US C-17s SURGE to Israel, Russia Enters Iran War with SHOCKING Move | Mark Sleboda

Summary

Host Danny Haiphong and geopolitical analyst Mark Sleboda discuss the possibility of renewed US-Israeli attacks on Iran, reported movements of US military transports to Israel, and a US-Russia diesel arrangement. Sleboda’s central argument is that leaders’ domestic political pressures and military constraints are shaping events, while the conflict is widening beyond Iran.

Possible Escalation Against Iran

Sleboda says Trump’s position is uncertain, with competing views within his administration and several reported attack plans under consideration. He links the hesitation partly to elections and economic pressures, including higher fuel prices, and partly to munitions shortages and strain on US forces. He doubts another short bombing campaign would topple Iran’s government, though he warns that the US and Israel could still cause substantial damage.

US Buildup and Military Constraints

Asked what C-17 flights to Israel might be carrying, Sleboda says they could be transporting weapons, replacement equipment, and routine supplies for US forces and aircraft. He points to a reported US sale of 40,000 one-ton bombs for Israel, which he says are intended for use in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Sleboda also argues that US naval forces and logistics are overstretched, and that the deployments do not, by themselves, prove an imminent strike.

The Strait of Hormuz

Sleboda disputes claims that the US has established control over the Strait of Hormuz. He argues that Iran retains the ability to threaten shipping, and says reports of tankers passing safely may reflect Iranian permission and toll arrangements rather than a loss of Iranian capabilities. He describes Iran as reasserting control, while acknowledging that its economy is also under pressure.

Efforts to Destabilize Iran

Sleboda says the US and Israel may be trying to encourage unrest among Kurdish and Baluch groups inside or near Iran. He considers these efforts potentially dangerous but argues that they are unlikely to be decisive if they were not prepared well in advance. He also mentions the possibility of using other opposition groups.

Widening Regional Conflict

Sleboda says reports that Pakistan has joined attacks on Yemen’s Ansar Allah (the Houthis) would mark a significant change, particularly given Pakistan’s previous role as a mediator. He speculates that Saudi incentives may be involved.

He also discusses the possibility of Turkish-linked forces or armed groups from Syria being sent to Yemen, as well as reports of Israeli efforts to establish a presence in Somaliland and Ethiopia. He presents these developments as signs that the conflict could spread across the region and into East Africa.

The Diesel Arrangement with Russia

Sleboda describes the reported deal as a Russian release of diesel for the global market, while noting that reports about Russia buying Iranian diesel and reselling it were unverified. He says the quantity under discussion may be modest relative to world consumption but could still affect market expectations and US political messaging.

He argues that diesel shortages are being aggravated by the Iran conflict, refinery disruptions, Russia’s earlier export restrictions, and China’s export limits.

Russia’s Motives and the Broader Balance of Power

Sleboda treats the diesel deal as a strategic maneuver, not a gesture of goodwill toward Trump. He suggests it could help Russia challenge Western sanctions, influence energy markets, and create friction between Trump, Ukraine, Europe, and US agencies.

He also stresses that Russia and China pursue their own national interests rather than acting from a shared ideological commitment to a multipolar world or to the wider “axis of resistance.” He says both may want Iran’s government to survive without necessarily seeking Iranian dominance of the Strait of Hormuz.

Closing Perspective

Sleboda argues that US and Western publics also bear responsibility for changing their political systems if they want a more multipolar world. The discussion highlights Ansar Allah’s actions in support of Palestinians, while noting that Russia’s and China’s support for Palestine is limited by their own strategic priorities.

These are Sleboda’s assessments and reported claims as presented in the video. Several details, including the alleged diesel arrangements and military developments, are described as unverified or speculative.

Presenters and contributors: Danny Haiphong (host); Mark Sleboda (guest).