Not entirely clear what Russia’s interests are here, other than Iran was kindly supplying them with drones for the war with Ukraine, but it’s been clear for years that Putin has nothing but contempt for Trump, and now I guess the bromance is truly over. Which might actually be good news for Ukraine in the longer term. Also, no Moscow Trump Tower for you!
Is not armed aggression! Is специальная военная операция (“special military operation”)!
Moderating:
You post is barely OK for this thread, but to all, no replies that take this off to a discussion of Trump and/or Putin please.
He’s… The son of a dictator the US imposed on Iran many many years ago, after we toppled its legitimate democratic government, right? He may be a great guy. I haven’t followed him and have no opinion. But how can he possibly be a legitimate head of an Iranian government? He doesn’t even live there.
Logically, anyone who doesn’t like the US, Iran or Israel has an interest in encouraging and enabling this war. It’s like the old saying, “never interrupt an enemy while they are making a mistake”; if you can make the mistake worse than it already is, that’s even better.
He’s the one who the protestors have been chanting for, and legitimacy is draw from the consent of the governed.
Right, because the regime would execute him if he did. Which is a handy way of showing that he has absolutely nothing to do with the current regime - the most important quality the Iranians are looking for in a leader right now.
Anyways, I can think of someone else who took over Iran by leading a revolution from abroad - the original Supreme Leader, Khomeini.
Mostly right - I wouldn’t describe Mossadegh’s regime as a “legitimate democratic government”:
It would be more accurate to say that he’s the son of a monarch who came to power after a revolution that the US supported overthrew Iran’s prior dictator.
He’s literally never been the leader of anything more complicated than a zoom call. Not a city government, not a private company, nothing. His whole pitch is, quite explicitly, “if you need a symbol to rally around, I’m happy to stand there and be your empty suit.” Beyond the fact that he’s partially bankrolled by foreign powers, the only reasons he’s in the conversation at all are (a) there is a subset of Persians who are nostalgic for the glory days and shut their eyes to the abuses of the Shah and (b) there are zero alternative candidates available. It’s madness.
And Zelensky was a comedian who played president on TV.
If the Iranian people believe in him as a figure to unify behind, that’s already more than half the battle.
And that worked out so well.
It did not prevent him from effectively leading a revolution from outside the country, is the point.
There is absolutely no reason to think that Pahlavi would be dictatorial in any way.
Moderating:
You’re discussing consequences, not anything to do with the actual bombings. Please take further discussion on this to the thread we set up for discussing consequences.
Again, be mindful of the thread you’re posting in.
I still don’t understand why Trump was somewhat anti-war in his first term, and now playing all around with war and bombs like it’s his shiny kid’s toy in his second term.
Moderating:
This is a post for this thread:
Again, be mindful of the thread you’re posting in.
Israeli TV news has reported that Lebanon’s justice minister ordered the arrest of Hezbollah’s leader.
Today’s update on actions in Iran, gulf states, political statements.
Hegseth: “The only ones who need to be worried right now are Iranians who think they’re going to live”
It is monstrous to be starting a war with this person in charge. Just disgusting, morally speaking.
CNN 4:09 PM EST, Sat March 7, 2026
The Iranian state-affiliated Fars News Agency said US and Israeli bombing targeted an oil refinery in southern Tehran.
Meanwhile, CNN crews heard what sounded like a wave of airstrikes and major explosions in the Iranian capital. The team also saw a large fire in the south of Tehran, in the area where oil and gas installations are located. saw a large fire in the south of Tehran, in the area where oil and gas installations are located.
Regarding the girl’s school bombing, Trump declares Iran did it.
His secretary of defense is not so sure. (Same link)
Trump reiterated in response:
I bet you Reza’s bookcase is stuffed with histories of the Stuart Restoration and the Bourbon Restoration. Bet you anything.
Would have thought there was ample evidence that when US weaponry is lethally directed against school children it’s considered an expression of the 2nd Amendment.
I can hear an NRA spokesman now: “The only way to prevent this happening is to arm the teachers, globally.”
moderating
Way off topic. I’ll hide it as it is so far off-topic. Domestic gun issues is a different thread.