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MineralMan

(151,135 posts)
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:44 AM 12 hrs ago

What Is the U.S. Navy Telling Trump?

Trump isn't sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz. Why is that, do you suppose?

Well, I don't have any actual names or times, but here's probably the reason:

Naval expert have told Trump that there is no viable way that US Navy ships can safeguard shipping vessels through that bottleneck. Worse, it would be very difficult to even defend the Naval vessels themselves. Since we have no control over the land bases at the Strait, Iran could easily attack any warships we send in there, and with almost zero warning.

Bottom line: "Don't try it, Mr. President! It will fail miserably."

So, Trump calls for other nations to do it. But they aren't about to do something so stupid. Not a freaking chance.

Trump is stuck and has no valid way to get unstuck from this situation. "Stupid is as stupid does," once again.

97 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What Is the U.S. Navy Telling Trump? (Original Post) MineralMan 12 hrs ago OP
There's a reason no other POTUS has given in to Netanyahu's wet dream before now ms liberty 11 hrs ago #1
The resemblance of Trump to Hitler is uncanny MadameButterfly 9 hrs ago #39
He did all his thinking with his gut EYESORE 9001 9 hrs ago #46
I see what you did there. returnee 9 hrs ago #48
Yea But modrepub 9 hrs ago #47
Trump has had a taste of blood. thought crime 52 min ago #84
What's to expect when Trump reportedly kept Mein Kamph by his bedside ??? Jack Valentino 34 min ago #90
High on meds. "High Hitler". By the History Channel. usonian 15 min ago #93
PRECISELY! some_of_us_are_sane 7 hrs ago #66
Also don't forget; he has significant business interests in the Middle East now. thought crime 48 min ago #85
Not to mention they're starting to get stretched pretty thin... Wounded Bear 11 hrs ago #2
Not to mention they're starting to get stretched pretty thin... Wounded Bear 11 hrs ago #3
So are brain cells of which he has perhaps three. efhmc 11 hrs ago #5
And... 2naSalit 10 hrs ago #36
I understand the scale of these bombings dwarf what Bush did in Iraq MadameButterfly 9 hrs ago #40
Now that Trump has lifted popsdenver 7 hrs ago #61
They are doing a lot of damage to Russia with their drones MadameButterfly 5 hrs ago #75
I just read that Trump Blue_Roses 37 min ago #89
"You are a bonafide idiot. Try reading (ha) a book on naval history or talking to someone who is not a toady. efhmc 11 hrs ago #4
"What?!? Read a Book?" MineralMan 11 hrs ago #9
Thanks. Makes for a very sad, backward country. efhmc 11 hrs ago #30
Is this a joke? Or did he actually say that? MadameButterfly 9 hrs ago #41
Well, I never actually heard him say that. MineralMan 8 hrs ago #55
OK, so it's fiction MadameButterfly 5 hrs ago #76
See my edit above. MineralMan 5 hrs ago #78
Isn't here some book he keeps right by his bed? thought crime 43 min ago #86
Not a toady? GopherGal 11 hrs ago #22
Thank you for the "toady" breakdown. I need to examine the concept better. efhmc 11 hrs ago #28
Malignant narcissism is actually contagious MadameButterfly 9 hrs ago #42
If they're defying Trump, someone should leak it leftstreet 11 hrs ago #6
They're doing it very, very diplomatically. MineralMan 11 hrs ago #14
He's getting mocked by world leaders leftstreet 11 hrs ago #19
Exactly! MineralMan 11 hrs ago #20
He and Bibi Rebl2 11 hrs ago #7
To his face? Yes SIR! underpants 11 hrs ago #8
Well, right now, they are transforming their security briefing into a brightly colored comic book. Swede 11 hrs ago #10
LOL! MineralMan 11 hrs ago #15
Well I laughed too but Nittersing 11 hrs ago #21
Sounds like they fully understand what they're dealing with. calimary 9 hrs ago #43
He had a 'feeling'. So he went to war. IMPEACH NOW. spanone 11 hrs ago #11
How? maxsolomon 10 hrs ago #33
When the Democrats get control of the House thought crime 39 min ago #87
He trapped the US armed forces...all Roc2020 11 hrs ago #12
Trapped himself, as well. MineralMan 11 hrs ago #17
Yes he did. Roc2020 11 hrs ago #18
Yep. Pretty much. calimary 9 hrs ago #44
I think they will either declare victory and walk away or nuke Iran thought crime 33 min ago #91
Naval drones. That's why. Happy Hoosier 11 hrs ago #13
Ehh...screw this ...let's go get us some Cuba... MiHale 11 hrs ago #16
I'm trying to figure out why he is asking other countries? GusBob 11 hrs ago #23
All of that. MineralMan 11 hrs ago #25
Most have learned after Bush. republianmushroom 8 hrs ago #56
LOL How clever do you have to be? thought crime 25 min ago #92
I suspect reality has set in - a little Raven123 5 hrs ago #77
Has he asked Russia to join the coalition,yet? BattleRow 4 hrs ago #81
Cornered animals most dangerous. Two ways out lostnfound 11 hrs ago #24
3. The War with Iran is Over! WE WON, BIGLY! MineralMan 11 hrs ago #26
My feeling exactly; could go either way. thought crime 15 min ago #94
There are 3 US mine sweepers gab13by13 11 hrs ago #27
They were just in the gulf area, too... Red Mountain 9 hrs ago #51
He'll do what he always does . . . Scubamatt 11 hrs ago #29
I love it when REALITY catches up with ALTERNATIVE FACTS. ffr 10 hrs ago #31
Good catch! Yes, that's what's happening. thought crime 13 min ago #95
Agree LymphocyteLover 10 hrs ago #32
Kick dalton99a 10 hrs ago #34
Das Limpet? BidenRocks 9 hrs ago #45
Limpet mines are real jmowreader 8 hrs ago #54
Limpets JPK 8 hrs ago #60
This is what happens LilElf70 10 hrs ago #35
The Strait Dilemma gfarber 10 hrs ago #37
Once again, NICE work! calimary 9 hrs ago #50
I don't think it matters what they tell him. Xolodno 10 hrs ago #38
He was really pissed when they refused to bomb hurricanes. Now this! thought crime 9 min ago #96
Gut Feelings SusieCreamcheese 9 hrs ago #49
And his "bone" spurs. Justice matters. 8 hrs ago #59
Too late now, the Navy, and the entire military complex whould have refused to invade Iran Escurumbele 9 hrs ago #52
Perhaps so, but most General officers would have a very hard MineralMan 8 hrs ago #57
Bingo! Trump is Captain Queeg. But no mutiny. thought crime 5 min ago #97
And the Idiot actually threatens NATO Cha 8 hrs ago #53
Navy wants to get on the board when there is a fight OC375 8 hrs ago #58
Recommended. H2O Man 7 hrs ago #62
I remain hopeful that the TACO principle comes into effect. MineralMan 7 hrs ago #65
Demented Donald and Petulant Pete think this is a video game. BarbD 7 hrs ago #63
If I knew I wouldn't say, of course gulliver 7 hrs ago #64
Iran still has their submarine fleet. Emile 7 hrs ago #67
Yes. I do not know the current state of intelligence regarding MineralMan 7 hrs ago #68
Persian Gulf not a good location for subs, too shallow EX500rider 7 hrs ago #69
Iran's submarines are primarily based in the Straight of Hormuz. Emile 7 hrs ago #70
Any ones not on the bottom. I imagine many got sunk dockside EX500rider 7 hrs ago #71
So now you're admitting they do operate Emile 7 hrs ago #72
Never said they didn't, just shallow seas are very bad areas for submarine combat operations EX500rider 6 hrs ago #73
Last Thursday Krugman interviewed a military historian Old Crank 6 hrs ago #74
Toll tintinvotes 4 hrs ago #79
K&R red dog 1 4 hrs ago #80
slow walking Maninacan 3 hrs ago #82
You know what's so funny about this? Iran TOLD CHUMP that's exactly what they would do FakeNoose 1 hr ago #83
Doesn't matter. Trump will just dance to "In the Navy". Buttoneer 37 min ago #88

ms liberty

(11,194 posts)
1. There's a reason no other POTUS has given in to Netanyahu's wet dream before now
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:49 AM
11 hrs ago

Everyone else could see from miles away just exactly how disastrous this would be. Only a malignant narcissist with dementia and a staff of evil nazis would fall for this.

MadameButterfly

(4,010 posts)
39. The resemblance of Trump to Hitler is uncanny
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 12:49 PM
9 hrs ago

Hitler thought he was a military genius, didn't listen to advice, got upset if anyone criticized him. He made major decisions by intuition and feeling because no one could be superior to him in strategy.
There was no end to his ambition. Conveniently, loss of life didn't bother him.

modrepub

(4,078 posts)
47. Yea But
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 01:17 PM
9 hrs ago

That other guy actually participated in a shooting war and at least initially scored major successes on the battlefield. Our current administration has been racking up loses almost from day 1. And while Venezia can’t be categorized as an abject failure it certainly didn’t pose a formidable opponent compared to what that mid 20th century despot faced early on.

thought crime

(1,504 posts)
84. Trump has had a taste of blood.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 09:52 PM
52 min ago

He seems to be lusting for conquest. This might not end well.

Jack Valentino

(4,910 posts)
90. What's to expect when Trump reportedly kept Mein Kamph by his bedside ???
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:10 PM
34 min ago

(back somewhere in the distant past he allegedly used to read...)

I've read it also---- but as a 'cautionary tale', and not as a 'playbook' !!

some_of_us_are_sane

(3,093 posts)
66. PRECISELY!
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:09 PM
7 hrs ago
THIS is what happens when morons elect morons (or when the greedy elect the INCOMPETENT who will protect and increase their wealth) to the topmost position.

thought crime

(1,504 posts)
85. Also don't forget; he has significant business interests in the Middle East now.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 09:55 PM
48 min ago

He wants to "clean up the neighborhood". Also, he's completely nuts.

Wounded Bear

(64,221 posts)
2. Not to mention they're starting to get stretched pretty thin...
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:50 AM
11 hrs ago

with our other obligations around the world. I know trump doesn't really care about all that but still, resources are finite.

Wounded Bear

(64,221 posts)
3. Not to mention they're starting to get stretched pretty thin...
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:50 AM
11 hrs ago

with our other obligations around the world. I know trump doesn't really care about all that but still, resources are finite.

MadameButterfly

(4,010 posts)
40. I understand the scale of these bombings dwarf what Bush did in Iraq
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 12:57 PM
9 hrs ago

and people in the military are concerned with how fast Trump is going through supplies.

Trump has never understood budgeting of any kind. The concept that resources are finite doesn't compute. He keeps saying that our supplies of munitions is unlimited.

I've never been for stockpiling military weapons but he could in the end, before he learns this lesson, leave us rather exposed. Not to mention Ukraine.

Meanwhile Ukraine is providing anti-drone technology to the US to protect US bases in the region. I wish I believed Ukraine would get something in return.

popsdenver

(2,197 posts)
61. Now that Trump has lifted
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 02:46 PM
7 hrs ago

all oil sanctions on Russia...........Ukraine should be instead, using those drones on Russian Pipelines, Refineries, and oil tankers....

MadameButterfly

(4,010 posts)
75. They are doing a lot of damage to Russia with their drones
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 05:21 PM
5 hrs ago

which I find amazing--how they have created an industry like that under their conditions. Ukraine's supply has to be limited and donating to us while we are committing war crimes seems a gamble. i heard that their drones are much cheaper than the weapons we were using to protect the bases. I don't want our bases destroyed--at least the soldiers in them--but the worse it is for Trump the sooner we get rid of him.

A normal president would appreciate tUkraine's help and notice that they are acting like an ally while Russia isn't. But that won't happen with Trump.

Blue_Roses

(13,859 posts)
89. I just read that Trump
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:06 PM
37 min ago

told Ukraine that he didn't want the help. Has that changed? These days things change so fast, I can't keep up.

efhmc

(16,569 posts)
4. "You are a bonafide idiot. Try reading (ha) a book on naval history or talking to someone who is not a toady.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:52 AM
11 hrs ago

MineralMan

(151,135 posts)
9. "What?!? Read a Book?"
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:56 AM
11 hrs ago

Last edited Mon Mar 16, 2026, 05:28 PM - Edit history (1)

Trump made an oath after finishing the military school he was sent to by his father: "If I get out of here, I swear I will never read another book in my lifetime!"

He kept that oath, even though he has failed to keep others.

MadameButterfly

(4,010 posts)
76. OK, so it's fiction
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 05:22 PM
5 hrs ago

i get your point, but without saying so some might think it's an actual quote.

GopherGal

(2,883 posts)
22. Not a toady?
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 11:10 AM
11 hrs ago

All such non-toady humans have long since disappeared from the Maladministration. I suspect some sort of narcissism weapon has been secretly deployed which repels any non-toadies and has to be turned off for certain diplomatic visits so that someone like Zelenskyy can get within 100 feet of him.

MadameButterfly

(4,010 posts)
42. Malignant narcissism is actually contagious
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 01:00 PM
9 hrs ago

So anyone not already in that state is in danger. I mean, people who choose to work there. I think Zelensky would manage to escape.

MineralMan

(151,135 posts)
14. They're doing it very, very diplomatically.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:57 AM
11 hrs ago

They know how to evade Trump's orders. They are that much smarter than he is that he doesn't even notice.

leftstreet

(40,318 posts)
19. He's getting mocked by world leaders
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 11:02 AM
11 hrs ago

German defense minister Pistorius this morning:

"What does Trump expect a handful of European frigates to do that the powerful US navy cannot?"


Rebl2

(17,654 posts)
7. He and Bibi
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:54 AM
11 hrs ago

broke it and only they can fix it. So I am guessing this is going to drag on a while.

underpants

(196,209 posts)
8. To his face? Yes SIR!
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:55 AM
11 hrs ago

When he’s not in the room? Jesus M—————ing Christ WE ——ing TOLD him and that stupid frat boy about this but NOOOOOO what do we know? They’ll just give up they said.

Swede

(39,255 posts)
10. Well, right now, they are transforming their security briefing into a brightly colored comic book.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:56 AM
11 hrs ago

With lots of mentions of TRUMP.

calimary

(89,845 posts)
43. Sounds like they fully understand what they're dealing with.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 01:00 PM
9 hrs ago

A chimp with a small dick who wants to compensate with a lot of big scary-looking guns.

With apologies to real chimpanzees wherever they may be.

thought crime

(1,504 posts)
87. When the Democrats get control of the House
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:05 PM
39 min ago

They're going to have a big backlog of impeachable offenses. They may need to do weekly impeachments.

Roc2020

(1,776 posts)
12. He trapped the US armed forces...all
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:57 AM
11 hrs ago

Last edited Mon Mar 16, 2026, 01:09 PM - Edit history (1)

scenarios to escape are horrific. Walk away-Israel is left alone to fight. Put soldiers on Iran's soil, Iran waiting for that for decades to kill american troops, Nuke Iran, Israel gets nuked. Trapped.

thought crime

(1,504 posts)
91. I think they will either declare victory and walk away or nuke Iran
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:10 PM
33 min ago

i.e. I have no idea whatsoever.

But if Trump is as nuts as he sounds and he figures out that nuking Iran will get him in the history books and have no consequences for him personally, he might do it.

Happy Hoosier

(9,522 posts)
13. Naval drones. That's why.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:57 AM
11 hrs ago

Detecting and countering small naval drones is in its infancy. Most of our defences are oriented towards airborne threats.
As Ukraine has proven, it's virtually certain that a determined naval drone user will sneak one through now and again.

MiHale

(12,944 posts)
16. Ehh...screw this ...let's go get us some Cuba...
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:58 AM
11 hrs ago

Then they’ll forget about Iran, high prices, terrorist attacks, oh yeah almost forgot EPSTEIN, EPSTEIN, EPSTEIN.

A sarcastic bent…

GusBob

(8,237 posts)
23. I'm trying to figure out why he is asking other countries?
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 11:12 AM
11 hrs ago

Is the Navy requesting that?
Are they trying to flood the zone with decoys and targets?
Is he trying to draw other countries into the conflict by getting one of their ships destroyed and sailors killed?
Does he think he can build a coalition?

Coming soon: he will claim anti-semitism because they won’t help Israel

MineralMan

(151,135 posts)
25. All of that.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 11:15 AM
11 hrs ago

Cleverly, all of the European countries are saying "NO WAY!"

And he can't order anyone to join him in his stupidity.

thought crime

(1,504 posts)
92. LOL How clever do you have to be?
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:19 PM
25 min ago

Trump has insulted many of our allies and waged disruptive Trade Wars against them. He started an illegal war without consulting allies other than his business partner Netanyahu (more correct to say, Netanyahu informed Trump the war would start). Now he's begging them to sail their warships right into Iran's missile kill box.

But yes, I'm sure they are finding clever and creative ways to say No.

Raven123

(7,768 posts)
77. I suspect reality has set in - a little
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 05:26 PM
5 hrs ago

We didn’t scale up, so we have drawn down our resources.
Trump would love for someone else to try to clean up this mess so he can withdraw our military and blame that someone else for failure as this disintegrates.
It’s Covid all over again (remember the speech in which he said it would be all over by Easter). Completely miscalculated.

lostnfound

(17,493 posts)
24. Cornered animals most dangerous. Two ways out
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 11:13 AM
11 hrs ago

1) nukes
2) complete and sudden withdrawal of US from Mideast

Sane presidents would do neither. But he remains stuck in his terrible two, with the world’s most fearsome arsenal at his disposal.

thought crime

(1,504 posts)
94. My feeling exactly; could go either way.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:28 PM
15 min ago

Suddenly, the Trump Reality show has a serious side. What will Trump decide? We'll find out in a later episode, but first let's switch over to Cuba, where Trump is starving residents and preparing for conquest. Will Apprentice Marco Rubio become president of Cuba, or will Cuba become our 51st state? We'll find out in a later episode but now, let's switch back to Iran...

Red Mountain

(2,330 posts)
51. They were just in the gulf area, too...
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 01:42 PM
9 hrs ago

dang it.

AND we retired another 4 minesweepers based in the gulf in January......what terrible luck.

Probably just as well. There seem to be some questions about how effective the new minesweepers are at their jobs.

Scubamatt

(302 posts)
29. He'll do what he always does . . .
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 11:29 AM
11 hrs ago

when confronted with failure . . . Declare Victory, and command his media to replicate that message far and wide, announcing that in all the history of victories, there had never been a more victorious victory. The people will lap it up, and he will move on to the next distraction/disaster.

dalton99a

(93,910 posts)
34. Kick
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 12:16 PM
10 hrs ago
At a meeting in the Oval Office last week, a frustrated Mr. Trump pressed Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about why the United States could not immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The answer was straightforward: Even one Iranian soldier or militia member zipping across the narrow neck of the strait in a speedboat could fire a mobile missile right into a slow-moving supertanker, or plant a limpet mine on its hull.


With oil already hovering around $100 a barrel, and insurance premiums for transiting the Persian Gulf surging, the image of more burning tankers would make the Iranians look more powerful than they really are. Already, having seen Iran attack shipping around the strait, tanker owners are refusing to take the risk, even after Mr. Trump declared on Fox last Sunday that they should “show some guts.”

The strait was Exhibit A in Iran’s ability to seize an asymmetric advantage. Despite ramped-up strikes in recent days against what little is left of the Iranian Navy, traffic through the strait has come to a near halt. A New York Times analysis concluded that as of Thursday, at least 16 oil tankers, cargo ships and other commercial vessels had been attacked in the Persian Gulf, including three in the narrowest part of the strait.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/15/us/politics/trump-stark-choices-iran-war.html

jmowreader

(53,132 posts)
54. Limpet mines are real
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 01:45 PM
8 hrs ago

They use magnets to stick to ships' hulls below the waterline. The Iranians are huge fans of them.

JPK

(969 posts)
60. Limpets
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 02:41 PM
8 hrs ago

They have probably already been set to the hulls of the ships that are trapped there. Just waiting for the signal to activate them.

LilElf70

(1,543 posts)
35. This is what happens
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 12:22 PM
10 hrs ago

when you go into an unprovoked, illegal, no reason to attack, war. To make matters worse, there was absolutely no plan for after his initial hits.

gfarber

(267 posts)
37. The Strait Dilemma
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 12:36 PM
10 hrs ago


There once was a Donald named Trump,
Who faced quite a maritime slump.
Advisers all said,
“Send ships there and you’re dead—
That strait would make warships go thump.”

He asked, “Can our Navy defend
Those tankers from end unto end?”
The experts replied,
“With Iran on each side,
Your ships would be targets, my friend.”

“With land bases not in our grip,
They’d strike any escorting ship.
No warning would sound,
Just missiles inbound—
Best not start that dangerous trip.”

So Trump said, “Perhaps allies could try—
Send fleets through that narrow pass by.”
But nations all thought,
“That plan’s overwrought…
Not us, we’d much rather not die.”

And so in a puzzling morass,
He’s stuck like a mule in the grass.
The lesson, some say,
Still echoes today:
“Stupid does what stupid has.

Disclaimer: Yes, an AI helped write this—because if you’re looking for pure, hand-crafted literary suffering, you’re welcome to go produce some yourself. If you like my attempts, consider clicking the link.

https://buymeacoffee.com/gfarber



Xolodno

(7,345 posts)
38. I don't think it matters what they tell him.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 12:42 PM
10 hrs ago

I believe he's genuinely pissed from his first term when he was told "you can't do _insert whatever_" He is now doing what he wants and believes in his warped brain we are capable of doing anything. So who cares what they say, optics, strategy, logistics, etc. be damned.

Escurumbele

(4,079 posts)
52. Too late now, the Navy, and the entire military complex whould have refused to invade Iran
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 01:44 PM
9 hrs ago

They all knew this was going to be a disaster, why is the military obeying orders they know they should not?

This is so disappointing and scary at the same time, when the military gives in to a buffoon like trump you know things will get very, very bad for the entire country, that is how dictators get in power, the military becomes complicit, and in my opinion, that is what we are seeing today.

MineralMan

(151,135 posts)
57. Perhaps so, but most General officers would have a very hard
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 02:04 PM
8 hrs ago

time refusing a Presidential order. Both literally and traditionally, they cannot do so. They can resign, but they cannot refuse.

It is a conflict that has never been really tested. So far, I believe Trump is listening to their reasons, but how long that will last I do not know.

thought crime

(1,504 posts)
97. Bingo! Trump is Captain Queeg. But no mutiny.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 10:39 PM
5 min ago

They were very careful to fire top officers and replace them with loyalists before starting these adventures.

OC375

(825 posts)
58. Navy wants to get on the board when there is a fight
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 02:20 PM
8 hrs ago

Navy wants a mission to aggressively bring the fight to the enemy, and deny him initiative. That's what they do. They are excellent at it and have the means to do it. A single carrier fleet unchained can change the dynamics of the area for a generation or more. It's truly horrific.

Doing nothing, no objective, or ROE's that involve wearing blinders and taking crap isn't what Navy excels at. I'd imagine they are pretty steamed at showing up to a gig, only to find no immediate plan other than "Hold my beer while I tell everyone you'll kick their asses."

Trump is a tease, which is almost as bad to many of them as putting them in harms way for personal gain.

H2O Man

(78,976 posts)
62. Recommended.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 02:55 PM
7 hrs ago

I've seen someone saying the "plan" involved taking control of Kharg island, when the battle ship coming from South Korea arrives. No, it's not ..... exactly for the reasons you outline. More, an amphibious landing would have to start out from Saudi Arabia's eastern coast, which is far enough away that it creates as high a risk as if they actually landed.

More, while the destruction escalates, both sides have been careful not to seriously damage the oil plants. The Saudis don't want that. The president is looking for an off-ramp, and it is not possible to say how all of this horror plays out. I think he will bluff about sending in troops, but hopefully not do so. Yet he did not learn the first lesson from our generation's war in Vietnam: one can win every battle, and still lose the war. Other culture's actions are not limited by our concepts of space and time, though this president surely is.

My fear -- and I'm interested in your and other opinions -- is that as Israel takes more damage as a direct result of Netanyahu's madness, will he resort to a nuke?

MineralMan

(151,135 posts)
65. I remain hopeful that the TACO principle comes into effect.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:08 PM
7 hrs ago

Trump says much, but does little, really. He has, no doubt, been warned about the risks of some of those actions. So, he talks a good battle, but doesn't really want one. Not really. It's one thing to stand off from the coast and attack targets. It's quite another to commit to putting ground troops at risk and with it a risk of high casualty numbers.

I am counting on Trump to cave on this, declare victory, and pull out. He'll leave the rest to Israel.

BarbD

(1,411 posts)
63. Demented Donald and Petulant Pete think this is a video game.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:04 PM
7 hrs ago

Last edited Mon Mar 16, 2026, 04:56 PM - Edit history (1)

Now we are stuck with the incompetent, stupid actions of idiots.

Reminds me of Tennyson's poem --"The Charge of the Light Brigade"...... Into the valley of Death rode the six hundred........."

gulliver

(13,935 posts)
64. If I knew I wouldn't say, of course
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:07 PM
7 hrs ago

I'm a firm believer in not helping the enemy, even by brain fart speculation. I want us to win and get out. I'm perfectly willing to have Trump or anyone else running things saying whatever they think works: true, false, outrageous, juvenile, etc. Even if we thought the media were capable of anything resembling true transparency, we should still be against it. That should be obvious.

Most of the government folks and actual retired military expert commentators on CNN seem to be appropriately careful about how much they're willing to "explain" to the audience. But it's still pretty appalling when you see some (usually questionably informed) dummy opining that the IRGC, for example, seems to be "in charge." The lowlife Islamic Regime undoubtedly has access to CNN. Hopefully they get no comfort from it.

Emile

(42,046 posts)
67. Iran still has their submarine fleet.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:10 PM
7 hrs ago

Iran has a submarine fleet consisting of approximately 28 to 30 vessels, including Kilo-class, Fateh-class, and Ghadir-class submarines.

MineralMan

(151,135 posts)
68. Yes. I do not know the current state of intelligence regarding
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:13 PM
7 hrs ago

Iran's military assets. I would not underestimate that intelligence, though.

EX500rider

(12,516 posts)
69. Persian Gulf not a good location for subs, too shallow
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:15 PM
7 hrs ago
The average depth of the Persian Gulf is approximately 50 meters (164 feet). It is a relatively shallow marginal sea, with depths rarely exceeding 90–100 meters

Emile

(42,046 posts)
70. Iran's submarines are primarily based in the Straight of Hormuz.
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:21 PM
7 hrs ago

Iran's submarines are primarily based at the Bandar Abbas naval base, located in the Strait of Hormuz. They operate in various waters, including the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, and the Caspian Sea.

EX500rider

(12,516 posts)
71. Any ones not on the bottom. I imagine many got sunk dockside
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:33 PM
7 hrs ago
As of March 2026, following significant degradation from U.S.-led operations, Iran’s operational submarine fleet is heavily reduced from its previous strength of 16–30 vessels. While previously possessing 3 Russian-built Kilo-class submarines, several Ghadir-class midget subs, and indigenous Fateh-class boats, many are now considered trapped, damaged, or destroyed, particularly in the Persian Gulf

EX500rider

(12,516 posts)
73. Never said they didn't, just shallow seas are very bad areas for submarine combat operations
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:50 PM
6 hrs ago

They can hardly get deep enough not to be seen from the air for one.
And what depth to set depth charges for and anti-sub torpedos to search at becomes a lot easier.

Old Crank

(6,938 posts)
74. Last Thursday Krugman interviewed a military historian
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 03:56 PM
6 hrs ago

Who said that Trump has no good way out of this message. The best might be declare a win and just leave tail between his legs. Other options are worse. And worse would be dragging this mess into the summer months before the elections.

I've seen where the heads of the British military and German military have both said essentially the same thing. Not our job or NATOs job to fix what you broke.

tintinvotes

(143 posts)
79. Toll
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 06:06 PM
4 hrs ago

Iran has agreed to let countries other than USA and Isreal thru the strait if they pay a toll, it's already happening. Brilliant plan by Iran to get paid.

Maninacan

(273 posts)
82. slow walking
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 07:09 PM
3 hrs ago

When I was told to do something stupid at work I would sit on it. The orders were always reversed. Usually emergency setups in the shop and always the same person.

FakeNoose

(41,318 posts)
83. You know what's so funny about this? Iran TOLD CHUMP that's exactly what they would do
Mon Mar 16, 2026, 09:00 PM
1 hr ago

... if he were ever stupid enough to attack them. This was all KNOWN in advance.



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