We have now entered a new phase of Western-led global savagery — prefigured by the genocide in Gaza — in which all pretences have been dropped and only the logic of raw, unrestrained violence remains
Regarding proliferation, another possibility is the multiplication of strategic and defense agreements instead of nukes. None of the existing nuclear powers—official and unofficial—want to see an increase in nuclear proliferation.
One very good example is Iran and the strategic agreements it signed with Russia and China, although without a defense clause, because it'll do more harm than good to all parties.
Iran has just made the point that mid-range ballistic capabilities, enough to tear off an arm of any regional enemy, are sufficient to deter and defend oneself. Missile and drone technologies have already been proliferated by China (heard about the Karl Lee case?) since the early 2010 for the very purpose of providing its partners with means to themselves deter regionally without China needing to intervene militarily abroad. This is a key element in China's Belt and Road Initiative and this is bloody smart. Hardcore systemic thinking chinese style.
I don't think Iran will escalate by directly striking US interests, because it doesn't need to. Keeping pounding Israel and having it deplete its air defense ammo—thus the US air defense ammo—will do the trick. Keep in mind that due to Ukraine, US stockpiles are at their lowest, and Washington does not have the manufacturing capacity to supply what's needed to intercept everything Tehran may throw at Tel Aviv. It's a war by numbers neither Israel, nor the US, nor NATO can win.
-- Update 06/23/2025 @ 2046 hours --
Iran did launch tonight ballistic missiles targeting a US base in Qatar. Iran gave advance warning to the Qatari and used obsolete missiles that Doha air defence could intercept effortlessly. Iranians also provided all trajectory data.
Them Zanakabaz from Tehran are good. No wonder they've been playing the West for 46 years and are still at it..
Yep that's a pretty cool calculation. "Death by 1000 cuts" and a demonstration that they are still there. When you realise Iran is a country of 90 million people and really large (and mountainous) geographically, while the economic sanctions have certainly hurt their economy over the years (and this is why they have not much regular air force to speak of) the idea of regime change by "bombing" from the sky is a nonsense. If the punters really want regime change and to stop Iran building nuclear weapons, volunteer to join your nation's army and demand a ground war to "retake" Iran. Good luck with that.
As Maynard of Tool sings (about a fool who goes to war) "He had a lot to say, He had a lot of nothing to say, We'll miss him"
Interesting point about the possible saturation of anti-missile defence. However, presenting Iran as an
example of successful deterrence sounds a bit far-fetched. I guess the supreme leader himself - hiding in a bunker avoiding electronic communication for fear of being detected - must have some doubts.
It has worked so far, until Netanyahu - which is political dead meat now and in a Bunker avoiding e-coms too - had no other choice to stayin power and avoir jail, but to put its peope and his country in joepardy.
Yes, great article, thanks for writing it. History always advances from the bad side, wrote Marx; it will be nice to see where the Zionist World Order will take us, because it is no longer the democratic order, ( in facts there has never been a democratic order, but by law there was a democratic order), now we can forget about that.
Absolute evil is looming, it is the Kingdom of the lower Demons, 'das Reich der niederen Dämonen', to quote what Ernst Niekisch wrote in the 40s of the last century.
I have deep concerns about who really runs America based on this weekend’s bombing. I vote for Trump to stop this kind of foreign involvement, and his appointment of Gabbard was reassuring. Now it seems that either (a) they were lying, (b) someone had more reliable intel than us on Iran’s program, (c) they were too dumb to understand they were being oversold on the threat, or (d) unable to do anything but go along with a long-running plan. I am going with (d).
I think many of us feel the same way. As a European, I initially felt envious of the US for the remarkable speed with which you streamlined your government and USAID through DOGE. But then suddenly, there's this fallout between Musk and Trump, and now both Trump and Gabbard seem to have completely reversed their positions. Given that they both openly despised Netanyahu not till long ago, I can't help but wonder... what the hell happened? Are they being blackmailed or threatened? There is no logical explanation for these dramatic shifts. No one benefits except war profiteers. Iran has been a problem state for 47 years, the hate against the Jews is a lot older than that, the nuclear program more than 20 years old, but now, just out of the blue, they're weeks away? It just doesn’t add up...
According to Alastair Crooke, a former British diplomat and one of the few sane people in foreign policy, the decision to bomb Iran now was based on the threat assessment by the Israel AI program Mosaics, and sold to Trump as a fact. A very convenient one to get his Zionists donors off his back.
Those who program AI rule the world. Welcome to the new brave world.
Do we, the peasants, still remember how to use a pitchfork?
So we should sit back and watch as a fanatical theocracy develops nuclear weapons that it will undoubtedly use on its enemy Israel?
The idea that they will be used as a deterrent is plain ridiculous.
And if there’s so much to fear why aren’t the Saudis for example building their own, or the Egyptians? Why only the mullahs in Iran? These are people with absolutely no regard for human life, including its own children, that celebrates martyrs and believes that an early death is actually a good to thing as it speeds up the path to a promised 72 virgins. They have said repeatedly that they want Israel destroyed and I think it’s best that we believe them. There is therefore no world in which they should be permitted to arm themselves with nukes.
I think the biggest threat is ignorance and brainwashing so that people just spew propaganda of their elites rather than actually trying to understand the underlying reasons for conflict and work towards peaceful solutions.
I’m not sure whether you’re implying that I’m propagandised by my elites and am therefore not capable of independent thought. I la so let me assure you I’m not - I doubt there are many on this platform as violently opposed to the elites of that world.
But I’m sure we all find that occasionally our worldview aligns with at least some of those elites. Regarding the current situation in the ME I am in complete alignment with the idea that Iran is run by a murderous theocratic regime that should have no place in the modern world. This seems also to be the view of a good many exiled Iranians whose opinion I trust. Having said that, while I support the removal of the Mullahs’ nuclear weapons capability, I do not regard regime change as a legitimate goal. The Iranian people need to obtain that for themselves. I hope it comes soon.
Jews of Iran are living as equals. Can you say the same for non jews in Israel. Which state is committing genocide WJM. Who's leader is committing war crimes based on the UN charter WJM. Which country has nukes and won't let AEIA inspect WJM. Your opinion is dog poop. WJM. Again: get woke.
What is the difference between a so called fanatic theocracy and a so called democratic hegemon in number of civilians killed? The hegemon is millions of dead ahead. Facts speak louder than Western propaganda.
I think if you look the Saudis are developing their nuclear capabilities and you can bet, due to western depravity, that within 3 years from now both Iran and Saudi will have them.
Re they say they want Israel destroyed and so will use nuclear weapons that's not a serious argument and all you are doing is trotting out the propaganda you are consuming without critically analysing it. The doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction is what has kept the (nuclear) peace in this nuclear age. There is no reason Iran having nukes would change that. And don't trot out that death cult bullshit. That might apply to some radicalised individuals but it doesn't apply to states. i.e. it turns out nuclear weapons are a "defensive weapon". In fact that's all they can be - to use nukes on another nuclear state means armageddon.
Your conclusion that "there is no world in which they should be permitted to arm themselves with nuclear nukes" is morally unsustainable unless all countries with nuclear arms disarm themselves. Do you see that happening? No you or the west have NO moral right to assert that.
While I've historically been anti-nuke (I am a Kiwi after all) to my mind, as Thomas has written, given the collapse of western ethics, the sooner Iran gets nuclear weapons the safer the world will be as ironic as that sounds. Unfortunately that will lead to proliferation which is what NPT was trying to avoid but that is now toast too due both to recent brazen behaviour AND the fact that the nuclear powers have utterly failed to disarm themselves.
Regarding Saudi nuclear weapons, yes, MBS did say that Saudi would consider developing a nuclear weapon, but that was on condition that Iran develops one first. The Saudis are more concerned about Iran getting a nuke than they are about Israel already having them. As any semi-sane, rational agent should be. MAD only holds when both parties wish to avoid the D, destruction. Iran as a theocratic state, with a belief system that glorifies death, has no such qualms.
As regards your peace on earth, goodwill towards to all men bullshit, take the sanctimony and shove it.
And you believe MBS? But yes they probably will complete this mission within a year or so of Iran, with US help of course (as they are helping right now).
You must be god because MAD has always held to date. Your opinion that Iran is not a rational state is laughable. The most irrational and dangerous state in the world today is the US, I presume where you reside. This is clear to anyone without blinkers on.
There was no sanctimony about my comment about peace on earth. It seemed clear you have fallen for Dualistic thinking so I was just suggesting there was a "third way".
As for the offence thank you for that. To you I suggest in response that you listen to the Tool song "Message to Harry Manback". I wish you all the best.
What is Israel has been doing to Palestinians since 1948 qualifying as genocide under the international law. Especially the last 2 years.
Severity of the Hamas attack on Israel was supported by the application of the Hanibal doctrine by IDF- shooting and bombing their own people to prevent them from becoming hostages.
Palestinian and the neighboring countries resistance to Israel occupation, and land and property takeover is legitimate under the international law.
The Palestinians or the neighboring countries did not vote for the resolution of establishing Israel on their land. None of these countries existed in 1948. The colonial powers did.
The mullahs look pretty mild compared to the Zionists - God chosen people with the afforded privilege to kill Amalek and their children. Natanyahu used Amalek in one of his latest speeches.
You sound like one of the Americans who loves to bomb freedom and human rights into the world’s peoples.
Your lying corporate media are the best!
There are plenty of writers who tell the truth on Substack.
So called fanatical theocracy? You’re saying they aren’t? Ask the Iranians that are cheering Israel on what they think. Ask the people in Iran.
As regards the number of people killed, what defined success for Hamas when they started this? What was their KPI for Oct 7? It for sure wasn’t hostages - a few hundred dead Israelis is neither here nor there. No - it was the severity of the reaction to the provocation - the more dead Gazans the better. When your worldview is based on a religion that has no respect for life, and instead venerates death, it really doesn’t matter how many are killed as long as your propaganda objectives are achieved. Israel were stupid; they should have realised it was a set up and not reacted. Maybe they were blindsided, maybe they just didn’t care. I don’t know. But I do know that I’ll back Israel, however imperfect, over the backward, bearded muftis and mullahs that you lot seem to find so admirable.
Why do you feel it necessary to take sides? Seems like you're part of the problem. Why not be guided by the goal of "peace on earth"; that should help you with your moral compass if you apply some critical thinking and skeptical analysis.
Yes! I just read Trump announcement of the end of the 12 day war! And peace will rain upon us all. This sick performative politics has no place, it seems, for Palestinians.
We are already witnessing the first wars as a result of the ENERGY TRANSITION.
A Structural Continuity.
Just as oil underpinned the industrial warfare of the 20th century, data and energy transition now underpin contemporary conflict. Today's wars are not just about territory or ideology, but about securing technological sovereignty and supply chains for the post-carbon world.
The consequence is that we are witnessing the economic collapse of the West, with the automobile as the most symbolic symptom, just as it was the symbol of progress and freedom at the beginning of the industrial oil era. Now the "grandchildren" of the post-war carbon era are ironically clinging to NATO as paradise lost. They fail to realize that this is not a transition but the latest form of capitalism, technofascism.
The reckless, illegal and unprovoked bombing of a sovereign nation — especially its civilian nuclear facilities — must be unequivocally condemned and opposed, regardless of its consequences.
Notice that two countries in history effectively bombed and destroyed nuclear facilities in other countries, without any declaration of war : Israel (Osirak bombing in 1981) and USA (Iran bombings in 2025). Weird uh ?
We can safely say that the US and Israel really are the epitome of aggressive, bullying, rogue countries that would really, really require a regime change.
Why did the Berlin wall collapse Thomas. And could the educated internet connected youth take this same route. I'd say it's a possibility
Point 2
MAD will prevent (as it has up to now) prevent a nuclear attacks.
Point 3:
If we don't nuke ourselves out of existence 1st Scott Ritter is well versed in nuclear deterrence thru disarmament can work. **Trust thru verification**
Small typo in para 13. First 'Israel' should be 'Iran'. Great article, thanks.
Great analysis, Thomas.
Regarding proliferation, another possibility is the multiplication of strategic and defense agreements instead of nukes. None of the existing nuclear powers—official and unofficial—want to see an increase in nuclear proliferation.
One very good example is Iran and the strategic agreements it signed with Russia and China, although without a defense clause, because it'll do more harm than good to all parties.
Iran has just made the point that mid-range ballistic capabilities, enough to tear off an arm of any regional enemy, are sufficient to deter and defend oneself. Missile and drone technologies have already been proliferated by China (heard about the Karl Lee case?) since the early 2010 for the very purpose of providing its partners with means to themselves deter regionally without China needing to intervene militarily abroad. This is a key element in China's Belt and Road Initiative and this is bloody smart. Hardcore systemic thinking chinese style.
I don't think Iran will escalate by directly striking US interests, because it doesn't need to. Keeping pounding Israel and having it deplete its air defense ammo—thus the US air defense ammo—will do the trick. Keep in mind that due to Ukraine, US stockpiles are at their lowest, and Washington does not have the manufacturing capacity to supply what's needed to intercept everything Tehran may throw at Tel Aviv. It's a war by numbers neither Israel, nor the US, nor NATO can win.
-- Update 06/23/2025 @ 2046 hours --
Iran did launch tonight ballistic missiles targeting a US base in Qatar. Iran gave advance warning to the Qatari and used obsolete missiles that Doha air defence could intercept effortlessly. Iranians also provided all trajectory data.
Them Zanakabaz from Tehran are good. No wonder they've been playing the West for 46 years and are still at it..
Yep that's a pretty cool calculation. "Death by 1000 cuts" and a demonstration that they are still there. When you realise Iran is a country of 90 million people and really large (and mountainous) geographically, while the economic sanctions have certainly hurt their economy over the years (and this is why they have not much regular air force to speak of) the idea of regime change by "bombing" from the sky is a nonsense. If the punters really want regime change and to stop Iran building nuclear weapons, volunteer to join your nation's army and demand a ground war to "retake" Iran. Good luck with that.
As Maynard of Tool sings (about a fool who goes to war) "He had a lot to say, He had a lot of nothing to say, We'll miss him"
Indeed!
Interesting point about the possible saturation of anti-missile defence. However, presenting Iran as an
example of successful deterrence sounds a bit far-fetched. I guess the supreme leader himself - hiding in a bunker avoiding electronic communication for fear of being detected - must have some doubts.
It has worked so far, until Netanyahu - which is political dead meat now and in a Bunker avoiding e-coms too - had no other choice to stayin power and avoir jail, but to put its peope and his country in joepardy.
Yes, great article, thanks for writing it. History always advances from the bad side, wrote Marx; it will be nice to see where the Zionist World Order will take us, because it is no longer the democratic order, ( in facts there has never been a democratic order, but by law there was a democratic order), now we can forget about that.
Absolute evil is looming, it is the Kingdom of the lower Demons, 'das Reich der niederen Dämonen', to quote what Ernst Niekisch wrote in the 40s of the last century.
I have deep concerns about who really runs America based on this weekend’s bombing. I vote for Trump to stop this kind of foreign involvement, and his appointment of Gabbard was reassuring. Now it seems that either (a) they were lying, (b) someone had more reliable intel than us on Iran’s program, (c) they were too dumb to understand they were being oversold on the threat, or (d) unable to do anything but go along with a long-running plan. I am going with (d).
I think many of us feel the same way. As a European, I initially felt envious of the US for the remarkable speed with which you streamlined your government and USAID through DOGE. But then suddenly, there's this fallout between Musk and Trump, and now both Trump and Gabbard seem to have completely reversed their positions. Given that they both openly despised Netanyahu not till long ago, I can't help but wonder... what the hell happened? Are they being blackmailed or threatened? There is no logical explanation for these dramatic shifts. No one benefits except war profiteers. Iran has been a problem state for 47 years, the hate against the Jews is a lot older than that, the nuclear program more than 20 years old, but now, just out of the blue, they're weeks away? It just doesn’t add up...
According to Alastair Crooke, a former British diplomat and one of the few sane people in foreign policy, the decision to bomb Iran now was based on the threat assessment by the Israel AI program Mosaics, and sold to Trump as a fact. A very convenient one to get his Zionists donors off his back.
Those who program AI rule the world. Welcome to the new brave world.
Do we, the peasants, still remember how to use a pitchfork?
So we should sit back and watch as a fanatical theocracy develops nuclear weapons that it will undoubtedly use on its enemy Israel?
The idea that they will be used as a deterrent is plain ridiculous.
And if there’s so much to fear why aren’t the Saudis for example building their own, or the Egyptians? Why only the mullahs in Iran? These are people with absolutely no regard for human life, including its own children, that celebrates martyrs and believes that an early death is actually a good to thing as it speeds up the path to a promised 72 virgins. They have said repeatedly that they want Israel destroyed and I think it’s best that we believe them. There is therefore no world in which they should be permitted to arm themselves with nukes.
You're talking about Israel right???WJM
Israel's are the nut jobs not Iran....woke up
I think the biggest threat is ignorance and brainwashing so that people just spew propaganda of their elites rather than actually trying to understand the underlying reasons for conflict and work towards peaceful solutions.
I’m not sure whether you’re implying that I’m propagandised by my elites and am therefore not capable of independent thought. I la so let me assure you I’m not - I doubt there are many on this platform as violently opposed to the elites of that world.
But I’m sure we all find that occasionally our worldview aligns with at least some of those elites. Regarding the current situation in the ME I am in complete alignment with the idea that Iran is run by a murderous theocratic regime that should have no place in the modern world. This seems also to be the view of a good many exiled Iranians whose opinion I trust. Having said that, while I support the removal of the Mullahs’ nuclear weapons capability, I do not regard regime change as a legitimate goal. The Iranian people need to obtain that for themselves. I hope it comes soon.
Jews of Iran are living as equals. Can you say the same for non jews in Israel. Which state is committing genocide WJM. Who's leader is committing war crimes based on the UN charter WJM. Which country has nukes and won't let AEIA inspect WJM. Your opinion is dog poop. WJM. Again: get woke.
LOL
Comrade
That would be the 8000 or so Jews who are just a bout tolerated. How does that compare to the 2 million or so Arabs in Israel?
Dog poop? Comrade? Go fuck yourself.
There are 20 synogogues in Tehran alone.
ME. The greater jihad. Good luck in the mirror world.
What is the difference between a so called fanatic theocracy and a so called democratic hegemon in number of civilians killed? The hegemon is millions of dead ahead. Facts speak louder than Western propaganda.
I think if you look the Saudis are developing their nuclear capabilities and you can bet, due to western depravity, that within 3 years from now both Iran and Saudi will have them.
Re they say they want Israel destroyed and so will use nuclear weapons that's not a serious argument and all you are doing is trotting out the propaganda you are consuming without critically analysing it. The doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction is what has kept the (nuclear) peace in this nuclear age. There is no reason Iran having nukes would change that. And don't trot out that death cult bullshit. That might apply to some radicalised individuals but it doesn't apply to states. i.e. it turns out nuclear weapons are a "defensive weapon". In fact that's all they can be - to use nukes on another nuclear state means armageddon.
Your conclusion that "there is no world in which they should be permitted to arm themselves with nuclear nukes" is morally unsustainable unless all countries with nuclear arms disarm themselves. Do you see that happening? No you or the west have NO moral right to assert that.
While I've historically been anti-nuke (I am a Kiwi after all) to my mind, as Thomas has written, given the collapse of western ethics, the sooner Iran gets nuclear weapons the safer the world will be as ironic as that sounds. Unfortunately that will lead to proliferation which is what NPT was trying to avoid but that is now toast too due both to recent brazen behaviour AND the fact that the nuclear powers have utterly failed to disarm themselves.
Regarding Saudi nuclear weapons, yes, MBS did say that Saudi would consider developing a nuclear weapon, but that was on condition that Iran develops one first. The Saudis are more concerned about Iran getting a nuke than they are about Israel already having them. As any semi-sane, rational agent should be. MAD only holds when both parties wish to avoid the D, destruction. Iran as a theocratic state, with a belief system that glorifies death, has no such qualms.
As regards your peace on earth, goodwill towards to all men bullshit, take the sanctimony and shove it.
And you believe MBS? But yes they probably will complete this mission within a year or so of Iran, with US help of course (as they are helping right now).
You must be god because MAD has always held to date. Your opinion that Iran is not a rational state is laughable. The most irrational and dangerous state in the world today is the US, I presume where you reside. This is clear to anyone without blinkers on.
There was no sanctimony about my comment about peace on earth. It seemed clear you have fallen for Dualistic thinking so I was just suggesting there was a "third way".
As for the offence thank you for that. To you I suggest in response that you listen to the Tool song "Message to Harry Manback". I wish you all the best.
Agreed. The Iranian proxy Hamas demonstrated the genocidal intent of the Mullahs on October 7th 2023.
Sure, Israel has far more firepower, but it understands the existential consequence of Iran acquiring the atomic bomb.
What is Israel has been doing to Palestinians since 1948 qualifying as genocide under the international law. Especially the last 2 years.
Severity of the Hamas attack on Israel was supported by the application of the Hanibal doctrine by IDF- shooting and bombing their own people to prevent them from becoming hostages.
Palestinian and the neighboring countries resistance to Israel occupation, and land and property takeover is legitimate under the international law.
The Palestinians or the neighboring countries did not vote for the resolution of establishing Israel on their land. None of these countries existed in 1948. The colonial powers did.
The mullahs look pretty mild compared to the Zionists - God chosen people with the afforded privilege to kill Amalek and their children. Natanyahu used Amalek in one of his latest speeches.
You sound like one of the Americans who loves to bomb freedom and human rights into the world’s peoples.
Your lying corporate media are the best!
There are plenty of writers who tell the truth on Substack.
Yes - a veritable paradise on earth for Jews, women and gays. You know what - why don’t you just move there. I’m sure you’ll be happy.
So called fanatical theocracy? You’re saying they aren’t? Ask the Iranians that are cheering Israel on what they think. Ask the people in Iran.
As regards the number of people killed, what defined success for Hamas when they started this? What was their KPI for Oct 7? It for sure wasn’t hostages - a few hundred dead Israelis is neither here nor there. No - it was the severity of the reaction to the provocation - the more dead Gazans the better. When your worldview is based on a religion that has no respect for life, and instead venerates death, it really doesn’t matter how many are killed as long as your propaganda objectives are achieved. Israel were stupid; they should have realised it was a set up and not reacted. Maybe they were blindsided, maybe they just didn’t care. I don’t know. But I do know that I’ll back Israel, however imperfect, over the backward, bearded muftis and mullahs that you lot seem to find so admirable.
Why do you feel it necessary to take sides? Seems like you're part of the problem. Why not be guided by the goal of "peace on earth"; that should help you with your moral compass if you apply some critical thinking and skeptical analysis.
Det er spesiellt at når en muslim skriver om en konflikt mellom Islamske land og Vesten, er det alltid Vesten som har oppført seg dårlig.
Yes! I just read Trump announcement of the end of the 12 day war! And peace will rain upon us all. This sick performative politics has no place, it seems, for Palestinians.
We are already witnessing the first wars as a result of the ENERGY TRANSITION.
A Structural Continuity.
Just as oil underpinned the industrial warfare of the 20th century, data and energy transition now underpin contemporary conflict. Today's wars are not just about territory or ideology, but about securing technological sovereignty and supply chains for the post-carbon world.
The consequence is that we are witnessing the economic collapse of the West, with the automobile as the most symbolic symptom, just as it was the symbol of progress and freedom at the beginning of the industrial oil era. Now the "grandchildren" of the post-war carbon era are ironically clinging to NATO as paradise lost. They fail to realize that this is not a transition but the latest form of capitalism, technofascism.
As John Mearsheimer has long argued, nuclear weapons are instruments of deterrence.
If so, why did you present few lines above nuclear proliferation as one of the worst outcomes of the US attack on Iran?
The reckless, illegal and unprovoked bombing of a sovereign nation — especially its civilian nuclear facilities — must be unequivocally condemned and opposed, regardless of its consequences.
Talking about Russia’s attack on Ukraine?
Well said. Bravo!
Outstanding article - clear concise and very difficult to credibly challenge!
Notice that two countries in history effectively bombed and destroyed nuclear facilities in other countries, without any declaration of war : Israel (Osirak bombing in 1981) and USA (Iran bombings in 2025). Weird uh ?
We can safely say that the US and Israel really are the epitome of aggressive, bullying, rogue countries that would really, really require a regime change.
Point 1:
Why did the Berlin wall collapse Thomas. And could the educated internet connected youth take this same route. I'd say it's a possibility
Point 2
MAD will prevent (as it has up to now) prevent a nuclear attacks.
Point 3:
If we don't nuke ourselves out of existence 1st Scott Ritter is well versed in nuclear deterrence thru disarmament can work. **Trust thru verification**
Which comes next is up to all of us to decide