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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Eighteen days into the conflict, Iran's Revolutionary Guards remain active despite major setbacks. Their flexible command structure sustains operations, yet analysts see signs of pressure within the power system.

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... Eighteen days after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the first hours of the war, and eliminating other political and military leaders, it would have been safe to assume the power center of the Islamic Republic had been fatally destabilized.

"But as the third week of the war begins, it is becoming clear that this assessment does not match reality. Iran's power structure has overcome the initial shock," Middle East analyst Habib HosseiniFard told DW.

Bruised but not eliminated, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are continuing to carry out attacks on several fronts against the US, Israel and neighboring Arab states. They are relying on a decentralized and wellconnected command structure. ...

Against this backdrop, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has ruled out negotiations, saying there will be no cease-fire as long as the US and Israel continue to strike Iranian targets.

He appears able to rely on a stillrobust military apparatus, with the IRGC as the key actor capable of responding flexibly to constantly changing situations. ...

Why Iran can still fight as a 'failed state'

Reza Talebi, a political analyst, points to Iran's internal structure and warns against simplistic assumptions about a possible collapse of power in Iran. ...



#1 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-17 07:35 PM | Reply

@#1 ... warns against simplistic assumptions about a possible collapse of power in Iran ...

From what I've read, Pres Trump seems to have thought that Iran would be a short ~in and out~ operation, like Venezuela.


#2 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-17 07:42 PM | Reply

It's more like the air phase of Desert Storm. IRGC launch numbers are dwindling. The USAF & IDF are now over Tehran focusing on the Basij militia.

2 hours ago:

"Reports indicate clashes between security forces and citizens around Chaharbagh Square in Tehran. The sound of gunfire can be heard", according to activist Ilia Hashemi"

Not a place anybody would want to be right now.

#3 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-03-18 12:38 PM | Reply

If you look at DrudgeReport, ships are burning out of control in the Strait, America is on the brink, it's armagedon.

If you watch the OSINT and live maps, it's much less dramatic, and very one sided. There's 500 air strikes hitting Iran vs Iran activating regional surrogates for local skirmishes (which then get bombed), and getting 1 missile or drone through out of a wave going the other way. No new map color in an area showing a Kurd uprising. Looking at a country Israel has already been waging an air war against for 8 months and blew up all the best Russian supplied air defenses last year.

#4 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-03-18 12:45 PM | Reply

Sitz, are you aware that Iran is inflicting economic harm on the world by restricting traffic in the strait of hormuz? You understand that that is their primary strategic objective-to inflict enough economic hardship that the US and Israel offer a ceasefire.

You understand that correct?

You do understand that the hardship imposed by Iran can ONLY be relieved by not only opening the SoH but also having the Gulf states pumping and loading the oil at levels similar to what they were pumping before the war.

You get that, right? That victory for Israel and America is not measured by blowing up equipment but by imposing their will sufficient to clear that "pipeline" of oil and LNG and fertilizer and helium etc.

You understand that, right?

That if you blow up 98% of Iran's rockets and missiles and drone and artillery and mines and boats and submarines, Iran can STILL close that pipeline, because private companies need to be convinced to move their ships through and the Gulf states need to be able to pump oil into said ships.

You understand that, right?

Are America and Israel days away from destroying 100% and VERIFYING said 100% of Iranian weapons such that private companies will risk their ships?

If the answer is no, then we are looking at a massive world wide recession that will make 2008 and 2020 look like child's play.

#5 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 01:25 PM | Reply

US VP Vance says we know we got a problem' with petrol prices
US Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that "we got a problem" when it comes to rising petrol prices amid the US-Israel war on Iran.

"Gas [petrol] prices are up. We know they're up, and we know people are hurting because of it," he said during a speech at a manufacturing facility in Michigan.

"We got a problem " we know that we got a problem," he continued, adding that "we're working on couple things that will be announced in the next 24, 48 hours".

The vice president did not elaborate, saying he did not want to get ahead of President Donald Trump.

LOL

Ya think?!!

#6 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 01:31 PM | Reply

@6

"The Problem"

Jimmy "the Gent" Burke is on the phone asking in code about wiseguy Tommy DeSimone's ceremony to make him a "made man."

~

Jimmy: "So, how'd it go?"

Lucchese Crime Family goombah: "Well, we hadda little problem...."

Jimmy: "Problem? Whaddayamean?"

Lucchese Crime Family goombah: "Well, he's gone. And there ain't nuttin' we could do about it."

#7 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-18 02:06 PM | Reply

Sitz, are you aware that Iran is inflicting economic harm on the world

#6 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 01:31 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh noes, my solar excess is profitable again.

#8 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-03-18 04:28 PM | Reply

Sitz, are you aware that Iran is inflicting economic harm on the world
#6 | Posted by truthhurts

Golly, what would prompt Iran to do a thing like that?

#9 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-18 04:33 PM | Reply

Oh noes, my solar excess is profitable again.

POSTED BY SITZKRIEG

Sounds like this is exactly what you voted for!

Gratz. Enjoying the Great American FAFO are ya?

#10 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-03-18 04:35 PM | Reply

Oh noes, my solar excess is profitable again.

#8 | Posted by sitzkrieg

You think the only thing that will be impacted are people's energy rates you are, well, stupid.

#11 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 05:29 PM | Reply

So, apparently we attacked Iran's nuclear power plant and largest natural gas field

So, umm not good, as Iran is going to escalate

#12 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 05:39 PM | Reply

Iran responded by hitting Qatar's oil fields/

This is very very bad

#13 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 05:44 PM | Reply

The killing of Ali Larijani shows that Israel is not interested in a negotiated peace.

Larijani, while despicable was a key figure in negotiations. He is the guy that Whitkoff supposedly had back door contact with.

So, umm, killing him shows that negotiations are not on the table.

Again, America is LOSING this war. At some point Piggy will realize that and ask for a ceasefire.

the ONLY question is how much the cost will be before Piggy comes to that realization.

Fortunately, Piggy is well known for his level headed decision making and deep knowledge on middle east politics and nuclear disarmament.

#14 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 05:47 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Iran warns will destroy Gulf energy sector if its own attacked again
The IRGC has warned that Iranian forces would destroy the oil and gas industry of its Gulf neighbours, it its own energy sector is attacked again.

"We warn you once again that you made a big mistake in attacking the energy infrastructure of the Islamic Republic, the response to which is being implemented," a statement carried by Iranian media said.

"If it is repeated again, further attacks on your energy infrastructure and that of your allies will not stop until it is completely destroyed, and our response will be much more severe than tonight's attacks."

#15 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 05:48 PM | Reply

Tragic that Dummkopf Trumpf and AIPAC put America on the wrong side of history.

#16 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-18 05:59 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

www.reuters.com

Exclusive: US encourages Syrian action against Hezbollah, Damascus is hesitant, sources say

The United States has encouraged Syria to consider sending forces into eastern Lebanon to help disarm Hezbollah, but Damascus is reluctant to embark on such a mission for fear of being sucked into the war in the Middle East and inflaming sectarian tensions, five people briefed on the matter said.

Escalation

#17 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 06:08 PM | Reply

Abu Dhabi gas facilities shut down due to falling debris after missile interception
The Habshan gas facilities in Abu Dhabi have been shut down over an incident caused by falling debris from the interception of missiles, the Abu Dhabi Media Office has said.

Authorities are responding to incidents at the gas facilities and the Bab oilfield.

"Operations at the gas facilities have been suspended, and no injuries have been reported," the media office said.

this is not good

#18 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 06:27 PM | Reply

this is not good

#18 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 06:27 PM | Reply | Flag:

It's great for the environment.

#19 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2026-03-18 06:44 PM | Reply

It's great for the environment.

#19 | Posted by sitzkrieg

You are not very smart

#20 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-18 06:46 PM | Reply

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