Israel Set to Hit Iran’s Nuke Site❓ + EU Sanctions Russia

Wednesday Edition | May 21, 2025

Author

Prepper Perry
May 21, 2025

Welcome back! It’s Wednesday, May 21st

We’re watching key pressure points flare all at once. Israel is positioning for a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities as U.S. negotiations stall out. Europe isn’t waiting — new sanctions on Russia have kicked in, widening the divide with Washington’s more hands-off approach. At home, a federal judge steps in to block controversial deportations, and the FDA issues a cucumber recall after a salmonella outbreak spreads across 15 states.

The Anxiety Forecast? Elevated and shifting — nothing’s breaking, but nothing’s stable either

TIP: Keep one or two filled fuel containers at home or in your vehicle, especially if you live in an area with long commutes or limited access to gas stations. Fuel stabilizers can extend shelf life, and regular rotation keeps your backup fresh and reliable when you need it most.

Fact: In May 2021, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack shut down nearly half of the fuel supply to the U.S. East Coast. Within 72 hours, stations across 17 states were dry, and drivers were left stranded. Having a small fuel reserve meant the difference between staying mobile and being stuck.

Top Stories 

Israel May Strike Iranian Nuclear Sites, US Intel Warns

New US intelligence suggests Israel is preparing to strike Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. Intercepted communications, weapons movement, and completed air exercises signal real intent, although US officials say no final decision has been made. A strike would directly contradict President Trump’s diplomatic approach. Back in mid-March, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, giving him a 60-day window to reach a nuclear deal. That deadline has now expired.

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WHY IT MATTERS

Iran is in its weakest military position in decades. Its missile production facilities and air defenses were hit by Israeli strikes in October, and years of sanctions have left its economy severely weakened. US intelligence officials say Israel sees this moment as a strategic window, especially with Trump pushing for a deal that Israeli leaders believe does not go far enough. The US is stepping up surveillance in case Israel moves, but officials also say Washington is unlikely to support a strike unless Iran provokes it. Oil prices have already started to rise in response to the threat. This is not a hypothetical. These are real movements, real decisions being made, and real market reactions that could start impacting your cost of living almost immediately.

Without Waiting for Trump, EU and Britain Sanction Russia Over Ukraine

Just hours after Trump’s phone call with Putin ended without a deal, the European Union and Britain moved ahead with a new round of sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, which includes around 200 ships used to move oil under the radar. The action was triggered by fresh Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian cities over the weekend. It is the 17th sanctions package from the EU since 2022. Trump, meanwhile, chose not to follow suit, dropping his earlier push for a 30-day ceasefire and suggesting he may walk away from peace talks entirely.

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WHY IT MATTERS

Back from the lead role in brokering peace, Trump’s message is clear - if a deal can’t be reached, the US may walk away. That puts more weight on Europe, which is already absorbing the economic and security fallout. For you, this could mean higher fuel costs and added strain on global markets. For European allies, it could lead to deeper tension with Russia and a higher risk of escalation if sanctions don’t bring results. The stakes are rising, and the diplomatic balance is shifting.

Judge Halts Deportations to War Zone

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to keep a group of migrants in U.S. custody after reports surfaced that they were abruptly deported to South Sudan, a country currently facing armed conflict and widespread hunger. The migrants, from countries including Myanmar and Vietnam, were reportedly given little or no notice before being removed. Court filings reveal that at least one individual received paperwork only in English despite limited comprehension, and some refused to sign due to lack of clarity. The judge’s emergency order blocks officials from releasing deported migrants in third countries and requires Homeland Security to answer questions about how the deportations were handled.

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WHY IT MATTERS

This case exposes major cracks in how deportation decisions are being made and enforced. Migrants were allegedly sent to a war zone without proper legal notice, without knowing their rights, and in some cases, without speaking the language of the documents they were given. Even more alarming are broader reports that U.S. citizens, including minors, have also been mistakenly detained or deported in recent months under rushed or aggressive immigration actions. When people with legal protection are swept up in these removals, it signals systemic failure. This goes beyond politics. If the system misidentifies who should be deported, anyone without legal representation or resources could end up in danger. The court’s intervention is a reminder that oversight still matters — especially when lives are at risk.

As of Wednesday afternoon, oil prices are falling despite a surprise rise in U.S. stockpiles. The build suggests demand may be weakening or supply is outpacing expectations. Gasoline and diesel inventories also increased while demand declined, which points to a potential economic slowdown. Gold is climbing as investors seek a hedge against uncertainty and possible inflation. At the same time, the dollar index is down, reflecting weaker confidence in U.S. economic momentum and speculation that rate cuts may be coming. The overall trend shows markets shifting toward safety and away from risk.

Food Recalls

The FDA has issued a nationwide cucumber recall after a salmonella outbreak sickened 26 people in 15 states. The affected cucumbers were grown by Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales between April 29 and May 19. Consumers are urged to throw out any unverified cucumbers and sanitize surfaces they may have touched.

This Weeks Harvest Outlook

Corn and soybean planting are well ahead of schedule. Corn is 78% planted and soybeans are at 66%, both outpacing last year and the five-year average. Emergence is strong, with corn at 50% and soybeans at 34%. Louisiana and Iowa lead in soybean planting with 89% and 84% complete.

Winter wheat is stabilizing after weeks of concern. 52% of the crop is now rated good to excellent, with Kansas at 49%. Heading is at 64%, slightly behind last year but above average. Spring wheat, oats, and barley are also ahead of pace in the Northern Plains. Rice is 87% planted and 73% emerged.

That cucumber recall is a wake-up call. Bad produce can hit shelves fast. Check where your veggies come from, wash everything, and ditch anything you can’t verify. The good news: corn, soybeans, and wheat are ahead of schedule, which could ease prices if the weather stays friendly. Still, one hiccup can change the story overnight. Stay stocked, stay sharp, and swing back here every Wednesday. I’ll keep you in the loop on harvest trends and fresh recall alerts.

SEE YOU FRIDAY!

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