Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/war-protests-retail-rug-pulls-what-could-possibly-go-wrong/
Geopolitics
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported to the UN Security Council that Iran’s Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant was attacked, with the above-ground part destroyed and potential damage to centrifuges due to power loss. Iran has denied any increase in radiation levels, though there is reported contamination within the facilities. Iran has retaliated, claiming successful strikes on Israeli air bases and military targets, reportedly including the destruction of key airbases like Nevatim, Tel Nof, and Ovda, as well as military-industrial centers in Tel Aviv. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied the extent of damage claimed by Iran, stating that while there were attacks, the damage was minimal and did not significantly impair their operational capabilities.
The geopolitical situation has been complicated by what some sources describe as deceptive diplomacy between the US and Israel, where Iran was reportedly given a false sense of security regarding nuclear negotiations. President Trump has admitted to being briefed on the operation, and despite public denials of involvement, US-supplied weapons were reportedly used. Iran’s air defenses appeared almost non-existent during the initial attacks, according to some reports, raising questions about the effectiveness of Iran’s military response capabilities. Analysts suggest that the deceptive diplomacy might have been a strategic move to ensure Iran did not move its key assets or personnel, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the Israeli strikes.
The US has issued a warning to Iran, stating that nuclear force could be used if Iran attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz. Michael Yon reported Iran had supposedly closed the Strait. However, maritime traffic through the Strait continues without significant disruption, suggesting that Iran’s alleged closure has not materialized into a significant disruption. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the U.S. threat, calling it an act of aggression and a violation of international law, asserting that Iran has no intention of closing the Strait but will defend its sovereignty.
US Politics
In the US, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed over 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 state troopers in anticipation of protests against federal immigration policies. These “No Kings” protests, allegedly funded significantly by the Arabella Network with $114.8 million, are set to coincide with President Trump’s military parade celebrations. The protests are expected to occur at around 2,000 sites nationwide, with a notable absence in Washington D.C. to avoid direct confrontation with the military parade. Organizers of the “No Kings” protests have emphasized non-violence and the right to protest, stating, “We’re not here to cause chaos, but to make our voices heard.”
Economy
The financial markets are showing a contrast between Wall Street and Main Street. Professional investors sold $4.2 billion in US equities last week, while retail investors bought $700 million, indicating a divergence in market sentiment that could lead to a retail “rug pull.” Some retail investors are betting on a market recovery, with comments on social media indicating optimism about future market conditions.
Gold has reportedly surpassed the euro as the second-largest global reserve asset, according to the European Central Bank. This change is attributed to geopolitical tensions, leading central banks to diversify away from the US dollar. The World Gold Council highlighted the significant increase in gold reserves by central banks, particularly in response to geopolitical tensions.
Health
Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King have introduced a bill to ban direct-to-consumer drug advertisements. This move, if successful, could impact pharmaceutical companies’ marketing strategies. PhRMA, a pharmaceutical industry association, argues that DTC ads provide necessary information for patients to make informed health care decisions.
Six young marathon runners have died within two weeks, all under the age of 36. This has raised concerns about the safety of marathon running, though no official cause linking these incidents has been established. Those more skeptical have suggested the sudden increase in young, health athletes dying could be related to the mRNA injections given following COVID-19. While marathon running is inherently risky, the concentration of incidents is concerning, prompting calls for further investigation.
Sources
Geopolitical Theatre: A Soft Landing for Regional Policy Shifts
Geopolitical theatre is necessary.
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
IAEA Director General Reports Israeli Military Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities to UNSC
I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment.
Source | Submitted by pnwdefector
Iranians React with Fear and Anger as Israel Signals Continued Strikes
“I am deeply worried about my children’s safety if this situation escalates,” said Marziyeh, one of 20 people Reuters contacted in Iran for this article.
Source | Submitted by BonnieB2A
Israel Strikes Natanz Nuclear Facility, Iran Denies Radiation Increase
“Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward — for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community — is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation,” Grossi said.
Source | Submitted by BonnieB2A
Texas Deploys National Guard to Manage Immigration Protests
“Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest,” Governor Abbott wrote in a social media post earlier in the week, underscoring the state’s zero-tolerance approach to any form of violence or property destruction.
Dark Money Fuels ‘No Kings’ Protests: Arabella Network’s $114.8M Investment in Nationwide Demonstrations
The tumult is a carefully plotted production (complete with a protest song book) financed by the progressive dark money network that has perfected the mounting of made-to-order protests.
Deceptive Diplomacy: US and Israel’s Secret Plan to Lull Iran into False Security Before Massive Strikes
“The great negotiator only engaged in deception as he prepared an attack on Iran”
Gold Surpasses Euro as Second-Largest Global Reserve Asset, ECB Reports
Gold demand for monetary reserves surged sharply in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has remained high
U.S. Issues Nuclear Threat to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Closure
“If you move to close the Strait of Hormuz, we will respond with nuclear force.”
Source | Submitted by nickythec
Israel and Iran Exchange Massive Missile Strikes, Escalating Tensions
“Iranian missiles will get here, and it won’t take them long. The results will not be minor. That’s precisely why we need to use every moment to attack and not hold back. We won’t take our foot off the gas. We are preparing for a lengthy conflict. This is one of the most significant historic events since the establishment of the state.”
“No Kings” Protests Set to Overshadow Trump’s Military Parade and Birthday Celebrations
“The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.”
Wall Street Sells, Main Street Buys: A Tale of Two Markets
Professional investors sold $4.2 billion in US equities last week, according to Bank of America.
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Tragic Losses: Six Young Marathon Runners Die in Two Weeks
6 deaths of Marathon runners in two weeks
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Iran’s Alleged Closure of Strait of Hormuz: Maritime Traffic Continues Unabated
Chokepoints are narrow channels along widely used global sea routes that are critical to global energy security.
Iran Claims Successful Strikes on Israeli Air Bases and Military Targets
“Iran also hit Nevatim, Tel Nof, and Ovda Airbases but due to military”
Senators Propose Ban on Direct-to-Consumer Drug Ads, Citing Industry Greed and Misinformation
“The American people are sick and tired of greedy pharmaceutical companies spending billions of dollars on absurd TV commercials pushing their outrageously expensive prescription drugs.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: CNBC, IDF Spokesperson (@IDF), Indivisible on X, Iranian Foreign Ministry (@IranForeignMin), Moon of Alabama blog, PhRMA, Reuters, Running News (@RunningNews), World Gold Council on X.