All,

Well, that didn't take long. We are now in the week after Trump ordered MIDNIGHT HAMMER execution. It looks like the mission was accomplished. Aerial photos clearly show impact locations and apparent collapse of underground structures. The psychological aftermath will be more devastating for Iran.

I am thoroughly impressed with the execution. Only account/media I saw that called it has been calling it everyday since Israel started hostilities with Iran. He's a broken clock, so I know he didn't know anything. The operational security was outstanding creating a sense of complete shock around the world that it was pulled off. This is what you get with serious people in charge and demonstrated consequences for leaking. And, people thought Pete Hegseth was a bad choice for Sec. Def. The operational control here demonstrates his impact of the culture of our military.

The other thing just as impressive is there appears to have been staunch disagreement among our leaders about taking this step. Yet, no one leaked it or is playing Monday morning QB today. They felt comfortable with letting their voice heard, but locked in once a decision was made. THIS IS WHAT WE WANT!!! We hired them to speak up and they did, but we also hired them NOT to embarrass us through pettiness. This is an amazing feat that speaks to the character and leadership qualities Trump possesses. We do NOT want to diminish it. I am more confident today that Trump will get feedback, assess it, and decide with the typical pros/cons a CEO operates with.

Now, what is the result of this action. Well, Israel has neutered Iran's Air Force, the IRGC keeps losing it's head, and their Navy is hoping for the order to close the Straits never comes. If the hardliners keep pushing and not sue for peach by giving up all nuclear ambition, I suspect we are entering an extracted air war. Israel and the US will slowly pick apart Iranian forces and leaders until they decide enough is enough. All they have now are missiles and terror. They lose launching capability with every barrage. You can have 20k+ missiles, but they do little if you cannot fuel or launch them. The terror side is concerning, but is likely diminished because of response to 10/7 and improving intelligence now that these orgs can refocus on their mission versus DEI. We'll know in the next few weeks if this is a real concern.

My hope is this is beginning of the end of mistakes made by Jimmy Carter and Iran becomes what it was or better. I have limited desire to see Europe, but getting a chance to see the mountains of Tehran is on my most unlikely bucket list. If the next weeks, months break the right way it could become possible.

CP