Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar: Strait of Hormuz Traffic Plunges to Wartime Levels

Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted to 10% of pre-war levels, from 150-200 vessels daily to 15-20. The host presents a graph illustrating this drastic reduction. Lt. Col. Aguilar clarifies that the Strait is 'controlled' by Iran, not 'closed,' with Iran imposing restrictions and conditions on passage. He explains that a 12-nautical-mile navigable channel, maintained by Iran and Oman, is the designated route. Additionally, a US 'distant blockade' in the Gulf of Oman significantly impeded traffic, with the US disabling ships attempting to pass.

Graph showing vessel traffic drop; host's statement on 90% drop; Aguilar's analogy of border control for the Strait; mention of US distant blockade and disabling ships.

Aguilar asserts that the United States has betrayed every aspect of the MOU signed with Iran. The MOU stipulated an immediate and permanent cessation of war on all fronts (including Lebanon) and the lifting of frozen assets as preconditions for further talks on Iran's nuclear program. However, the US has continued strikes on Iran, refused to release Iran's frozen assets (which are Iran's own money, not a gift), and Israel continues its incursions, all in direct violation of the MOU's initial terms.

Host's mention of MOU terms; Aguilar's statement that the US has 'betrayed every aspect of this MOU'; specific examples of US refusal to unfreeze assets and continued military actions.

Israel has expanded its incursions into Lebanon and Syria, moving past the Golan Heights into areas like Abdin and Jamal, closer to Damascus. These actions violate UN Security Council Resolution 2006 (for Israel to leave Lebanon) and the 1974 disengagement agreement (for Israel to leave the Golan Heights). Aguilar argues that the US is supporting these Israeli actions, betraying its own allies and UN resolutions for Israel's 'colonial project' in the Middle East.

Aguilar's detailed description of Israeli incursions into Lebanon and Syria; reference to UN Security Council 2006 resolution and 1974 disengagement agreement.

The US Central Command commander met with the Lebanese army to discuss implementing a security annex, likely aimed at arming the Lebanese army to fight Hezbollah. Aguilar views this as a dangerous strategy, mirroring failed US interventions in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where the US attempted to pit a US-backed government against the local populace or resistance groups. He predicts this will lead to civil war in Lebanon and further entangle US troops in a conflict that does not serve US interests.

Discussion of SANCOM commander Brad Cooper's meeting with Lebanese army; Aguilar's comparison to US strategies in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

The United States has officially broken ground on a massive 5,000-soldier military base in Gaza. Aguilar warns this base will serve as an expeditionary hub, not just for Gaza, but also for supporting operations in Lebanon or acting as a policing force in the West Bank. This move is seen as a significant escalation, further entrenching the US military in the region for Israel's benefit, rather than pursuing diplomatic solutions.

News of the US breaking ground on a 5,000-soldier military base in Gaza.