chains. Industry commentators described the submission as a minor initial regulatory step.
Technology
X product head Nikita Bier predicted open-source AI agents would flood iMessage, phone calls, and Gmail with hyper-personalized spam within 90 days, rendering channels functionally unusable. FBI reports noted over $240 million in Michigan losses from AI voice cloning scams using social media audio snippets. McAfee’s 2026 report found Americans face three deepfakes daily, with 10% victimized by voice clones leading to financial losses and 77% of victims losing money. Scams rose 1,210% in 2025, including virtual kidnappings with cloned child voices. Experts warned of broader trust erosion enabling persuasion, surveillance, and physical risks.
Health
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, current NIH director and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration advocating focused protection over lockdowns, was named acting CDC director while retaining his NIH role, replacing Jim O’Neill until a permanent replacement can be nominated and confirmed. The appointment drew praise from supporters and criticism from opponents labeling him a science denier.
Meanwhile, a systematic review of 325 autopsies in deaths following COVID-19 vaccination concluded that the vaccine caused 73.9% of fatalities, primarily through cardiovascular injuries. Critics noted the study examined only pre-selected suspected cases and faced retraction amid methodological concerns.
Sources
Tucker Carlson Claims Detention at Israeli Airport After Huckabee Interview
Tucker Carlson says he was ‘detained’ in Israel
Source | Submitted by Rodster
J.P. Morgan: Gold Rally Risks Exist, But They’re Overstated
There’s a reasonable case to be made against gold’s continued appreciation, but that case is still incorrect, according to the senior brain trust at J.P. Morgan.
Source | Submitted by PhilH
US Rejects Russian Claims of New START ‘Gentlemen’s Agreement’
“I know of no such agreement. And that is still in the President’s hands.”
Wexner: “Conned” by Epstein, Did “Nothing Wrong”—Skeptics and Victims Aren’t Buying It
Yet many aren’t buying it
LIS Technologies Kicks Off NRC Engagement for Laser Uranium Enrichment
LIS Technologies (LIST) initiated its first engagement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in preparation for starting up the company’s laser uranium enrichment technology facilities.
US Threatens IEA Exit Over Green Energy Obsession
“But if they insist that it’s so dominated and infused with climate stuff — yes, then we’re out,”
The Trust Apocalypse: AI Flood to Bury Calls, Texts, and Truth
Prediction: In less than 90 days, all channels that we thought were safe from spam & automation will be so flooded that they will no longer be usable in any functional sense: iMessage, phone calls, Gmail. And we will have no way to stop it.
Autopsy Review: COVID-19 Vaccine Caused 73.9% of 325 Post-Injection Deaths
From a total of 325 cases, independent review found the COVID-19 vaccine was the cause of death in 73.9%.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya Named Acting CDC Director, Retains NIH Role
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, current director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will take over as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Israeli Government Installed and Maintained Security System at Epstein Apartment
Security equipment and alarms were installed by the Israeli government at a notorious Manhattan residence frequented by former PM Ehud Barak.
US Warns of Imminent, Weeks-Long War with Iran as Military Buildup Escalates
U.S. officials believe war is “imminent.”
Epstein Emails Expose Bannon’s Alleged Plot to Swap Pence for Pompeo, Boot Trump
Newly revealed Epstein-linked emails reportedly show Steve Bannon discussing a scheme to replace VP Pence with Mike Pompeo and remove Trump.
Khanna and Massie Force War Powers Vote as Trump Signals Iran Strike
Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) are set to compel a vote on their War Powers Resolution, requiring congressional approval for military action against Iran.
Epstein Emails: “Bill Gates Terribly Frustrated” – Coach Banker to Pitch Vaccines to Sensitive Foundation
Bill is terribly frustrated.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Tucker Carlson, DeepSeek, JP Morgan, Les Wexner, LIS Technologies (LIST), and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.
kind of absolute shit going on up here, Canada is a lost cause…