• #441
Hey Guardians,

It’s time for the next Guardian Zoom call, and we’re splitting it into two sessions so more people can join.

Friday, March 20
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Eastern

Saturday, March 21
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You’ll get the inside scoop on what’s happening behind the scenes at Websleuths. Guardians always hear it first.

We also want to hear your wildest true-life story. And yes, I’ll be telling the story about how Dick Van Patten once saved my life. I realize that’s a tough act to follow, but I’m confident someone out there has something just as good.

And of course, we’ll cover a whole lot more.

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Tricia
 
  • #442
  • #443
Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands said on Thursday they were ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”.

But Italy and Germany both made clear that they were not talking about any immediate military help, but rather a potential multilateral initiative after a ceasefire.

Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the statement by the six countries should not be seen as a “war mission”.
“No entry into Hormuz without a truce and a comprehensive multilateral initiative”, for which “it is right and appropriate for the United Nations to provide the legal framework”, he said in a statement.

And in Berlin, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that any German military involvement “would depend on the situation after a ceasefire… and whether we could participate within the framework of an international mandate”.

A UK defence official told reporters at a briefing Wednesday that “the level of threat is such that I don’t see many nations being willing to put warships into the middle of that threat right now”.

 
  • #444
  • #445
Reza Farzan worries about his family in Iran. He spoke at a press conference in Newark on March 19, 2026 organized by CAIR-NJ.

Global markets experienced a day of gyrations on Thursday as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran entered its 20th day, amid fears of a deepening global energy crisis and as oil prices surged to $119 a barrel, an increase of nearly 10 percent, before settling at $108.65.

President Trump, seeking to reassure Americans, said that the crisis would be temporary. “It will be over with soon,” he said, even as the Pentagon sought $200 billion in funding for the war — a significant sum adding to the costs of an already divisive campaign.
 
  • #446

Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said after the executions the three "had been sentenced to death following an unfair trial, based on confessions obtained under torture."
...
"These executions are carried out to spread fear in the society, as the Islamic Republic knows that the main threat to its survival comes from the Iranian people demanding fundamental change," it added.
 
  • #447
"On Thursday morning,
gas prices in Europe jumped 30 percent
reaching €70.7 per megawatt-hour
—their highest level since the start of the current conflict.

At the same time,
Brent crude oil prices rose more than 5 percent,
reaching $114 per barrel.

Attacking energy infrastructure,
whether Iranian or Gulf,
will always impact the price of raw materials.
On the one hand,
we then have problems with supply logistics.
On the other hand,
storage of this raw material is an issue.


After shelling and damage,
options become very limited.
Consequently,
these countries will be forced to limit oil and gas production.

The Iranians are now attacking virtually the entire spectrum of energy targets.

And this is where a very big problem arises,
because that damaged or destroyed infrastructure will take many months to rebuild.

This means that even after the war ends,
we will feel the effects of the reduced supply of both crude oil and petroleum products from these countries."

 
  • #448
  • #449
  • #450
Takaichi said that she explained to Trump that Japan’s ability to deploy military forces overseas is still limited by the constitution drafted for Japan by the United States after the second world war.

“While the conversation was of a sensitive nature, the consensus was that ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz is of the utmost importance,” Takaichi said. “However, there are certain actions we can and cannot take within the scope of Japanese law, so I provided a detailed and thorough explanation of this matter.”

Japanese law does permit Takaichi to deploy Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels on law-enforcement operations, such as the anti-piracy mission off Somalia Japan took part in in 2009.

But the prime minister is still barred by law from ordering naval ships into combat, and Takaichi has so far declined to say whether Japan consider the US attack on Iran legal under international law.
 
  • #451
"The European Union is ready to "fully deploy its diplomatic, legal, operational and financial resources to prevent an uncontrolled migration flow from the Middle East to the EU and to ensure security in Europe". This is stated by the European leaders in their closing text for the European summit in Brussels.

The passage was included at the request of Italy and Denmark, who sent a letter earlier today to Commission President Von der Leyen and the other leaders. The European leaders do point out that the war in Iran has not yet translated into such a migration flow. However, they emphasize that the EU must remain vigilant and prepared, based on the lessons learned from the migration crisis of 10 years ago, when hundreds of thousands of Syrians came to Europe.

The leaders are committed to ensuring that Europe's external borders are protected even better and emphasize the importance of sufficient support for countries in the region that (can) accommodate refugees."

 
  • #452
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined urgent demand-side measures to help ease the global oil crisis caused by the Middle East conflict, which has severely disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude above $100 per barrel and spiking diesel, jet fuel, and LPG prices.


1. Work from home where possible
Displaces oil use from commuting, particularly where jobs are suitable for remote work.

2. Reduce highway speed limits by at least 10km/h
Lower speeds reduce fuel use for passenger cars, vans and trucks.

3. Encourage public transport
A shift from private cars to buses and trains can quickly reduce oil demand.

4. Alternate private car access to roads in large cities on different days
Number-plate rotation schemes can reduce congestion and fuel-intensive driving.

5. Increase car sharing and adopt efficient driving practices
Higher car occupancy and eco-driving can lower fuel consumption quickly.

6. Efficient driving for road commercial vehicles and delivery of goods
Better driving practices, vehicle maintenance and load optimisation can cut diesel use.

7. Divert LPG use from transport
Shifting bi-fuel and converted vehicles from LPG to gasoline can preserve LPG for cooking and other essential needs.

8. Avoid air travel where alternative options exist
Reducing business flights can quickly ease pressure on jet fuel markets.

9. Where possible, switch to other modern cooking solutions
Encouraging electric cooking and other modern options can reduce reliance on LPG.

10. Leverage flexibility with petrochemical feedstocks and implement short-term efficiency and maintenance measures
Industry can help free up LPG for essential uses while reducing oil consumption through quick operational improvements.

IEA outlines ways to ease consumer oil costs amid Middle East supply disruption
 
  • #453
Asia gets almost 90 per cent of its oil from the Middle East and has been badly hit by the war in Iran shutting the Strait of Hormuz.
So, how have the countries been managing?


Sri Lanka's government declared every Wednesday a holiday to conserve fuel, creating a four-day work week.

Similarly in the Philippines, staff must now work from home at least one day a week.

Thailand has urged residents to swap suits for short-sleeved tees to reduce the reliance on air conditioning.

And Vietnam has encouraged its people to work from home where possible.


 
  • #454
Despite assurances from the government that fuel stocks across NSW are fine, dozens of petrol stations across the state are starting to run dry.

At least 42 petrol stations are reportedly out of fuel, and almost double have no diesel.
Petrol stations in Baulkham Hills have run out completely, with drivers being forced to leave without filling up.

Drivers are pointing the finger at political leaders, here and overseas.
"[Trump] is responsible, unfortunately, he's got a lot to answer for," a driver told 9News.

 
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  • #455
Facing a MAGA fracture, angry voters and upset allies, the president appears ill-prepared to manage the widening fallout of the war and without a road map out.

 
  • #456
Asia gets almost 90 per cent of its oil from the Middle East and has been badly hit by the war in Iran shutting the Strait of Hormuz.
So, how have the countries been managing?


Sri Lanka's government declared every Wednesday a holiday to conserve fuel, creating a four-day work week.

Similarly in the Philippines, staff must now work from home at least one day a week.

Thailand has urged residents to swap suits for short-sleeved tees to reduce the reliance on air conditioning.

And Vietnam has encouraged its people to work from home where possible.



I think next time I go to the shop I'll find things much more expensive, that's if there's anything left to buy.
 
  • #457
  • #458
Iran's top military spokesman warned Friday that "parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations" worldwide won't be safe for Tehran's enemies.

Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi made the threat as Iran continues to be hit by American and Israeli airstrikes. It renewed concerns that Iran may revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a pressure tactic in the war.

U.S. and Israeli leaders have said that weeks of strikes have decimated Iran's military. Airstrikes have also killed its supreme leader, the head of its Supreme National Security Council and a raft of other top-ranking military and political leaders.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran's navy was sunk and its air force in tatters, while adding that its ability to produce ballistic missiles had been taken out. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard disputed the missile claim on Friday.

"We are producing missiles even during war conditions, which is amazing, and there is no particular problem in stockpiling," spokesman Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini was quoted as saying in Iran's state-run IRAN newspaper.

Naeini added that Iran had no intention of seeking a quick end to the war. "These people expect the war to continue until the enemy is completely exhausted," he said.

A short time after the statement was released, Iranian state television said Naeini was killed in an airstrike.
 
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  • #459
  • #460
"NATO has begun withdrawing personnel from Iraq
due to regional tensions and conflict,
Reuters reported on Friday.

Sources emphasized that the alliance's mission is non-combat, advisory,
and will return once the Middle East war ends and security in Iraq stabilizes.

Polish soldiers were evacuated from Iraq due to the deterioration of security in the Middle East region.
Most of the staff have already returned to Poland or are on their way,
and some are currently in Jordan."

From my country's - Poland - MSM:


"Official Statement from NATO

'We can confirm that we are adjusting our posture in the context of NATO Mission Iraq.
We are working in close coordination with Allies and partners',
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said in an email to Reuters.

Focus on Personnel Safety

'The safety and security of our personnel is paramount,
which is why we will refrain from providing additional details about this matter.
NATO and Iraq’s political dialogue and practical cooperation, including through NATO Mission Iraq, will continue'."


 
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