Iran’s Araghchi’s highly instructive Anabasis to Islamabad, to Oman, back to Islamabad, to Moscow. Putin calls Trump; long talk includes stern warning AND offer to mediate Iran war. Israel attacks “Global Sumud” flotilla savagely far from Gaza; kidnaps two
Scott Ritter and I review what we know and infer on Iran & Ukraine. Then Joe Lauria provokes me by alluding to visiting British royalty. So, at minute 46:40 I tell the (true) story of when my Irish grandmother had a word for Queen Victoria – face-to-face!
Update on Iran. Also, at minute 46:40, an update on “Global Sumud” flotilla, which Israel brutally attacked hundreds of miles from Gaza near Crete, sending 34 passengers to the hospital. Brought back memories of being aboard the “US Boat to Gaza” in 2011.
https://www.youtube.com/live/TyelQf1N4PI?si=w1Sla854wXSHpCbP
Israel Boards Flotilla Boats, Abuses Passengers, Hundreds of Miles From Gaza
By Laurie Gagne, May 2, 2026
On April 29, 22 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla were intercepted by the Israeli navy. Commandos boarded the boats and disabled the engines. Then the 175 crew members were put on board an Israeli prison ship. For the next 40 hours, they were kicked around, denied food and water, stuffed into containers and forced to lie down on a deck that was periodically and deliberately flooded with water.
When a couple of the leaders of the Flotilla, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Avila were separated from the group for transport to Israel, some of the participants resisted–nonviolently. For their efforts, they were beaten, one person suffered a broken nose, another broken ribs.
Instead of being taken to Israel, the Flotilla members were transported to Crete where they were turned over to the Greek authorities. Some of that group accepted an invitation from the Turkish government to be flown to Istanbul. When they landed in Turkey, they were given an extremely warm reception.
In Turkey they are free, of course, and some of them are going home. Others are contemplating a return to the Flotilla. (About 36 boats of the Flotilla were not intercepted by the Israelis and will be heading to Gaza after a lay-over in Crete.)
There is great concern for Saif and Thiago. Lawyers on the ground in Israel have met with them and say they have both been beaten, and that Saif, who is Palestinian, has been tortured.
Saif has Spanish citizenship and his government has spoken out in his defense; Thiago is Brazilian and has also received support from his government. The U.S., not surprisingly, has denounced the Flotilla and warned of “consequences” for any governments who try to assist it.
Trump unpredictable. Yet Larry and I are asked to predict if Iran war will resume this week. I lean toward NO, based on Putin’s recent warning and Trump’s dodging the 60-day deadline. Larry leans toward YES, as still more weapons/troops arrive in the area.
Someone please ask Hegseth a forthright question – as I did Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld 20 yrs ago in Atlanta. “Why did you lie to get us into unnecessary war, with these kinds of casualties?”, I asked him. He lied again. Anderson Cooper asked me, twice, wasn’t I afraid!
“Saturday Nite Live” w/Joe Lauria. We covered a lot of serious material in relatively relaxed, discursive way. On Iran I mentioned an off-ramp that I believe Trump could still use. Talked about the Deep State. Scott sent his regrets; had to bow out; is OK
https://consortiumnews.com/2026/04/25/watch-the-world-this-week-war-on-hold/
Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi just as we began discussing Moscow-Tehran ties. Based on personal knowledge of Gen Caine, it seems possible that he might summon the courage to dissuade Trump from considering using infantry or nukes vs Iran
Clips from the press briefing with Ray McGovern, Anthony Aguilar, Ivan Ingraham, Brian McGinnis, Josie Guilbeau, Dennis Fritz, Michael Vlahos & Pastor Rebecca Vargas.
A budget is a moral document. Are we Americans so amoral as to keep acquiescing in this catering to the Epstein-class filthy rich, sending our kids to war for Israel? Trump to us: ‘No dough for the Commons. I need it for my criminal wars’. By Walt Zlotow https://substack.com/@waltzlotow/p-195518635
Eric Faison/The Daily Beast