Episode Summary
//The Wire//2300Z May 26, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: UNITED STATES STRIKES FASTBOATS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ, IRAN RESPONDS BY DOWNING AMERICAN DRONES. MASS SHOOTING REPORTED IN MISSOURI. COUNTER-ICE RIOTS CONTINUE IN NEW JERSEY. CHEMICAL EXPLOSION REPORTED IN WASHINGTON.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East: Overnight the United States conducted strikes within Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated that one SAM site was destroyed in the vicinity of Bandar Abbas, along with several minelaying vessels allegedly attempting to lay mines in the Strait. In response, the Iranians claim to have shot down two drones, an MQ-9 Reaper and an MQ-4C Triton. The Iranians also claim to have engaged an F-35, but did not claim to have shot it down.-HomeFront-New Jersey: Counter-ICE demonstrations and unrest continue at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility. Rioters have clashed with ICE agents several times over the weekend, at times gaining the upper hand as federal forces remain spread thin. Throughout Monday afternoon, into this morning, various stages of kinectivity have been reported, ranging from full-blown riots, to the more standard noise-making protests observed so far during this conflict.Analyst Comment: This afternoon, several detainees were released from the compound to the cheers of the crowds, but the context for these releases has not been made clear. Either way, the crowd is interpreting these releases as a victory.Missouri: Yesterday evening a mass shooting was reported at a grocery store in Pleasant Hill. Local authorities state that one suspect entered the parking lot of the store, exited his vehicle, and began firing on shoppers in the parking lot. One citizen was killed exiting the store, and one employee of the store was wounded while moving carts back inside the store. The suspect has been identified as Allen Prince, who attempted to take his own life at the scene, but failed and is expected to survive. Analyst Comment: So far, there is no clear understanding of why this individual chose to conduct this attack, nor why this venue was selected as the target. More details are expected as the investigation continues.Washington: This morning a major explosion and subsequent fire was reported at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview. Local authorities state that a chemical-based implosion took place after a large tank ruptured and collapsed in on itself this morning. Following the initial event, a major fire broke out at the facility which destroyed much of the compound. Concerning casualties, several employees were killed during the blast, and around a dozen others experienced severe chemical burns. The number of fatalities resulting from this incident has not yet been confirmed by authorities.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: So far this week, the situation in the Middle East remains as clear as mud, as what's happening in the Strait remains hard to confirm. This morning, claims circulated on social media by various media outlets stating that during the night the United States attempted to restart Project Freedom under the cover of darkness. Throughout the afternoon, other claims emerged stating the opposite, that the US has not re-ignited Project Freedom.Regardless of how it is defined or labeled, evidence does indicate that one Greek-owned supertanker transited the Strait overnight. However, a few hours later, the UKMTO reported that a vessel had been struck with an unknown munition in the Gulf of Oman. Right now it's not clear as to if this is the same vessel that transited, or if this was a different ship. It is also not clear as to if this Greek supertanker was actually escorted by the United States, or merely guided over the radio (after paying the Iranian toll), or if the US was involved in this saga at all. These details might not ever be known with any certainty, but
