Iran War Escalates as Attacks Spread Across Region The conflict between Iran and its regional adversaries has intensified, entering its third week with fresh attacks reported across the Middle East. Gulf states have confirmed new missile and drone strikes following Iran’s threat to expand its military campaign. The war, which began with a U.S.-led operation called Operation Epic Fury, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,300 people killed in Iran and at least 13 U.S. service members reported dead. The joint attack on Iran, launched by U.S. and allied forces, has claimed the lives of 13 service members, including six killed in a refueling plane crash over Iraq and seven others in combat. The Pentagon reported that 140 U.S. troops were injured, with eight sustaining severe wounds. In Iran, the Red Cross confirmed 1,300 deaths, with the Health Ministry specifying that 223 women and 202 children were among the casualties. Israel reported 12 deaths from Iranian missile strikes since the war began, with more injuries reported. Pope Leo XIV has intensified his call for peace, directly addressing the leaders responsible for the conflict. In a statement, the pope urged an immediate ceasefire to allow for dialogue and to prevent further violence. While he did not name specific nations, his remarks were interpreted as a reference to the recent missile strike on an Iranian elementary school, which killed over 165 people, many of them children. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has vowed to hunt down Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that the country would “continue to pursue and kill him with full force” if he remains alive. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged allies to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to secure the critical oil passage.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #operation_epic_fury #pope_leo_xiv #gulf_states
Trumpy Billionaire Challenges Pope With Secret Antichrist Meetings Near Vatican Peter Thiel, the tech billionaire and self-described “small-o orthodox Christian,” has begun a series of secret religious meetings near the Vatican, sparking controversy among Catholics. The Palantir cofounder, known for his MAGA-aligned views, has brought his Antichrist lectures to Rome, where he has drawn criticism for his controversial rhetoric. Thiel’s talks, which began in San Francisco last fall, argue that a figure opposing Christ will soon emerge to establish a “totalitarian one-world government.” His recent comments have targeted Pope Leo XIV, whom he labeled a “woke American pope” during a previous lecture. Thiel’s Antichrist lectures have long focused on condemning policies he views as threats to traditional values, including environmental protections and tech regulations. During his San Francisco series, he referred to Gen Z activist Greta Thunberg as a “legionnaire of the Antichrist” and criticized progressive policies as part of a broader ideological battle. Now, he has expanded his message to the Catholic Church’s headquarters, reportedly partnering with Catholic universities in Rome to host his invite-only events. However, two institutions allegedly involved have denied any connection to the gatherings. The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas stated it is not organizing the event, nor will it host it at its campus. The event’s organizers remain unclear, with reports suggesting it may involve the Vincenzo Gioberti Cultural Association, an Italian Christian political group, and the Cluny Institute at the Catholic University of America. While the cultural association confirmed its involvement, the Catholic University of America denied sponsoring the event.#pope_leo_xiv #peter_thiel #vatican #cluny_institute #vincenzo_gioberti_cultural_association
War with Iran 'very far ahead of schedule,' US President Donald Trump tells journalists US President Donald Trump claimed the war with Iran is "very far ahead of schedule" during a press conference in Florida, marking his first opportunity to address journalists since the conflict began 10 days ago. Trump asserted that Iran's military capabilities have been severely diminished, stating the country now has "no navy, no communications, no air force" and its missile and drone programs are "down to a scatter." He emphasized that Iran's forces are "nothing left in a military sense," signaling a significant shift in the conflict's trajectory. The war, which began with joint US-Israeli operations targeting Iran's missile infrastructure, naval assets, and regional influence, has seen Iran retaliate with persistent attacks on Israel and Gulf states. These strikes have contributed to a sharp rise in global energy prices, with crude oil surging over 15% from previous levels. Meanwhile, Iran announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as its new supreme leader, a move that has intensified regional tensions. In a separate development, a powerful explosion and jet activity were reported overhead in Tehran late Monday, though details remain unclear. Trump also engaged in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin. The conversation, described as "frank and businesslike," focused on potential diplomatic solutions to the conflict, with Putin reportedly proposing ideas for a "quick political and diplomatic settlement." The discussion also touched on Venezuela and its impact on the global oil market.#iran #us_president_donald_trump #mojtaba_khamenei #iranian_supreme_leader #pope_leo_xiv
