Now that we're finished with the Trump-talk of 'opening the Straits of Hormuz' - by force presumably, from those to whom they remain closed - the path forward between its rocky banks is a little clearer. The situation may be compared with a 'hostage crisis', and similar rules apply to those following Hamas' taking of 'Israeli' hostages on October 7th 2023. Because we are dealing with the same entities, who show no respect for others' rules, we must expect a similar degree of hysteria and indignation, along with sickening appeals for help from remaining friends, and even pleas for mercy as the screws tighten on their precious economies. Most importantly however, Iran must pay great attention to 'counter-extortion' from the Zionists that could force concessions. There can be none. It is timely to consider what happened following Hamas seizure of 250 israeli prisoners, and how it was possible that 'Israel' turned every kidnapping rule upside down. It could be said that the recent attack on Iran was the object and culmination of 'Israel's' successful Gaza extortion campaign, and that Iran's response was a response to two and a half years of genocide and merciless slaughter of Palestinians. In a sense, Iran was forced to wait for 'Israel' to launch the unprovoked and illegitimate attack on its own territory in order to have a pretext to intervene in the Jewish State's war on the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza, the Occupied territories and Lebanon. By the same token, Iran can justify its military response as atonement for 'Israel's' catalogue of crimes against Palestinians and all the partners of the Resistance, as well as those against Iran and her people. Considering the destruction of Gaza - of its buildings, institutions and community - the 'charge sheet' and compensation bill would be massive, before including the enormous bill for damage to Iranian assets and infrastructure, along with 'human resources'. It is not acceptable in any sort of civilised world that one country can assassinate the leaders of another country simply for political or ideological reasons. As financial compensation for such an act is not possible, it leaves open the possibility of retribution in kind. In retrospect - and of course it is always easy to be wise in hindsight - it would seem obvious that the Islamabad talks could not lead to a resolution of the 'Middle East Wars' as proposed by Iran. That Trump gave his word on Iran's plan as a basis for discussion, under extreme duress following the disastrous Uranium exfiltration operation, shouldn't have been taken as submission to the plan itself. That it was accepted by him simply as a means to 'get the Straits open' should have been seen for what it was, from someone who prefers capitals and never reads the fine print. Yet somehow there was still an expectation from Iran and other countries who negotiate in good faith, that Donald Trump was open to fair discussion on Iran's 10 point plan. This was the same mistake made by Hamas, in believing that 'Israel' would honour the terms of a hostage exchange, both for the release of long-term Palestinian prisoners and for ending the blockade on Gaza. When it became apparent that 'Israel' would twist and dodge to get back its hostages without honoring any agreement in spirit, Hamas should have toughened its stance - as the criminal gangs who use kidnapping to extort money do. - Publish 'Islamic State' style videos showing a prisoner pleading for his life, with a deadline for his execution pending the payment of a ransom - in Palestinian prisoners or concessions; Increase the pressure with a second prisoner when the ransom is not paid, shortening the timeline; demonstrate your 'bona fides' by going ahead with the execution and delivering the body to the hysterical relatives. And demonstrate your 'human shields' by showing them in buildings the enemy threatens to strike. If all this seems hard - and clearly to Hamas it contravened their moral code - remember that 'Israel' has done this since October 6th 1973, and every day since October 7th 2023, extracting payment in blood from Palestinians to keep them in submission to their oppressor. We might ask how it is that 'Israel' has been allowed to get away with such inhuman and unjust abuse of Palestinian life and faced no consequences - but the way forward now offers some chance of redemption - not for 'Israel' but for us. Iran's stranglehold on the Persian Gulf only threatens the lives and economies of countries supporting or collaborating with 'Israel'. Switch sides - as Spain has just done - and you will see light at the end of your tunnel; remain intransigent in your support for 'Israel' and the US and see your economy slowly strangled, while the price of relenting increases; painful concessions may be demanded alongside 'non-members' rates for transiting the straits. Better to relent now, plead forgiveness and support the Iranian government - and fulfil whatever other conditions Iran requires before paying your dues. Those conditions will likely include the breaking off of relations with the State of 'Israel' as well as cancellations of any financial investments or commercial relations.
DM 12 April 2026