Precise Counterstrike for Twenty Days: The Eagle-Taming Drama Has Just Begun (Part II)

On March 17, the spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Command formally accused: 'U.S. soldiers deliberately set fire to the aircraft carrier USS Ford out of fear.' The brilliance of this move lies in Iran’s refusal to say, 'We did it,' opting instead to claim, 'Your own troops did it.' How can the U.S. military refute this? Deny it? Then they must prove the fire was accidental—but The New York Times has already reported that it took 30 hours to extinguish and that 600 sailors slept on the floor. Admit it? Then they confirm that U.S. troop morale has plummeted to an all-time low. Remain silent? That amounts to tacit acknowledgment. When the very soul of an aircraft carrier is shattered, can it still be called 'the world’s most powerful'? Chapter 21: The Gaza Wall Is About to Be Torn Open—Rafah Crossing Partially Reopens On March 18, the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced that the Rafah Crossing would reopen for two-way passage on that day, permitting a limited number of people to cross. This marks the first reopening since its complete closure on March 1—albeit a 'limited opening' under Israeli control, and restricted to personnel movement rather than liberation. Yet a crack has already appeared in the wall. When over two million Gazans finally glimpse even a sliver of an opening—and when the primal urge to survive finds its first outlet—the myth of Israel’s 'security' has already begun to crumble. The Iron Dome can intercept missiles, but it cannot hold back a tide of people. F-35s can destroy launchers, but they cannot obliterate the will to survive. The moment the Gaza Wall is truly kicked open, Israeli citizens will realize that their multi-billion-dollar 'smart wall' is nothing more than concrete and barbed wire. Chapter 22: Global Aftershocks—Europe’s Betrayal, ASEAN’s Anxiety, Central Asia’s Trembling 22.1 The G7’s 'Split' and Europe’s Collective Refusal Beyond the United States, French and Italian envoys have already arrived in Tehran. Germany issued its strongest warning yet to Israel, opposing any annexation of the West Bank. France insists on 'independent mediation' and maintains distance from the U.S. Spain outright refused U.S. military use of its ports and recalled its ambassador to Israel. Europe keeps three ledgers: a military ledger, an energy ledger, and a trust ledger. But recent developments have made this accounting even clearer. On March 16, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas told reporters in Brussels regarding the Middle East conflict: 'This is not Europe’s war.' She added that EU member states have no intention of expanding their existing 'Shield' maritime escort operation into the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking after the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Kallas stated, 'No one wishes to be drawn voluntarily into this war,' emphasizing that all parties should seek solutions through diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, explicit statements followed in rapid succession: United Kingdom: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is not NATO’s responsibility, and the UK 'will not be drawn into a broader Middle Eastern war.' Germany: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed skepticism about expanding the EU’s escort mission to the Strait of Hormuz, asserting Germany need not participate; Defense Minister Boris Pistorius explicitly rejected U.S. requests for military support. Poland: Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Polish President Andrzej Duda has ruled out deploying Polish troops for escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Greece: A government spokesperson declared that Greece will not participate in any operations in the Strait of Hormuz under current circumstances and has no intention—under any scenario—of becoming embroiled in war.

Saudi Oil Exports Resume, Oil Prices Fall; Putin’s Party Wins Big in Parliament—What’s Your Take?

While en route to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed to accompanying journalists that Saudi Arabia had requested military support from the UK. After consulting with Defense Secretary Grant Shapps and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Sunak decided to provide Saudi Arabia with defensive aerial refueling support. The Royal Air Force will deploy one Voyager tanker aircraft to refuel Saudi fighter jets engaged in defensive missions. The UK defines this operation as strictly defensive in nature, with implementation expected within days and continuation anticipated for several weeks. This marks Sunak’s first major military decision since assuming office in July. Sunak noted that the UK’s decision also reflects consideration for the importance of Red Sea shipping lanes to both the UK and regional economies. On the 22nd, the UK Ministry of Defence officially confirmed the provision of the tanker aircraft. Although a single refueling aircraft has limited impact, this represents the second European country—after Italy—to extend support to Saudi Arabia amid the current Red Sea turmoil. France disclosed plans to dispatch military advisors to Saudi Arabia to bolster protection of critical energy infrastructure. According to French diplomatic channels speaking to AFP, France intends to assist in safeguarding Saudi energy facilities in Yanbu and the vital East-West Pipeline—but strictly on a defensive basis. Italy, too, has plans to support Saudi Arabia—and is acting first. It intends to deploy up to four naval vessels to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to join Red Sea escort operations. The rationale is straightforward: Italy lies closer to the Suez Canal than either France or the UK, and roughly 40% of its trade passes through the canal. If the Houthi movement gains control of—or threatens—the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, this is not some distant Middle Eastern war for Italy, but a direct threat to its trade routes and energy supply. That explains why Italy’s defense minister has become markedly more proactive recently. On the 18th, the Italian Navy’s frigate Carlo Bergamini already launched operational action, escorting the Italian merchant vessel Jolly Oro through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Italian Navy confirmed this escort mission. Although large-scale military intervention by the UK, France, and Italy has yet to begin, a promising trend is already evident: Europe will not stand idly by while the Houthis wreak havoc in the Red Sea. At the very least, European nations remain committed to defending their own interests. This is a positive development. On the 21st, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas publicly urged member states to increase naval vessels and other military assets to strengthen the EU’s Aspides escort operation in the Red Sea—citing escalating Houthi activity near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This signals a shift from 'Saudi Arabia requesting European assistance' to 'Europe recognizing its own trade lifeline is under threat.' Soon, the Houthis will discover their expansionist ambitions are unsustainable. II. News closely linked to Ukraine: [2.1] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron in New York. Macron stated that France is reinforcing Ukraine’s air defense through contracts to supply radar systems and interceptor missiles. Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine also plans to acquire additional SAMP/T systems and missiles via EU loan financing. Kyiv and Paris are working toward co-producing SAMP/T systems and missiles in Ukraine and advancing the joint 'Freya' anti-ballistic missile project.

Kallas Pushes EU to Redirect Pledged Hormuz Ships to Counter Houthis

1 day ago

EU diplomat Kallas urges redirecting naval assets pledged for a stalled Strait of Hormuz mission to the Red Sea to counter Houthi attacks, aiming to secure critical energy supply chains amid fears of fuel disruptions.

bloomberg

2026-09-28

Kallas Pushes EU to Redirect Pledged Hormuz Ships to Counter Houthis

Kallas Pushes EU to Redirect Pledged Hormuz Ships to Counter Houthis

FAQ