Joe Kent resigns: Trump’s counterterrorism chief calls Iran war “built on lies,” accuses Israel of deception.

How America’s war on Iran backfired: Khamenei’s martyrdom gift to regime, no good ending.

Iran’s proxies’ role: Hezbollah active, Iraqi militias harass, Houthis restrained. Centralized command disrupted.

Iran’s northern neighbors face fallout: Azerbaijan de-escalates, Armenia navigates risks, TRIPP project at risk.

‘Gulf NATO’ ambition meets reality: shared threats, resources, but political rivalries hinder integration.

Iran chokes Iraq’s budget: 94% oil exports via Hormuz halted, production down 70%, $6-7B monthly losses.

Why regime hasn’t collapsed: IRGC consolidated, population cowed, asymmetric endurance. System built to survive.

Turkey’s red lines: missile strike, ally pressure, Kurdish insurgency could trigger response. Erdogan hedges.

Strait of Hormuz: global economic shock exposes limits of US military power. Geography defeats might.

Warden’s Five Ring Theory: Operation Epic Fury targets leadership, infrastructure for strategic paralysis. Iran counters asymmetrically.