Emeritus Prof Christopher MayMar 16

So, let me get this right; the Tangerine Tyrant has launched a war (colluding with Israel) against Iran with the explicit intent to topple the regime.... but, today Treasury secretary Scott Bessent has said the US will tolerate continued trading in Iranian oil (to keep prices from escalating) and therefore handling the Iranian regime a major windfall in oil revenues; which I assume they will be using to continue their side of the war.

No wonder the Europeans want no part of this!

#Iran
h/t FT

txtx 🇪🇺Mar 17
Show threadzenkat

@ChrisMayLA6 Given that the closure of the Straight of Hormuz was a known outcome of an offensive war with Iran, it's time to start asking, "Cui bono?"

-- US oil companies get higher prices while remaining a geopolitically safe source of oil.
-- Russia gets higher oil revenue to fund its was in Ukraine.
-- China, India, and Europe end up paying higher prices without any benefits.

I doubt Trump has the mental acuity at this point to really think through all these consequences. But I strongly suspect those whispering in his ear wanted exactly this outcome.

Mar 16 at 6:35pmWeb
Show threadMarjorieRMar 16
@zenkat @ChrisMayLA6 "China, India, and Europe end up paying higher prices without any benefits."
Not forgetting any American who isn't a billionaire.
Show threadEmeritus Prof Christopher MayMar 16

@zenkat

Yes, the whispers knew what they wanted

Show threadCurioso 🍉 🇺🇦 (jgg)Mar 16

@ChrisMayLA6 @zenkat

Makes sense that guy asked Europe to stop decarbonizing, then.

Ditching fossil fuels is more urgent than ever.