Aggregator

Watch: Ukraine, Iran Tensions Run High In Rare Rubio-Lavrov Meeting

A US delegation headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio is holding three day closed-door talks with Russia on the sidelines of an annual gathering by foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila.

The high point came in a rare direct Rubio-Lavrav meeting, where the US top diplomat said Russia should have the incentive to end a "very blood war" that has devastated both sides.

Rubio admitted that so far there's been an "unsuccessful or at least unfruitful" effort to end the war and find peace, but insisted the Trump administration is committed to finding a lasting solution "if conditions and factors have changed to make that possible."

"That’s been the challenge, an end that both sides can accept," Rubio said to reporters. "And we’ve tried and we’ll continue to try to see if we can, you know, find a middle ground that brings this about. And we’re prepared to play that role if the opportunity presents itself."

One of the more interesting moments came when FM Lavrov and Secretary Rubio ignored reporters' questions on whether Russia will agree to stop attacking Ukraine, in the wake of the obvious recent escalations of missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital...

Looks like an *American staffer* runs press out of the room as soon as the 'awkward' but still relevant questions were asked.

A reporter asks Marco Rubio whether he will ask Foreign Minister Lavrov about Russia helping Iran target U.S. troops. Another reporter asks Lavrov when will Russia stop attacking Ukraine. A staffer then removes the press from the room. pic.twitter.com/N7I7ZBVQOE

— Acyn (@Acyn) July 23, 2026

Lavrov underscored in the meeting "the unacceptability of further arming" Ukraine and accused European countries of pursuing Russia's "strategic defeat."

The Kremlin has of late warned the West of its growing direct involvement in targeting Russian energy sits as part of Ukraine's long-range drone operations, which have unleashed serious damage on oil production and export infrastructure. 

Lavrov also declared Russia’s readiness for "a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict" and the upholding of commitment to agreements reached at last year's Alaska summit between Trump and Putin.

But Rubio threw up a significant roadblock and challenge, stressing on the question of arming Ukraine, "There’s been no change to our policy in that regard." But he also again said: "We want a peace deal. We want the war to end."

Another interesting and tense moment came when reporters raised the issue of recent widespread allegations that Russia is arming Iran and helping it with targeting information.

Rubio was clearly trying to not make this an issue at the summit and somewhat surprisingly strongly pushed back against the reports...

Reporter: Did you talk to the Russians about Russia sharing information with Iran targeting U.S. troops?

Rubio: Who says that they are?

Reporter: Are they not?

Rubio: Who says they are?

Reporter: There's been reporting...

Rubio: Reporting in the media? Oh, then it must be… pic.twitter.com/YERHdknMrC

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 23, 2026

Reuters and others had reported Wednesday, "Iranian drone attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf have prompted U.S. intelligence analysts to investigate whether Russia assisted by providing targeting information or ​advanced drone technology, said four people familiar with U.S. intelligence."

"These people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss national security matters, said U.S. intelligence officials have ‌not yet reached firm conclusions about the possible Russian involvement in the attacks on CIA facilities. But they cited the strikes' effectiveness and apparent precision, as well as Russia's broader technical support for Iran, as possible evidence," the Reuters report added.

Some analysts have pointed out that Moscow is inflicting 'payback' on the United States related to its having armed Ukraine for many years. US intelligence has been assisting Ukraine forces with targeting information. So the logic goes that Russia is now doing the same for Iran in the ratcheting Mideast conflict.

Tyler Durden Thu, 07/23/2026 - 14:10

I practically ran to grace & stella's new launch.

You can expect some former Big Bang Theory stars and guest stars in this bonkers comedy!

The Folarin Balogun situation just won't go away.

"I hope she never has the ability to be back out on the street because she is a very very dangerous person."

Gov. Hochul Responds To Criticism, Explains Rationale For AI Data Center Moratorium

Authored by Oliver Mantyk via The Epoch Times,

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul had an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal on July 21 responding to the publication's criticisms of her decision to halt data centers of a certain size from being built in her state.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in New York City on March 19, 2026. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

In her op-ed, Hochul explained her stance on AI data centers and why she believes her decision to prevent the creation of large AI data centers in the state for a year was best for New Yorkers. The moratorium on the facilities is the first of its kind in the nation.

She was countering a July 14 WSJ editorial titled "New York's Data Center Self-Sabotage" published on the same day that Hochul signed her executive order for a statewide moratorium on large data centers, with the newspaper's editorial board calling her move "an act of monumental self-sabotage."

The editorial board said the moratorium on the centers was a popularity move more than a pragmatic one, and that the centers helped local areas with tax money. They also said that the issues of data centers taking up utilities like electricity are overstated.

The publication expressed suspicion of the one-year moratorium, comparing it to the 2008 one-year moratorium on fracking in the state, which was extended until fracking was entirely banned years later.

Hochul opened her July 21 op-ed response by saying the WSJ editorial had gotten New York's decision and rationale for the AI data center moratorium wrong.

She said the one-year pause on hyperscale AI data centers that use 50 megawatts or more is a responsible move, allowing for the establishment of rules for an industry that will hold much influence in the future.

According to Synergy Research Group, these large-scale data centers are the minority of operational centers, but are becoming more common, with hyperscale data centers doubling between 2019 and 2024.

AI data centers are different from regular data centers, which handle running software, web pages, and storing files. AI centers require different computer components focused on AI operations and require more energy and cooling.

Hochul made clear that the existing facilities will still operate, smaller projects will move forward, and the pause will end when rules to protect New Yorkers are in place.

"What we're pausing isn't innovation. It's the rush to build first and answer questions later," she wrote.

She said that New York doesn't need to pick between leading the future in AI and protecting its citizens and communities, and that regulating AI won't hand over technological victory to China.

"America's competitive advantage has never been the absence of rules. It has been our ability to attract the world's best talent, develop breakthrough technologies and earn public confidence in them," she wrote.

Hochul cited her Empire AI initiative as an example of New York's effort in advancing AI technologies.

The governor said that the expansion of data centers should come at the benefit of residents, not the detriment.

"Success means communities reap economic benefits, ratepayers don't foot the bill for massive new energy demand and infrastructure keeps pace with unprecedented growth," she wrote.

Tyler Durden Thu, 07/23/2026 - 13:50

Cleaning a dirty pool sucks.

Vegas is betting big on hearts.

The grueling global fitness race has become the Big Apple's loudest, look-at-me, “culty” workout obsession.

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk is on top of his health at 58.

She’s refused to be on screen. Now, she’s raking in the green.  

Athletics minor league infielder Ryan Lasko collided with his Double-A Midland teammate, Devin Taylor, during a June 30 game. The two players were both trying to catch a ball in the right-center gap when they collided. Taylor was unharmed and retrieved the ball, while Lasko stayed down and remained there for about 10 minutes before...

Taylor had previously been married to Clayton Wessel, with whom she shares sons Oliver, 5, and Maxwell, 3.

Taylor had previously been married to Clayton Wessel, with whom she shares sons Oliver, 5, and Maxwell, 3.

Sen. Cruz Says GM Pushed The China Car Ban Provision That Would Also Knock Out Mercedes-Benz

The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the bill unanimously. Its chairman voted yes and then accused a Detroit automaker of writing part of it to remove a German competitor.

People look at a BYD Seagull car by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD Auto at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Nonthaburi on March 27, 2024. Lillian Suwanrumpha /AFP via Getty Images

The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously advanced the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 on July 22, codifying into law a Biden-era executive order that barred Chinese and Russian automakers from selling passenger vehicles in the United States. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a Republican and a Democrat from two states that build cars. The vote was bipartisan and the margin was total, while the disagreement was about who benefits.

Committee chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX), who supports the bill, told the hearing that General Motors had been pushing for one of its ownership provisions in order to get Mercedes-Benz out of the American market and make its own Cadillac brand more competitive. He said flatly that "we would never consider" banning Mercedes-Benz sales in the United States, and that he would push to change the provision.

GM disputes the characterization. The company said the legislation isn't about any individual automaker and that it "supports policies that protect and strengthen American manufacturing and the global competitiveness of U.S. automakers." Cruz's account is his reading of GM's lobbying, not an established finding.

How A German Carmaker Ends Up In A China Bill

The provision at issue is an ownership test. As reported out of committee, the bill reaches not only companies "owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction" of a US adversary, but companies partially exposed to one - with a 15 percent threshold for vehicle manufacturers and 25 percent for software and hardware firms.

Mercedes-Benz carries roughly 20 percent passive Chinese investment. That is a minority financial stake, not operational control, and the company is accused of nothing. It clears the threshold anyway.

Moreno answered that Mercedes would have until 2030 to comply and could seek waivers from the ownership requirement. He also pointed to Detroit's own adjustments: GM plans to move production of its Chinese-made Buick Envision to the United States for the 2028 model year, and Ford has agreed to move Chinese-made Lincolns stateside.

One more supply chain is being redrawn. Moreno said Google's self-driving unit Waymo, which had been in talks with Chinese automaker Geely about sourcing platforms from China, "has committed to looking at a Detroit-based manufacturer for their future platforms."

Polestar said last month that the administration is forcing it to stop selling vehicles in the United States from the 2027 model year. The company is based in Sweden and majority-owned by China's Geely Holding.

Its sister brand Volvo Cars - which co-founded Polestar and shares the same ultimate owner - said in May it received authorization to keep selling in the United States, though it must still meet the rule's requirements. Same parent, opposite outcomes, which is roughly what an ownership-percentage regime is designed to produce and also why the percentages are being fought over.

What The Bill Is For

The stated rationale is concerns over data and control. Connected vehicles - and almost every new vehicle is one - carry Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and in some cases satellite links, any of which could in principle expose driver information or vehicle systems to a foreign adversary. The bill extends the existing ban beyond China and Russia to Iran and North Korea, removes light-vehicle weight limits, and sets a minimum civil penalty of $1.5 million or five times transaction value per violation. Software restrictions bite in 2027, hardware around 2030.

Slotkin's office says the legislation "closes the door on Chinese-origin vehicles, software, and key components at every stage" so that data gathered on American roads cannot be routed back to Beijing. Slotkin herself framed it in industrial terms: "The Chinese Communist Party's playbook of heavily subsidizing their product and underselling the competition puts Michigan's auto industry and millions of American workers at risk." Moreno was blunter - "We're preventing an absolute, total, and complete destruction of our industrial base." Roughly 8 million Chinese-made vehicles enter the global market each year.

Polestar 4 (via Top Gear) Tyler Durden Thu, 07/23/2026 - 13:30

"The timing of this says a lot," one fan commented on her questionable post.

"The timing of this says a lot," one fan commented on her questionable post.

The first overall pick in the NFL draft signed his rookie deal with the Silver and Black on Thursday.

HOOP, there it is! What’s bigger than a T. rex, at least according to New Yorkers at the American Museum of Natural History? The New York Knicks‘ NBA Championship trophy, a 29-pound hunk of hard-won metal that will soon go on display at the Upper West Side landmark. Starting this Monday, July 27, the NBA’s...

Trump "Close" To Ordering "Massive Attack Greater Than Anything Before" On Iran Summary

• Trump escalates warnings of "massive attack": Trump threatened to hold Iran responsible for future Houthi attacks and said he is "close" to ordering a massive new strike (Axios interview).
• Houthis escalate: The Houthis threatened Saudi Aramco after attacking two Saudi oil tankers and expanding their blockade of Saudi shipping.
• Oil jumps: Brent crude climbed back above $100 as Red Sea and Hormuz shipping disruptions intensified.
• Rubio says no talks are happening: Rubio said Iran is "begging for a deal" while warning Tehran will continue to "pay a very heavy price."
• Overnight tit-for-tat persists: The US carried out a 12th straight night of strikes on Iran as Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait reported fresh Iranian missile and drone attacks.

//--> //--> //--> Will the U.S. invade Iran before 2027?
Yes 30% · No 71%
View full market & trade on Polymarket New Iraq PM Tries Hand at Mediation

After being at the White House just last week, Iraq's new "Washington approved" prime minister is apparently now the new shuttle diplomacy guy, after Qatari and Pakistani peace efforts on Iran have come to naught. 

The NY Times is reporting Thursday afternoon that "Iraq’s prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, is in Tehran carrying a proposal for a cease-fire between Iran and the United States, according to Iranian and Iraqi officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about matters of national security."

But the messaging apparently went the other way to, from Tehran to Washington, per more from the Times:

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, told local news media that the Iraqi leader had shared with Iranian officials his “insights and impressions” from his recent meeting with Trump. Araghchi added that Tehran and Washington don’t have a problem when it comes to finding mediators, “the problem is America’s attitude.”

At the moment, Trump is threatening new, massive attacks on Iran, which could come tonight or at any time, with the whole region on edge and the State Department telling Americans to urgently find flights out of the Middle East.

Trump "Close" To Bigger Strikes Than Ever Before: Interview

President Trump has newly been cited in Axios as saying he's seriously considering restarting major combat operations in Iran. He's previewing strikes that would be bigger than anything before, including in the opening days of Operation Epic Fury, when dozens of Iranian government and military leaders were killed, including the Ayatollah. There's also chatter that Israel could rejoin the attacks this time, after Israeli jets have been absent in the past twelve days of renewed bombing raids.

However, Axios stipulated that Trump has yet to make a final decision. Mideast regional Al Hadath and Israel's Channel 12 are separately reporting that US officials have told regional allies to "be prepared" for such a new major assault on Iran.

Axios writes, "In a brief interview, Trump acknowledged that such a decision would have consequences and stressed he hasn't made a determination yet." This as Brent Crude has climbed past $100 per barrel on Thursday, and as the prospect of all-out war remains unpopular among American voters, especially with months to go ahead of the midterms.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," the president said. And more via the Axios interview:

• Trump said Israel "would join in two minutes if I ask them to," but added that "we don't need anybody" to launch a new operation against Iran.
• He also said there would be "consequences" for Israel joining the strikes, hinting at Iranian retaliation against Israel.
• Trump said the Iranians "want to negotiate" but are not ready to make a deal at the moment.
• "They haven't received enough pain yet," he said.
• Two regional sources with knowledge of mediation efforts said Iranian leadership hasn't accepted the latest proposal put forward.
• "We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful," one of them said.

The Houthis have meanwhile been ratcheting their involvement, apparently having been called upon by Tehran to help it keep leverage over key oil transit chokepoints. All the while, there have been widespread reports of the Pentagon surging large aircraft, especially refueling tankers, from Europe to the CENTCOM area.

Houthis Threaten Saudi Aramco

After the Iranian-aligned Houthis confirmed they struck two Saudi oil tankers as part of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, as a second chokepoint on global oil supplies opens alongside the Strait of Hormuz, on Thursday the Shia militant group is now openly threatening Aramco facilities inside the kingdom... or at least some unnamed officials are telling regional media.

The Houthis have characterized their campaign as "a blockade for a blockade," saying it is intended to pressure Saudi Arabia. The Saudis have already been blockading Houthis controlled-ports in Yemen for years, which hearkens back to a Gulf vs. Houthi chiefly aerial war that opened in 2015.

via Saudi Aramco

The group is threatening to carry on with attacks even if Saudi vessels seek to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. US regional allies are currently scrambling to establish alternative energy shipping routes that avoids the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint.

Al Jazeera has cited unnamed Houthis sources who say that Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil facilities could be next:

The ship, confirmed by both the Houthis and British maritime organisations, was struck on its top deck, which caught fire – a less severe outcome than a hull strike, which typically causes a vessel to sink. The Houthis claim both ships were hit, though British monitors say the second tanker made a U-turn and redirected toward the Suez Canal.

At least 10 vessels attempting to cross Bab el-Mandeb strait have been forced to reroute towards the Suez Canal instead, facing a much longer journey around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. The two targeted vessels had been heading to India and China.

The Houthis describe the campaign as “a blockade for a blockade”, warning that Saudi Arabia must lift its blockade on Yemen or face further consequences. Houthi officials say they plan to escalate operations to target Saudi oil tankers and ships even when not crossing Bab el-Mandeb – meaning vessels rerouting via the Suez Canal could still be at risk.

Houthi sources also say Aramco oil facilities could become a future target if the blockade on Yemen is not lifted.

The Houthis have until this week largely remained on the sidelines of the US-Israel war on Iran, but are now clearly ratcheting their involvement, helping Tehran with keeping leverage over global oil shipping.

It was in March of 2022 that the last major strike on Saudi Aramco facilities was reported. Prior to that, 2019 saw the major Abqaiq–Khurais attack. 

https://t.co/kHxR0KKD2U

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 23, 2026

However, which group was ultimately behind some of those past, historic attacks remained somewhat of a mystery, also amid speculation that it could have been pro-Iranian groups out of Iraq. This as Brent Crude has on Thursday returned to the $100 per barrel mark.

Rubio, Trump Statements As Brent Tops $100

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that Iran is "begging for a deal" and "they need to come to their senses," adding that Tehran will "pay a very heavy price for the things they are doing." Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference in Manila, he claimed that "Iran is begging us, both directly and indirectly, 'Let’s do a deal. Let’s talk.'" But the reality remains that there's no public indicators showing this; instead, the Iranians have pretty aggressively sought to enforce their red lines, this week attacking a series of international ships in the Hormuz Strait.

Rubio tried to blame an alleged fracturing of the Iranian government, and a takeover by the 'hardline' faction of leadership. "The problem with Iran is every time they make a deal, the people in charge either break it or they want to change it. So it looks like they’re not ready to make a deal, so they’re going to continue to pay a price, and every night the price gets higher and higher," he asserted. Mini-nuke on Pickaxe Mountain facility or something?

US President Trump says "considering a massive attack greater than anything before, I'm close to making a decision," N12 reports

via Associated Press

Rubio then characterized Iran and its policies as "run by radical clerics" - calling them "oblivious" to its economic problems. In the background is the fact that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent months ago boasted that US policies and sanctions engineered a currency collapse in hopes that the January economic protests would topple the regime. This never materialized and now people in the Trump administration seem perplexed.

Rubio continued the blame-game while suggesting that if Tehran were to play ball on negotiating a deal for the Hormuz Strait, it could receive major economic benefits.

"Iran can be the richest country in the Middle East if they wanted to be. But instead, they take their money, and they use it and they give it to Hezbollah. They give it to Hamas. They give it to the Houthis. They give it to Shia militias. They give it to sponsored terrorism all over the world," he said.

Iran "will pay a very heavy price for the things they are doing. They are already paying a heavy price," he said. Rubio also responded to recent statements of the Iranians talking about exacting "an eye for an eye" in terms of military approach. The US top diplomat then asserted that President Trump's approach was "a head for an eye". He described that currently Iran's military-industrial base is being "decimated" - suffering "billions" of dollars" in damage. This as...

The US bombs Iran for the 12th consecutive night, killing at least two people and wounding 11 others in an attack on the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iraq. Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait have reported retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran.

But what's happening in the Red Sea right now does suggest that the Iranians have more cards to play. Their allies, the Houthis of Yemen, have initiated closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait to all Saudi shipping. At least two vessels were attacked, with unconfirmed but widely circulating video showing one on fire and in distress:

BIG: First Saudi oil tanker reportedly hit by Houthi missile near Yemen, engulfed in flames. pic.twitter.com/R3nG7FSdW1

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 22, 2026

The attacks on the tankers pushed Brent up near $100 - its highest since May 26th...

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has newly announced he communicated to Saudi Crown Mohammed bin Salman Pakistan's strong condemnation of Houthi aggression against Saudi vessels.

"Such actions are unacceptable, violate international law, threaten freedom of navigation, and undermine regional peace and security," Sharif said in a statement on X. The PM emphasized that Pakistan stands "firmly and resolutely" with the Saudi leadership.

Trump: Will Punish Iran for Houthi Attacks

President Trump is threatening to take military action against the Houthis, and on Thursday morning took it a step further in saying he will hold Iran itself accountable for Houthi actions. "The US will hold Iran responsible," he wrote, explaining that "the Houthis area a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran." He warned that "major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis" themselves.

As for Rubio's remarks, there were still clear signs that the administration hasn't totally abandon efforts to revive talks. "The president always prefers to negotiate and reach a deal… and we are prepared to do that. We've tried to do that now for a year and a half," Rubio had further stated from the ASEAN conference.

But then he again reverted to the argument: "If there’s any undermining of confidence, it’s confidence that the Iranian system as it currently is structured can reach an agreement." Rubio added, "Ships are trying to go through the Straits, and they’re getting blown up. Commercial ships are going through the Straits, and they’re being blown up."

Joe Kent: Bombing in Search of a Strategy

As for the big picture of where things stand, Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent highlights to nature of the current 'all bad options' of the table and quagmire the White House has gotten itself into.

"This is a bombing campaign in search of a strategy," Kent wrote on X. We are choosing escalation when de-escalation remains an option, entrenching ourselves deeper into a broader war that we don’t have the capability or desire to sustain. There is not a military solution here that will lead to a win."

There was so much smug talk up to last week about how Gulf pipelines would make the Strait of Hormuz irrelevant and haha isn’t Iran foolish for hastening the SoH’s demise. This tanker’s oil came from Yanbu, ie KSA’s East-West pipeline to the Red Sea. https://t.co/DrOiAnGytT

— Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) July 22, 2026

Kent noted that "More bombing will not convince Iran to open the SOH or to give us the deal we want, it will only harden their position. Bombing civilian infrastructure will not make the people rise up against the regime, it will rally them around it."

Tyler Durden Thu, 07/23/2026 - 13:15