Thoughts Worth Your Time
Pakistan’s decades-long strategy to control Afghanistan has failed, leading to militant blowback and border crises. An analysis of why influence through proxies ultimately backfires.
Iran allows Indian and Russian ships passage through Strait of Hormuz, provided they do not support aggression against Tehran. China also listed among friendly nations.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson declares Operation Epic Fury against Iran “almost done,” stating objectives are met despite new troop deployments to the region.
Iran rejects a US peace plan as “excessive,” issuing five strict conditions to end the war, as the Pentagon deploys ground troops to the Middle East.
Iran denies US negotiations after Trump claims “major points” of agreement. Tehran vows to close Strait of Hormuz if its power plants are hit in the ongoing war.
Trump pauses Iran strikes to pursue a deal, aiming to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices tumble on the news.
