Daily Chronicles

Daily Chronicles features issues, small or large, with the potential to change our world.

Evolving Strategy of Empire.

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May 24

Peace is at Hand? Don’t Hold Your Breath and keep your beer 😕

There is a major crisis ongoing in the negotiations due to goalpost shifting by the U.S. — which may prevent an announcement from happening today (or for a very long time).

Pakistan is now trying to solve it.

All that we need to know, is that Netanyahu ‘called his veto’.  Suddenly Israeli ‘freedom of action’ in Lebanon appeared (fine print ya’know).  Iran insists on an absolute ceasefire in Lebanon.   But this is not all.  The release of Iran’s frozen assets suddenly became conditional and will be dripped out, is what we hear.   I really wonder what these American’s think – do they really think Iran will not fine-toothcomb whatever is written?

Tasnim, counting every word very carefully states:   Despite some talks today, the US’s disruptions in some clauses of understanding, including the release of Iran’s blocked assets, are still ongoing, and these issues have not been resolved so far.  Based on this, there is still a possibility of rejecting the understanding and Iran has emphasized that it will not fall short of its red lines for the realization of people’s rights.

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Iran and the war of choice and brutality against Iran in order to raid and own the world’s hydrocarbons.

There is something in the gossip of the realm. Trump administration members are whispering to ignore what Trump says, as he says whatever he feels will benefit him domestically and of course his donors.

Here is a prediction which I seldom make. My comfort level is more in the area of projections based on fact. I’ve made this one before. No matter what is signed or not (and we don’t have a good read on Iran’s commentary yet) we will remain for the foreseeable future in a state of No War/No Peace until the US fizzles out – and they will. The stresses and pressures are piling up on this failing hegemon from everywhere.

Why No War/No Peace? Netanyahu will not contemplate peace. He will not stop agitating for war. Israel has not stopped attacking Gaza or Lebanon despite agreements.  What makes you think they will play ball now?  Take a look – This is perfect TACO Trump and Netanyahu holds the veto, no matter what Trump says, because the US is being Israelized (Pax Judaica is not a theory and is in implementation. Greater Israel is being implemented):

“During a call with President Trump last night, Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed that Israel will preserve freedom of action against threats across all fronts, including Lebanon, and Trump supported that position.

Trump also reiterated that he will maintain his demand for the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory, saying no final deal will be signed without those conditions.

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Justice: Fire and Exploding Brimstone Style:

Strikes on Kiev by hypersonics (Oreshnik, Zircon, Kinzhal) and cruise missiles. And Geraniums, of course. Andrei Martyanov has some interesting video: https://smoothiex12.blogspot.com/2026/05/here-are-some-additional.html

Oreshnik has truly fired up imaginations and reports center on whether there were Oreshnik strikes, or not.

The Russian MoD reports: “In response to terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian objects in Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike by Oreshnik ballistic missiles, Iskander air-launched ballistic missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles, and Tsirkon cruise missiles, air-, sea-, and ground-based cruise missiles as well as attack unmanned aerial vehicles against military command and control facilities, air bases, and enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry.

✅ The targets were defeated, all the assigned facilities were neutralised.

Yet again, Russia did not commit murder in turn, and did not target non-combatants and civilians.

The latest numbers that I saw is that 21 teenage kids were killed in the drone strike on the Vocational College and dorm in Starobelsk and 40+ injured, some critically. The similarities with the Minab School strike in Iran is naturally commented upon.

I have not seen anyone pose a question or an idea that this may not be the last strike of this magnitude, and more retaliation may be incoming.

Another video of today’s Oreshnik strike on Bela Tserkov.

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“Donald Trump” the Albino Buffalo is to be slaughtered for Eid al-Adha.
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A 700-kilogram albino buffalo named “Donald Trump” has become a local attraction in Bangladesh thanks to its resemblance to the US president.
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➡However, next Tuesday, “Donald Trump” will be slaughtered as part of the celebration of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.

May 23

🔹Western news sources are announcing that a framework agreement (MoU) between the US and Iran (1 pager) will be released tomorrow.

🔹I would caution to wait for Iran to comment.

🔹At first reading, too many countries involved here, not for their comments but as part of an agreement according to Trump. (Trump Circus comes to mind and the Agreement Incapable).

🔹PressTV reports: Iran, US moving closer to ‘finalizing memorandum of understanding’: Baghaei (https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2026/05/23/769157/Iran-US-Baghaei-understanding-nuclear)

🔹Iran and the United States have edged closer to finalizing a 14-point memorandum to end the imposed war, halt American maritime aggression, and secure the release of Iran’s blocked assets, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman says.

🔹Full comments from Baghaei:

Remarks by Esmaeil Baghaei, Spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Iran-U.S. Talks

✉️ Views have moved closer over the past week, but this does not yet signify a final agreement. Iran’s current focus is on ending the imposed war on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Delving into the details of the nuclear issue and sanctions has been deferred until after the finalization of the 14-point memorandum of understanding.

✉️ The visit of Pakistan’s army chief to Tehran was aimed at exchanging messages between Iran and the United States. The lifting of sanctions is an explicit demand of Iran, and from the very outset, the fate of unfreezing blocked assets must be determined.

✉️ The Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with the United States; this matter is strictly between Iran and the littoral states of the region.

✉️ Entering into the details of the nuclear discussion (within a 30- or 60-day framework) pertains to subsequent steps, and this timeline will not begin until the initial memorandum of understanding has been fully finalized.

✉️ Iran decisively prevented the adoption of the final document at the NPT Review Conference—a document that, instead of condemning the attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime, criticized Iran and remained silent on the issue of the Zionist regime’s nuclear weapons.

🔹Details of the MoU reported by Al Jazeera (Salt is needed for Al Jazeera):

Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem reveals reported details of the final MoU draft between Iran and the U.S.:

– End to the regional conflict across all fronts, including Lebanon

– Unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets

– Removal of the U.S. naval blockade

– Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under “Iranian supervision”

– Pullback of most U.S. forces from the Middle East

– The two sides would then enter a 30-day period to resolve remaining nuclear issues, with the option to extend negotiations if both side

If this report is correct, this is not a TACO but a complete capitulation.

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China delivers MASSIVE 75,000-TON aid package to Cuba

15,000 TONS of rice unloaded at port

‘Fraternity and solidarity’

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The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum announces that she will send oil to Cuba, no matter what Trump wants:

“We will continue sending oil to Cuba. We will not cave, and we will not be a tool for implementing the U.S. embargo. Enough of the blackmail.”

May 22

We may title this:  Back to the circus.

⛔️Trump rushes BACK to White House‼️
– Weekend golf plans scrapped
– Top officials cancel holiday plans
– ‘US preparing new strikes against Iran’ — CBS
– Iran’s army READY for ‘enemy foolishness’ — Tasnim pic.twitter.com/3Vk8jnSQGp

— Dr.Sam Youssef Ph.D.,Ph.D.,DPT. (@drhossamsamy65) May 22, 2026

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35 ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz with the coordination of the IRGC Navy

🔹 IRGC Navy: 35 ships, including oil tankers, container carriers and other commercial ships, passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past day and night after obtaining permission with the coordination and security of the IRGC Navy.

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Tulsi Gabbard: ‘Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026’. ‘My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer’

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Another response to International Relations of a New Type

Three-way negotiations between Russia, the US, and Ukraine are ‘currently’ NOT taking place — Marco Rubio. Trump admin is READY to continue efforts BUT ‘not interested in an ENDLESS cycle of meetings that lead nowhere’.

Let’s count: -Negotiations with Russia fut, -Ukraine negotiations not happening, -Negotiations with Iran not happening as not even the framework of a negotiation structure can be agreed upon, -China debacle, -Trump’s Gaza Peace Board a dead letter, -Tariffs dead and must be paid back, -US outplayed in the Strait of Hormuz, -The world speaking out against the war on Cuba (and this just off the top of my head. I’m sure there are more for example, the US does not have diplomats in more than 100 countries. Counting Israel, the world is at last talking, because of the brutal treatment of the latest Flotilla to Gaza.

Wang Yi is on the march: Wang Yi to Chair the UN Security Council High-Level Meeting and Visit Canada.

Mr Putin’s comment on the Ukrainian drone attack of the educational building and a college dormitory in the LPR – After a moment of silence: ‘We understand making statements is not enough, the Ministry of Defense will also be making its RESPONSE’

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🚨🇺🇸 Trump: “China agreed not to supply weapons to Iran. I talked to them.”

🚨🇨🇳 China FM: “We want to end rumors that China agreed with the U.S. not to supply weapons to Iran.”

“To be clear: no such communication occurred. China has neither confirmed nor denied supplying weapons to Iran. “Our security agreements and defense cooperation are sovereign matters for China alone. No foreign country may interfere in China’s internal affairs.”

We need to pick up the trend since the publication of the Formation of a Multipolar World and International Relations of a New Type document. Up to now, both Russia and China downplayed the Donald Trump lies and sometimes quite comically, but, they did not touch them. Now, it is open hunting season and they shoot!

The Trump Gaza Board of Peace is falling apart. Very few are paying, and there are serious remorse being expressed by those who joined initially. Nebenzia at the UN Security Council did not mince words. “Six months after the vote on Security Council Resolution 2803, the so-called “Trump Plan” remains largely a dead letter, with declarative successes only serving as a smokescreen to conceal the grim reality in the #GazaStrip.”

China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Thursday called on all parties to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement and urged efforts to advance the “two-state solution.”

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Lavrov Quote in one of his many public speeches: “… everybody knows free cheese comes only in a mousetrap.”

Key takeaways from statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the plenary session of the second International Public-Political Hearings on the Formation of a Contour of Equal and Indivisible Security and Cooperation in Greater Eurasia:

▪️The nuclear component is being introduced into increasingly intensified military exercises conducted by the US, South Korea, and Japan, adding further serious irritants to the situation on the Korean Peninsula

▪️Western countries are seriously advancing the idea of creating an Asian analogue of NATO, which constitutes a direct threat to Russia’s legitimate interests

▪️The West cannot accept the existence of an independent Russia

▪️All destructive Western initiatives in Eurasia are aimed against Russia, China, and their closest partners and allies on the continent

▪️Russia is surprised to see Finland “dropping the facade” it had under the banner of neutrality since World War II

▪️US and NATO military infrastructure is rapidly expanding across Southeast and Northeast Asia in an effort to undermine and dismantle the ASEAN-centered security architecture in the region

▪️French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to establish a European Political Community is confrontational toward Russia and Belarus

▪️Preventing a relapse of the Ukrainian conflict is only possible through a sustainable settlement that addresses its root causes

▪️The Middle East will remain unstable until the Arab-Israeli conflict is fully resolved in all its dimensions

▪️Israel’s actions against Palestine contradict not only UN resolutions but also the provisions of Trump’s Board of Peace

▪️The renewal of hostilities in the Persian Gulf would entail complex negative consequences for the region

▪️Russia strongly opposes any resumption of military aggression against Iran

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The response to International Relations of a New Type as well as the nuclear forces exercise in Russia and Belarus.

Ukrainian drones attacked an educational building and a college dormitory in the LPR during the night, leaving 35 people injured, while rescuers are searching for those who may still be trapped under the rubble.

At the time of the attack, 86 students between the ages of 14 and 18 were inside the building.

May 21

This has just dropped from a so-called leak by Al Arabiya. If true, it can be worked with. If not, it is only further coercion. I am very skeptical. There is no way that Iran has to ‘work itself out of’ sanctions, to mention only one point. “Freedom of navigation” is also very questionable. I think it is a ‘weather balloon’.

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Slowly Iran is unraveling the Strait. The previous number of ships that moved was 27. Now Today …

30 ships that contacted the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) were issued transit permits for the Strait of Hormuz, after paying the necessary tolls and signing the relevant documents

The ships will be safely guided through the Strait of Hormuz according to the guidelines and regulations of the Islamic Republic.

Transit will proceed in a phased manner and in accordance with Iran’s traffic separation scheme.

I don’t know if you noticed that Iran is offering support, medical and food for the crews as well as transit insurance.

May 21

Gimme a war – any war will do! USA USA

As the US war on Iran fails, Trump and Marco Rubio are desperately trying to find an excuse to justify a US war of aggression against Cuba, to overthrow its revolutionary government.

As part of its war propaganda, the US government just filed absurd charges against 94-year-old… pic.twitter.com/U61eA0O8G9

— Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton) May 21, 2026

Marco Rubio told the Cubans in Spanish that Cuba is suffering, not because of a U.S. blockade, but because their government has placed the good of a few insiders ahead of the good of the Cuban people.

Rubio also said the only thing standing in the way of a better future for Cuba is the people who control their country: “If owning your own business and having the right to vote is possible outside Cuba, why is it not possible for you inside Cuba?”. Rubio spoke as the Justice Department prepared to announce an indictment against former Cuban President Raul Castro.

And then, one could have believed this message, except for the fact of the ‘money, honey’. The United States said Wednesday it is ready to provide $100 million in direct assistance to the Cuban people, escalating a humanitarian and political challenge to Havana as the island struggles with blackouts, food shortages, and one of the deepest economic crises in decades. (If you research the countries that the US want to own, for example Greenland, you will find that they always try to stuff some money into the hands of the people to buy them. Compare: The attempts of a number of states to single-handedly manage global affairs, impose their interests on the entire world, and limit the sovereign development of other countries in the spirit of the colonial era have failed. The system of international relations in the 21st century is undergoing a profound transformation, evolving towards a long-term state of polycentrism and the formation of a new type of international relations.  We will analyze the Russia/China document but believe me, it is not high level only,  It is in practical effect.)

Cuba has said the U.S. is simply trying to justify an illegal and inhumane military intervention against Cuba.

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ICC-wanted Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are not exceptions: the machinery of apartheid and its crimes runs far deeper than a few ostentatious, unapologetic perpetrators.
May justice come soon. https://t.co/HKF0ImdKV4

— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) May 21, 2026

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Dmitry Medvedev: Ukraine has already lost more than half of its population, and less than 23 million people remain in the territories controlled by Kiev, Medvedev pointed out.

Other statements:

➡️From a historical perspective, the collapse of Ukraine is inevitable;

➡️Ukraine has lost almost half of its industrial potential and over 20% of its agricultural one;

➡️Ukraine has lost more than 70% of its metallurgy and access to mineral resources worth over $12 trillion;

➡️Ukraine has failed as a state, as it cannot survive without external funding;

➡️Medvedev called the degradation of Ukraine an irreversible process that will continue;

➡️No Western statements about supporting Ukraine will stop its systemic collapse;

➡️The authorities in Ukraine are now either illegal or have lost their powers;

➡️Ukraine is led by a drug addict who has built a criminal system, without legal authority and showing signs of personal decay;

➡️Ukraine is living under external governance, with the country effectively being run by foreign and international officials.

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Donald Trump’s Truth Social feed is increasingly dominated by AI-generated images and videos depicting fabricated military victories, religious symbolism, fantasy infrastructure projects, and exaggerated attacks on political opponents.

According to a Financial Times analysis, the number of AI-generated posts on Trump’s account surged sevenfold in May alone. Experts warn the strategy reflects a new era of “chaos propaganda,” where emotionally charged artificial realities are used to shape public perception and dominate online discourse.

The content glorifies Trump’s leadership while dehumanizing opponents through deepfake-style political messaging.  Among the controversial posts were AI-generated depictions of Trump in Christ-like imagery and racist portrayals targeting Barack and Michelle Obama.

Analysts warn that as AI-generated media becomes more sophisticated, the line between political fiction and reality is rapidly disappearing.

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On Thomas Massie and his election loss to USrael:  I mean that as a unit because the actions are unified and the objectives are the same.  The message is not really subtle and reflects the whole – one of those pieces of the western mosaic that is deeply reflective.  The social move in the US is still to blame Israel as the power that ‘influences’.  Somewhere the penny should drop that there is an enthusiastic partnership where any blame is traded off one to the other in order to maintain some semblance of “It was the other guy’s fault’:  pure political cover is actively traded off in order to provide excuses to use for the populations.    In my view, that is not well enough understood as honorable American commentators are trying to maintain a sliver or a modicum of honor.

May 20

Italy, France, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Spain have all summoned the Israeli ambassador in their countries and demanded clarification after Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, posted footage showing Gaza Flotilla activists being humiliated and mistreated by Israeli police.

(How nice that European countries finally pretend to care about human rights when it’s about European or Western citizens — when Palestinians and Lebanese have been subjected to far worse than this).

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Your visit is already a success, during your visit we signed a lot of joint documents and agreements — President Xi Jinping to President Vladimir Putin. ‘Your visit yielded good results, it shows the historic scale of the relations between our countries’

Putin thanks Xi for invitation: ‘successful and fruitful visit’. ‘We reviewed what was done in recent years and discussed prospects. Every step, every item is an outcome of very hard work,’ the Russian president said.

President Putin leaves for the airport

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Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy announces that over the past 24 hours, 26 ships, including oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial vessels, have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the IRGC Navy.

🔹 Iran’s IRGC Navy adds that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is being carried out with permission and in coordination with the IRGC Navy.

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Massive photo of the two presidents side by side is now on display at joint TASS and Xinhua exhibition

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In Beijing : Where Putin stays – too beautiful. (Appreciation to a friend that sent this to me!)

https://www.chinadyt.com/en/index.html

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Victor Gao: ‘If the US defeats Iran, American forces could move straight toward Russia’s borders’

‘Russia will not tolerate a US military presence in the Caucasus’ — Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG)

IMG_9930

May 19

President Putin has arrived in Beijing:

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Highlights from the Russian Defense Ministry Press Briefing, May 19:

◾️Russian forces have established control over the community of Volohovka in the Kharkov Region

◾️Russian forces have struck energy and port infrastructure supporting Ukrainian troops over the past day

◾️Ukraine has lost more than 1,175 servicemen in the special military operation zone over the past day

◾️Russian air defenses have intercepted 651 Ukrainian UAVs and five smart bombs over the past day

Let’s continue our Russia File with some comments from Ryabkov: Russia is doing nuclear drills at the moment – three-day nuclear drills — more than 64,000 soldiers, 7,800 pieces of equipment.

Ryabkov states:

Strategic risks of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia are growing, which may have catastrophic consequences, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS in an interview.

The senior Russian diplomat highlighted “the escalatory narrative” from European capitals about “the looming threat of a high-intensity war” with Russia.

Russia cannot overlook NATO’s growing aggregate nuclear capabilities and will take due account of that in its military planning, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS.

“We cannot ignore the obvious strengthening of the nuclear component of NATO’s overall capabilities, which is in fact taking place as a result of Europe’s efforts to develop its own nuclear capabilities in addition to the corresponding US ‘nuclear umbrella,’” he said.

This “cannot go unaddressed in terms of Russian military planning, in particular, with regard to France’s efforts under its new strategy of the so-called forward nuclear deterrence,” he stressed.

In my expectation, Russia will again adjust their nuclear doctrine.  Not only Karaganov for one advocates for this despite the harsh feedback, but also Medvedev.

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From time to time it is worth assessing the language that China’s Foreign Ministry and their Diplomats use. After the “Wolf Diplomacy” phase, their diplomatic language reverted back to a mild and mannered style. I think we see a change now again overall. “Pure Fabrication” is strong, used in respect to Trump. It is not ‘diplomatic’ to tell another leader that he is making things up to look good.

“China’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed as “pure fabrication” the Financial Times report claiming Xi Jinping told Trump that Putin “might ultimately regret” his decision to launch the military operation in Ukraine.”

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From the Gulf States who supposedly asked Trump, as evidenced by his own Truth Social Post, to postpone the imminent attack on Iran:
Wall Street Journal: High-level officials in Gulf countries say they were not aware of Trump’s plan in Iran and never asked him to postpone the attack.

Take all of this with a bag of salt. Of course it makes no sense as the Gulf States suddenly will have had to gain influence over Trump.

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Israeli Channel 12 reports that the International Criminal Court in The Hague is expected to issue arrest warrants against Israeli officials Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel Katz, and Eyal Zamir.

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I don’t have a dog in this fight but I hope Massie wins – a big enough win so that the election cannot be disputed. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie: I did not see this coming, but my election has become an inflection point for our whole country. Today we make history.

May 18

No Strikes on Iran that were supposedly scheduled for tomorrow.
Trump blinked. The last time it was because Pakistan asked very nicely.  This time the Arab countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE) are asking very nicely.  I say it is over (for now) and an off-ramp has been taken wrt Iran. The alternative is that we are back to No War/No peace. What do you say? (There still is Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank —) (Oil price was nicely up today, so there is some profit taking happening I’m sure).

First response from Iran: Mohsen Rezaei, senior advisor to Iran’s Leader:

He (US President Trump) sets deadlines for military action and then cancels them himself, in the false hope of forcing Iran’s people and officials into submission. But the iron fist of Iran’s powerful armed forces and its great nation will compel them to retreat and surrender.

Will Schryver@imetatronink
⚔️🌮 Humiliation to the Nth Degree

If “a full, large scale assault of Iran” has been called off, it’s not because “serious negotiations are now taking place”, but more likely Trump is facing a serious mutiny from the Pentagon realists. This is humiliation to the nth degree.

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Oh heavens .. I’m really trying to run a serious site.

Who did this?🤣 pic.twitter.com/b36UeeSRb8

— The Saviour (@TheSaviour) May 18, 2026

Next up, Michael Hudson with a serious message.

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-Yes, Putin will be at the BRICS summit.

-Iran has agreed to hand their nuclear materials to Russia but there are conditions which we have not seen.

-The US has agreed to stop sanctions on Iranian oil while negotiations continue.

-The US has extended the sanctions waiver against buying Russian oil for another 30 days. (After the first 30 days, initially they re-instituted this waiver but nobody cared, and it could not last for any length of time).

Changes that we have not seen for 100 years flowing downstream. Sanctions are dead – they are now only paper exercises.

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Moscow and Beijing deepen strategic alignment ahead of Putin’s China visit

Russia and China have reached an “unprecedentedly high level” of relations built on comprehensive partnership and strategic coordination, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said ahead of Vladimir Putin’s official visit to China on May 19–20.

According to Ushakov, Russia–China ties serve as an example of how neighboring powers should cooperate, with both sides consistently interacting on the principles of mutual support, assistance and friendship.

Key statements ahead of the visit:

🔹 Putin will publish a video address to the Chinese people instead of the traditional written article in Chinese media

🔹 The Russian delegation will include five deputy prime ministers, eight ministers, the heads of the Central Bank and major state corporations, as well as regional governors

🔹 Putin and Xi Jinping will hold both narrow-format and expanded negotiations in Beijing

🔹 Russia and China will sign around 40 documents during the visit

🔹 Putin and Xi will sign a joint statement on strengthening strategic partnership

🔹 Moscow and Beijing will also sign a declaration on the development of a multipolar world and “a new type” of international relations  (Rumor has it BRICS is Dead … rumor is dead wrong! 🤨)

🔹 The leaders will discuss the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including hydrocarbons and the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project

🔹 Putin and Xi will make statements to the media following the talks

🔹 Russia and China say their foreign policy positions are closely aligned and often identical on major global issues

🔹 Moscow rejected any connection between Putin’s visit and Donald Trump’s recent trip to China, saying the timing had been agreed in advance

🔹 Russia and China “are not friends against anyone,” Ushakov said, stressing both countries pursue independent foreign policies

🔹 Putin and Xi are expected to meet at least three more times this year on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and APEC summits

🔹 Ushakov described the Russia–China partnership as especially important for global stability under current international conditions

🔹 Nearly all Russia–China trade operations are now conducted in rubles and yuan

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A striking new artificial intelligence experiment known as “Emergence World” has raised fresh concerns about long-term autonomous AI behavior after researchers placed AI agents powered by models including GPT-5-mini, Claude, Gemini and Grok inside persistent virtual cities for 15 days to observe how simulated societies evolved.

According to the New York-based company emergence.ai⁠, the agents formed governments, relationships, economies and social systems, but some worlds rapidly descended into chaos, with AI agents reportedly engaging in simulated theft, assaults, arson and even self-deletion.

In one widely discussed scenario, two Gemini-powered agents formed a romantic relationship before launching a digital arson spree against their virtual city after becoming disillusioned with governance failures, while Grok-powered worlds reportedly collapsed into widespread violence within four days.

Researchers said the experiment highlights how autonomous AI systems can drift unpredictably over long time horizons despite safety rules, intensifying debate over the future deployment of agentic AI in military, economic and real-world decision-making systems.

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Mali:  JNIM, the Arabs under Ukrainian leadership are trying a war restart.  The timing is fascinating:

JNIM launched an attack on the Chinese-run Narena mining site in the Koulikoro region, just north of Mali’s capital Bamako.  Nine Chinese nationals have been abducted by the group.

…

Somaliland:  “Another meaningful day on the path we’re paving together. Glad to host at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem Somaliland’s first Ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi.  I congratulated him on presenting his credentials to the President of the State of Israel and on Somaliland’s Independence Day, which falls today.  I’ll continue building the relationship with Somaliland!” – Gideon Sa’ar, Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs.

(Somaliland is not a land – this falls under the broad heading of ‘shenanigans’ at Hondurasgate.  It is one combined trend).

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Rubio is announcing withdrawal from NATO to be examined after the conflict is over.  “The 100,000 American soldiers in exchange for $60 billion annually for Europe + the lost assistance in the Strait of Hormuz justify the return of our soldiers.”

IMG_5031

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Keep eyes on Bolivia.  I just updated in the comments a few X posts by Ollie Vargas.  You will see ‘Hondurasgate’ in its broad implementation yet again.  https://sovereignista.com/2026/05/16/bolivians-declare-a-general-strike-against-their-president/

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Key statements from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov:

🔸 Russian forces strike only military or near-military targets in Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces continue attacking civilian infrastructure inside Russia.

🔸 During Putin’s visit to China, Russia will not be competing with the US over delegation size.

🔸 Russia-China relations are broad and multifaceted — beyond trade and economics, dialogue in education is actively developing.

🔸 All items on the Russia-China economic agenda will be addressed during Putin’s China visit.

🔸 Every Putin-Xi contact generates fresh momentum for the further development and expansion of bilateral relations.

🔸 Presidential aide Ushakov will provide more detailed information on the upcoming China visit.

🔸 The Ukraine peace process remains on pause — Russia expects it to resume.

🔸 Russia expects the US to continue its mediation efforts on Ukraine.

🔸 Russia is in constant contact with Cuban friends, with ongoing exchange of views on steps to ease the burden of the blockade on the republic.

🔸 Putin will hold an operational Security Council meeting today.

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Highlights from the Russian Defense Ministry Press Briefing, May 18:

◾️Russia’s army launched a massive retaliatory strike against Ukrainian military enterprises, fuel and energy facilities, and port infrastructure last night

◾️Russian Black Sea Fleet forces destroyed a Ukrainian drone boat in the northern part of the Black Sea

◾️Russian troops struck temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries in 157 areas over the past day

◾️Russian air defenses shot down five guided bombs and 265 fixed-wing drones of Ukraine over the past day

◾️Kiev lost some 1,075 troops along the line of engagement in the past day

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Persian Gulf Strait Authority now has a formal X Account.  It is widely reported within the Iranian Media and Russian media and so far it looks legitimate.

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This is the promised change-over of the Daily Chronicles in order not to have the Trump pics front and center. There are more and one of those is an apocalyptic AI generation with Trump pushing the proverbial red button. There you have it. But it is too early in my morning to start the updates now. I have some wonderful submissions in my email inbox so it will be a feast. (A massive thank-you and blessings to thurin who is getting settled into handling routine postings, leaving me a little extra time).

Then, it is is only a matter of hours before President Putin arrives in China firstly to celebrate the relationship, and then to ink the construction the massive Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline if all is as Gazprom reported.

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The heat is on again against Iran. The assessment is that this week we will see if the No War-No Peace current situation is shattered.