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February 21, 2024
William Upton
Election 2024

Biden Campaign Again Leans In To ‘Dark Brandon’ Meme Closely Associated With Allegations He Molested His Daughter.

The Biden re-election campaign is once again leaning into the ‘Dark Brandon’ internet meme despite its close association with allegations that President Joe Biden molested his daughter Ashley Biden and showered naked with her when she was a child. Staffers for the President have gravitated toward the @VoteDarkBrandon account on X (formerly Twitter), which has worked to give the illusion that Biden is a cold, calculated political mastermind.

“Dark Brandon” originated as an effort by Democrat activists to counter the “Let’s Go Brandon” meme popular among Trump supporters. Democrat staffers ran with the notion of Biden as ‘Brandon’ and then simply copied the style of another online conservative meme, “Dark MAGA.”

Initial iterations of “Dark Brandon” faced backlash after Andrew Bates, the White House Deputy Press Secretary, posted a variation of the “Dark Brandon” meme featuring a Parteiadler – the eagle symbol used by the German Nazi Party during Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. Others noted the “Dark Brandon” image was lifted from Chinese Communist Party propaganda depicting Biden with glowing eyes and an unsettling smirk.

However, the Chinese-produced “Dark Brandon” images were also associated with an entry in the dairy of Ashley Biden — the President’s daughter. The Biden meme featured the ominous text “It’s Shower Time Ashely,” referencing an entry in her diary that reads: “Was I molested? I think so — I can’t remember specifics but I do remember trauma. Hyper-sexualized @ a young age . . . I remember being somewhat sexualized with Caroline; I remember having sex with friends @ a young age; showers w/my dad (probably not appropriate).”

Official “Dark Brandon” merchandise purchased through the Biden campaign to raise election funds accounts for half of the campaign site’s sales.

By Popular Demand.
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15 minutes ago
News

Newsmax CEO Ruddy ‘Prepared to Litigate’ Against Trump Admin.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy announced his readiness to sue if the Federal Communications Commission removes a rule limiting local TV station ownership.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Christopher Ruddy, Federal Communications Commission, National Association of Broadcasters, Nexstar Media Group.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Remarks made at a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I believe that it’s a blatant violation of congressional law…” – Christopher Ruddy

🎯IMPACT: Potential legal battle over FCC’s authority and implications for TV ownership rules.

IN FULL

Newsmax founder and CEO Christopher Ruddy stated his willingness to litigate if President Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decides to lift a rule limiting the number of local TV stations a single company can own. This rule currently restricts the reach to no more than 39 percent of the American viewing audience.

Ruddy made these comments during prepared remarks before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, where he also took aim at the FCC’s hostility towards late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

He emphasized that the ownership cap was established by the Communications Act, passed by Congress, and that only federal lawmakers have the authority to eliminate it.

The FCC is considering removing this ownership cap, with Chairman Brendan Carr hearing from both sides on the matter.

Senator Ted Cruz, who organized the hearing, showed understanding towards Ruddy’s concerns, calling him a good friend. Ruddy has been a major donor to Cruz, who is believed to be gearing up for a 2028 presidential run. Ruddy has also previously donated to Hillary Clinton and once pledged $1M to the Clinton Foundation.

He has been lobbying President Trump to take his side on the matter, which is motivated by protecting Newsmax’s market share. His position, however, has proved deeply unpopular with both Democrats and Republicans.

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By Popular Demand.
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35 minutes ago
News

BREAKING: DHS Spox Tricia McLaughlin Leaves.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Tricia McLaughlin, a vocal defender of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, is leaving the Department of Homeland Security.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and President Donald Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: McLaughlin is expected to announce her departure this Tuesday and will leave DHS next week.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Media is so much of the battle, so to speak, on the immigration issue,” said McLaughlin. – Tricia McLaughlin

🎯IMPACT: Her departure raises questions about the future of DHS communications amid ongoing negotiations over immigration policy.

IN FULL

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a staunch advocate of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, is set to leave her position. Her departure comes as public opinion shifts against the administration’s hardline approach.

The National Pulse understands McLaughlin originally planned to leave in December, pushing back her departure amid the aftermath of the Renee Good and Alex Pretti shootings, according to the people briefed on her exit.

McLaughlin, who has served as a spokesperson for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, staunchly defended the administration’s work, particularly during the high-tension moments in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.

Her exit comes during a critical period for DHS, as Republicans and Democrats continue discussions on potential reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The department is also facing a funding lapse.

McLaughlin’s contributions to the Trump administration’s communication efforts have been significant, with President Trump himself praising her abilities.

As she prepares to leave, it remains unclear who will assume her role at DHS. McLaughlin’s future plans have not been disclosed, though she has not ruled out a return to public service.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Crime
News

Ice Rink Mass Shooter Was Transgender, Targeted Family After Arguments Over Transition.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A transgender opened fire at a Rhode Island ice rink, killing two people before turning the gun on himself.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Robert Dorgan, 56, identified as transgender, and his family members were involved in the incident.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The shooting occurred on Monday at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

🎯IMPACT: Two victims were killed, three others were injured. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

IN FULL

A 56-year-old man who opened fire at a high school ice hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has been identified as transgender. The February 16 shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a Senior Night matchup between Coventry-Johnston Co-op and Blackstone Valley Schools teams saw two killed, including the gunman’s son, and three others injured. The suspect then shot himself dead.

Authorities said the shooter, Robert Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito, fatally shot his ex-wife, his son, and three other relatives or associates who were wounded and hospitalized in critical condition. A good Samaritan intervened, helping end the attack swiftly.

Court records show Dorgan had a history of family conflicts tied to his gender identity. In 2020, he reported to North Providence police that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery, after which his father-in-law allegedly demanded he leave the family home and used a derogatory term for transgenders.

Charges against the father-in-law were later dismissed. Dorgan’s then-wife initially cited “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits” in divorce filings, though the grounds were amended to “irreconcilable differences,” with the divorce finalized in 2021. Other dismissed complaints included an assault allegation against his mother.

Police have not confirmed a direct connection between these past disputes and the shooting, and the motive remains under investigation. Dorgan was the parent of a North Providence High School senior playing in the game; no students on the ice were harmed.

The case follows other recent mass shooting incidents involving transgenders. In February 2026, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a biological male identifying as female, killed his mother and half-brother at home before fatally shooting a teacher and five students at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, injuring dozens more.

In the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville, transgender shooter Audrey Hale killed three children and three adults at a Christian elementary school. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) documents later revealed Hale’s writings expressing hatred toward white people and Christianity, describing the target as a “predominantly white school (white pple I hate)” and “Christian school (hate religion).”

Image by Oriel Frankie Ashcroft.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
War
World

Trump’s Iran Diplomacy Makes Headway, Price of Oil Drops.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The second round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Geneva, Switzerland, with reports of an understanding on main principles between the two nations, causing the price of a barrel of oil to fall.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Talks concluded in Geneva on Tuesday, coinciding with naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have reached an understanding on main principles with the U.S.” — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

🎯IMPACT: Oil prices initially rose due to military activity in the Strait of Hormuz, but later fell following news of progress in talks.

IN FULL

The price of oil began falling on Tuesday after Iranian leaders indicated they had reached a preliminary understanding with the United States in ongoing negotiations over its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. Oil initially spiked on Monday as Iran conducted military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. continued its naval buildup in the region.

Whenever the Strait of Hormuz experiences partial closure or other disruptions to its shipping lanes, the impact on global prices can be significant. The key waterway, which sits between Iran and the Arab Peninsula, serves as a major conduit for oil and gas from the entire Middle East, with around 20 to 25 percent of the world’s oil flowing through the strait, amounting to an estimated 20 million barrels a day.

Held in Geneva, Switzerland, the second round of indirect negotiations saw both delegations depart following the talks, though Iranian negotiators reportedly expressed a willingness to remain in Switzerland for extended periods if necessary to finalize a deal and avoid potential military conflict with America. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, “We have reached an understanding on the main principles with the U.S.,” following the conclusion of the talks.

Notably, Iranian state media is characterizing the result of the talks as having established a basic agreement on the country’s nuclear program. However, it appears the issues of its ballistic missile program and financing of terrorist proxy groups remain unresolved. The United States delegation included White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with President Donald J. Trump indicating he would “indirectly” participate in the discussions.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi in Geneva on Monday as part of broader diplomatic efforts.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Election Integrity

Democrats Cheer as Bid to Keep 73k Voters Without ID on Rolls Succeeds.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: North Carolina’s elections board reached a settlement to allow 73,000 voters extra time to update their voter registrations.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The North Carolina State Board of Elections, the Republican National Committee, the North Carolina GOP, and the Democratic National Committee.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The settlement was reached on Monday in North Carolina following a legal battle stemming from 2024.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This latest victory is a win for Americans and yet another blow to the Republicans’ scheme to disenfranchise voters ahead of the midterm elections,” gloated Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin.

🎯IMPACT: The agreement keeps 73,000 voters on the rolls, with their information to be updated when they vote, amid ongoing debates over voter ID laws.

IN FULL

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has approved a settlement that permits approximately 73,000 voters who failed to submit sufficient identifying information additional time to correct incomplete registration records before any removal from the voter rolls. The agreement resolves a 2024 lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the North Carolina Republican Party, which claimed that roughly 250,000 registrations lacked required identification information, such as the last four digits of a Social Security number or driver’s license number.

The Republican plaintiffs had sought immediate removal of these voters and invalidation of any votes they cast in the 2024 elections. The settlement instead keeps these voters on the rolls, with their information to be updated when they vote, consistent with North Carolina’s requirement to present identification at the polls. Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin claimed the outcome was a victory for American voters and a setback for Republican efforts to “disenfranchise voters ahead of the midterm elections.”

The board reported that about 100,000 voters lacked proper identification last summer, a figure that had dropped to 73,000 by December. The decision comes amid America First conservatives’ efforts to advance the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which has passed the House and awaits a Senate vote. The legislation would require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, mandate state verification of voter rolls, and authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address noncitizen registrations.

Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have pledged to block the bill, which Schumer called “Jim Crow 2.0,” despite the fact that Pew Research shows 71 percent of Democrats and 83 percent of Americans overall—including a substantial majority of black Americans—favor voter ID.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
1A
Bonkers Britain

Trump Looks Set to Grant Refuge to Man Prosecuted for Blasphemy Against Islam in UK.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A refugee in Britain, Hamit Coskun, is facing a de facto blasphemy case after burning a Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London. The Trump administration is considering granting him refugee status in the U.S. if he loses his case.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Hamit Coskun, the Trump administration, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and Moussa Kadri, a passerby involved in the incident.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred outside the Turkish embassy in London. The CPS is challenging the overturned conviction in court on Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “For me, as the victim of Islamic terrorism, I cannot remain silent. I may be forced to flee the UK and move to the USA, where President Trump has stood for free speech and against Islamic extremism.” – Hamit Coskun

🎯IMPACT: The case highlights the differences in free speech laws between the United States and the United Kingdom and may escalate tensions between the two nations.

IN FULL

The Trump administration is reportedly considering offering refugee status to Hamit Coskun, a Turkish refugee in Britain who burned a Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London, if he loses an ongoing legal battle. Coskun was initially convicted after setting fire to the Islamic holy book while shouting, “Islam is religion of terrorism” and “f*ck Islam.”

He was first charged with harassing the “religious institution of Islam,” with prosecutors amending to allegations after backlash to disorderly behavior in public but preserving the essential form of the case. Coskun’s conviction was overturned following support from advocacy groups including the National Secular Society and the Free Speech Union, which argued the prosecution amounted to enforcing a blasphemy law. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is now challenging that decision, reopening the case.

During the incident, a bystander, Moussa Kadri, attacked Coskun with a knife and later kicked him after he fell. Kadri only received a suspended sentence.

Coskun has expressed fears for his safety and concerns about freedom of speech in the United Kingdom. “For me, as the victim of Islamic terrorism, I cannot remain silent. I may be forced to flee the UK and move to the USA, where President Trump has stood for free speech and against Islamic extremism,” he said. He added, “If I have to do so, then, to me, the UK will have effectively fallen to Islamism and the speech codes that it wishes to impose on the non-Muslim world.”

According to reports, officials under President Donald J. Trump have cited Coskun’s case as part of broader concerns about free speech protections in Britain.

Notably, the Trump administration recently granted refugee status to dozens of white South Africans, citing anti-white racism and attacks. In a separate case, German right-wing activist Naomi Seibt sought asylum in the United States, receiving support from Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who said she would advocate on Seibt’s behalf.

Image by Frankie Fouganthin.

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours ago
Immigration

This State Is Launching a Sanctuary City Crackdown.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Montana’s governor and attorney general have announced an investigation into potential local violations of the state’s ban on sanctuary city policies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Greg Gianforte (R-MT) and Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R-MT), along with the city of Helena.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The investigation, launched in mid-February 2026, focuses on Helena, Montana, following a city council vote regarding federal immigration enforcement.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In Montana, we don’t tolerate defiance, and we support our law enforcement officers.” – Gov. Gianforte

🎯IMPACT: The investigation sends a message to local governments across Montana about compliance with state law and potential penalties for violations.

IN FULL

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (R) and Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R) have launched an investigation into the city of Helena, the state’s capital, for potential violations of the statewide sanctuary city ban. The law allows for civil legal action and fines against jurisdictions that fail to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

“In Montana, we don’t tolerate defiance, and we support our law enforcement officers,” Gov. Gianforte said of the allegations against Helena’s city officials, noting that the investigation is a warning to all local governments in the state about the consequences of non-compliance with state law. Meanwhile, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen accused Helena’s city government of “thumbing its nose to the Montana Legislature.”

The investigation stems from a recent vote by Helena City Commissioners that prevents local coordination with federal immigration operations, and specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Gov. Gianforte expressed “serious concerns” about the resolution’s legality, noting that under the state law, no local or state agency in Montana can refuse to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In a letter to Knudsen, Gianforte referenced President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to enforce federal immigration law and criticized the lack of enforcement under the former Biden government, which he said allowed millions of illegal immigrants to enter the U.S. He also pointed to recent decisions by Democrat state lawmakers in other parts of the country that have put federal immigration agents at risk.

A spokeswoman for Helena stated that the city had not received formal communication on the matter and believes its resolution complies with local, state, and federal laws. Meanwhile, Knudsen’s office is also monitoring Missoula, where local officials deny the city is a sanctuary jurisdiction. However, they acknowledge that police officers do not inquire about immigration status during public interactions.

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours ago
Immigration
News

Police Chief Investigates His Own Officers for Allegedly Helping ICE Uphold Immigration Law.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison announced that officers accused of working with federal immigration agents will face accountability measures, as part of the city’s effort to maintain its “welcoming” status.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, and unnamed Detroit police officers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Incidents occurred on December 16 and February 9; comments were made during a recent hearing in Detroit.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Of our officers, 98-99 percent do it the right way each and every day. But I do have one or two percent that decide to violate our rules, our policies, and our procedures, and to those officers, I will hold them accountable.” – Todd Bettison

🎯IMPACT: The Detroit Police Department is considering disciplinary action for the officers involved, with a decision expected before February 19.

IN FULL

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison has warned that officers who violate department policy by coordinating with federal immigration authorities will face discipline, reaffirming Detroit’s commitment to maintaining its sanctuary city status. Speaking before the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners last Thursday, Bettison described two incidents that are now under internal review.

The first occurred on December 16, when a Detroit sergeant contacted U.S. Border Patrol after an officer requested translation assistance during a traffic stop involving a non-English-speaking individual. According to Bettison, Border Patrol agents determined the person was not a U.S. citizen and took them into custody.

The second case took place on February 9, when an officer allegedly reached out to Border Patrol while investigating an individual wanted on a felony warrant. Bettison said body-worn camera footage confirmed that federal agents responded and detained the suspect.

Emphasizing departmental standards, Bettison told commissioners, “Of our officers, 98-99 percent do it the right way each and every day. But I do have one or two percent that decide to violate our rules, our policies and our procedures, and to those officers, I will hold them accountable.” The board is expected to determine whether the officers involved will be suspended ahead of a February 19 hearing.

The incidents come amid broader national tensions over cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. In Chicago, police leadership faced criticism after reports that officers were told not to respond to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a confrontation, drawing backlash from law enforcement advocates.

In Minneapolis, the police chief publicly encouraged residents to report masked individuals believed to be ICE agents conducting operations, pledging local intervention if necessary.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
News
Politics

Dem Officials Sued for Defunding Police Department.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democrat city officials in Dallas, Texas, are being sued for failing to comply with Proposition U, a voter-approved public safety measure requiring increased police funding.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The lawsuit names the City of Dallas, its city manager, and its chief financial officer as defendants. Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading the legal effort.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed in Dallas County following claims of noncompliance with the 2024 voter-approved initiative.

💬KEY QUOTE: “When voters demand more funding for law enforcement, local officials must immediately comply.” – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

🎯IMPACT: The lawsuit seeks to enforce compliance with Proposition U, including proper funding calculations and police compensation measures.

IN FULL

Democrat officials in Dallas, Texas, are facing a lawsuit alleging they failed to comply with Proposition U, a public safety measure approved by voters in November 2024 that requires increased funding for police and other safety-related priorities. The lawsuit, filed in Dallas County, names the city, its city manager, and its chief financial officer as defendants. Plaintiffs claim the city did not properly calculate excess revenue when determining police funding levels, as required under the city charter.

According to the complaint, Dallas reported $61 million in excess revenue for the most recent fiscal year, though the suit alleges the correct figure should have been closer to $220 million.

In addition to the revenue dispute, the lawsuit alleges the city failed to hire an independent third-party firm to conduct an annual police compensation survey, another requirement under Proposition U. Public information requests reportedly found no evidence that such a survey was conducted. Plaintiffs argue that the omission violates the city charter.

“When voters demand more funding for law enforcement, local officials must immediately comply,” Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said. He emphasized the importance of fully supporting law enforcement amid increasing challenges and attacks on police from radical left-wing factions.

Proposition U was adopted following broader national debates over policing that began in 2020 and 2021, when some cities moved to reduce or reallocate police funding. Supporters of the Dallas measure say those policies led to public safety concerns in certain jurisdictions. In Baltimore, for example, critics of defunding efforts pointed to violent crime incidents, including a 2023 mass shooting that left two people dead and dozens injured, as evidence that reducing police resources can have serious consequences.

The Dallas lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the city to include all unrestricted revenue in its funding calculations and to allocate additional resources for police pensions, officer pay, and hiring. The legal action follows a separate lawsuit filed by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which accused Dallas officials of failing to repeal or amend dozens of ordinances it contends conflict with state law.

Image by Brendenmrogrs.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
News
War

Taliban Promises ‘Full Support’ to Iran in War With U.S.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Taliban declared it is willing to offer “full support” to Iran in the event of an American attack, according to remarks by its spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban regime, Iranian officials, and the Trump administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments were made on Sunday during an interview with Radio Iran and shared on social media.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The people of Afghanistan will offer various forms of solidarity and support to their Iranian brothers.” – Zabihullah Mujahid.

🎯IMPACT: The Taliban’s remarks signal a potential alignment with Iran amidst ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and nuclear negotiations.

IN FULL

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has said it would back Iran in the event of a war with the U.S., underscoring deepening ties between Kabul and Tehran amid renewed tensions with Washington. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Sunday that the group is prepared to offer “full support” to Iran if the United States launches an attack. Speaking in an interview with Radio Iran, Mujahid added, “The people of Afghanistan will offer various forms of solidarity and support to their Iranian brothers.” He later shared the remarks on social media.

The statement comes as officials linked to President Donald J. Trump engage in preliminary talks with Tehran over sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program. Discussions reportedly began in February through Omani intermediaries. Iran has been under intensified economic pressure since the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found it in violation of international nuclear obligations, triggering the reimposition of “snapback” sanctions.

Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob said separately that Afghanistan “poses no threat to any party” but would cooperate with Iran if necessary to counter American action.

Iran and the Taliban have had a fraught history, including disputes over water rights along the Helmand River and tensions related to Afghan refugees in Iran. In 1998, the two sides nearly went to war after Iranian diplomats were killed in Mazar-i-Sharif. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, however, relations have shifted toward pragmatic engagement, with diplomatic contacts and expanding cross-border trade.

The Taliban’s military capabilities have grown significantly since the U.S. withdrawal, with reports indicating that American weapons left behind in 2021 by the former Biden regime now form a core part of the group’s arsenal. Additional reporting has alleged that at least $239 million in U.S. aid reached Taliban-controlled Afghanistan due to vetting failures.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen in recent weeks. Americans have been warned to leave Iran as the risk of conflict increases, while analysts say Iran’s leadership fears U.S. strikes could embolden domestic protest movements. Trump has emphasized urgency in reaching an agreement, stating, “We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic—very traumatic.”

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