Iran - Israel/US War: Israel-US declare war on Iran, Iran responds
- Thread starter Khorasan Black Flags
- Start date
Pakistani Dragon
Elite Member
What do you mean by "Iranian tankers it [India] seized before the conflict"?
More details needed.
EugeneP
Trusted Member
Yes, the lack of ground troops makes this different from those long-drawn wars. But even the air war over Serbia, a much smaller State, lasted 80 days. Iran is much larger and hence the war may last longer even if it remains only an air operation.
Thinking some more, I am seeing a resemblance to Vietnam war in some respects. That war crept up gradually in intensity, unplanned and unpredictably. It started as minor skirmishes during Kennedy's time and metastasized into a very destructive war during Johnson administration. This is an existential war for Iran and U.S. can't walk away and let Iran rule over the Gulf and threaten Strait of Hormuz at will. Once the aerial operations slow down, as they seem to be happening, the focus will shift to Hormuz opening. This is where it may spiral out into Vietnam phase - starting with intense bombing on the shoreline to take out any weapons and slowly seeping inland as Iran starts using missiles and drones from more inland areas.
Cipher212
Registered Member
India seized some Iranian tankers due to international pressure a while back, and now used them to barter for safe passage of their tankers now. Or at least that is what random social media accounts say. Sounds plausible.
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I did not think I would see Iran lasting this long. Their population is fully behind the IRGC whether they like it or not out of principal. A more extreme example of what the mindset in Pakistan was during May 2025 (I remember my workplace going from only talking about Imran Khan to monitoring the situation in those days).
It is a long-game for Iran now. They simply have to keep the Hormuz Strait hot to the point no tanker captain wants to sail through and no company wants to insure the tanker. The US is also willing to play the long game but it is costing them a lot more than Iran.
Also, all these Arab countries seem to be unhappy with the beds they made. They do not want to sleep in them now. First you host US military presence on your bases and allow Israeli overflights, then you complain why is an Iranian missile flying at you. Like, Habibi, you are fair game by all rules and conventions. You're part of it.
Beijingwalker
VIP Member
NATO allies abandon US in Hormuz, Trump left seeking China's help
06:49, 17/03/2026, TuesdayYeni Şafak
President threatens alliance's future after Germany, France, UK, Japan refuse to send ships; Washington now turns to Beijing for assistance reopening strategic strait.
President Donald Trump finds himself increasingly isolated as NATO allies flatly reject his calls for naval support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Washington to seek assistance from unexpected quarters—including Iran's closest partner, China. The strategic waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes, has remained effectively closed since Feb. 28 following the outbreak of war with Iran.
Allies refuse to join fight
Trump's threats of a "very bad future" for NATO have fallen on deaf ears as European capitals firmly decline involvement. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius delivered the sharpest rebuke, questioning why European frigates should accomplish what the powerful US Navy cannot. "This is not our war and we did not start it," Pistorius stated. Chancellor Friedrich Merz reinforced the position, seeing "no reason" to consider military protection of shipping lanes. Britain's Keir Starmer, France, Spain, Italy and Belgium have all ruled out participation, while Japan, Australia and South Korea also declined Washington's requests. Even Israel, America's co-belligerent against Iran, was notably absent from Trump's list of requested contributors, raising speculation that Washington aims to put NATO forces on the line for Israeli interests.China approached for assistance
In a striking development revealing Washington's limited options, Trump disclosed that his administration has approached seven countries for help—including China, which receives the vast majority of its imported oil via the Hormuz route. "I think China should also help because China gets 90% of its oil through this strait," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. The outreach to Beijing comes despite escalating US-China trade tensions and represents a remarkable reversal, with Washington now soliciting support from Tehran's strategic partner.Military options limited
Behind Trump's public demands, serious obstacles complicate any military solution. US military commanders have reportedly warned the president that Iran could transform the region into a "death box" using drones and anti-ship missiles. More than 600 tankers remain stranded in the Gulf, and even with naval escort, insurers and ship owners require guarantees no military force can provide. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has positioned 5,000 Marines for possible operations, with speculation they could target Iran's Kharg Island, through which 90% of Iranian oil exports flow. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that Washington is now permitting Iranian tankers to transit, suggesting quiet accommodation where military pressure has failed.NATO allies abandon US in Hormuz, Trump left seeking China's help
President threatens alliance's future after Germany, France, UK, Japan refuse to send ships; Washington now turns to Beijing for assistance reopening strategic strait.
en.yenisafak.com
Beijingwalker
VIP Member
Yes, US has many "allies".NATO allies abandon US in Hormuz, Trump left seeking China's help
06:49, 17/03/2026, Tuesday
Yeni Şafak
President threatens alliance's future after Germany, France, UK, Japan refuse to send ships; Washington now turns to Beijing for assistance reopening strategic strait.
President Donald Trump finds himself increasingly isolated as NATO allies flatly reject his calls for naval support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, forcing Washington to seek assistance from unexpected quarters—including Iran's closest partner, China. The strategic waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes, has remained effectively closed since Feb. 28 following the outbreak of war with Iran.
Allies refuse to join fight
Trump's threats of a "very bad future" for NATO have fallen on deaf ears as European capitals firmly decline involvement. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius delivered the sharpest rebuke, questioning why European frigates should accomplish what the powerful US Navy cannot. "This is not our war and we did not start it," Pistorius stated. Chancellor Friedrich Merz reinforced the position, seeing "no reason" to consider military protection of shipping lanes. Britain's Keir Starmer, France, Spain, Italy and Belgium have all ruled out participation, while Japan, Australia and South Korea also declined Washington's requests. Even Israel, America's co-belligerent against Iran, was notably absent from Trump's list of requested contributors, raising speculation that Washington aims to put NATO forces on the line for Israeli interests.
China approached for assistance
In a striking development revealing Washington's limited options, Trump disclosed that his administration has approached seven countries for help—including China, which receives the vast majority of its imported oil via the Hormuz route. "I think China should also help because China gets 90% of its oil through this strait," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. The outreach to Beijing comes despite escalating US-China trade tensions and represents a remarkable reversal, with Washington now soliciting support from Tehran's strategic partner.
Military options limited
Behind Trump's public demands, serious obstacles complicate any military solution. US military commanders have reportedly warned the president that Iran could transform the region into a "death box" using drones and anti-ship missiles. More than 600 tankers remain stranded in the Gulf, and even with naval escort, insurers and ship owners require guarantees no military force can provide. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has positioned 5,000 Marines for possible operations, with speculation they could target Iran's Kharg Island, through which 90% of Iranian oil exports flow. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that Washington is now permitting Iranian tankers to transit, suggesting quiet accommodation where military pressure has failed.
NATO allies abandon US in Hormuz, Trump left seeking China's help
President threatens alliance's future after Germany, France, UK, Japan refuse to send ships; Washington now turns to Beijing for assistance reopening strategic strait.
After Turkey opposed the US/Israeli attack on Iran, Ankara was assured by Trump that the 'operation' would not last longer than 3 or 4 days. The Turks still didn't allow the US to use Turkish terrain and airspace, though.
He genuinely thought this war would be over in 3 days, not 3 weeks or 3 months but 3 days.
Magi
Registered Member
February 16, 2026
India seizes three Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers, source says https://www.reuters.com/world/india...ned-tankers-steps-up-surveillance-2026-02-16/
March 16, 2026
Exclusive: As India seeks Hormuz safe passage, Tehran asks for return of seized tankers, sources say
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