Quinn te Samil – Friday Noir.*
May 30, 2025I. The Lawless State
This week, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that former President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, were illegal. The court found that Trump exceeded his authority, as the Act permits emergency powers only in response to an "unusual and extraordinary threat." However, a federal appeals court has issued a temporary stay, allowing the tariffs to remain in effect while the legal appeal proceeds. This development injects uncertainty into ongoing international trade negotiations and could reshape the use of executive power in economic regulation.
II. Liverpool: Celebration Turned Tragedy
On May 26, a celebratory parade for Liverpool FC's 20th league title turned tragic when a car drove into a dense crowd of fans on Water Street, injuring 79 people, including four children. Emergency services transported 27 people to the hospital, while another 20 received treatment at the scene. Merseyside Police arrested a 53-year-old man, Paul Doyle, in connection with the incident. Authorities believe he bypassed roadblocks by following an ambulance. The incident, not treated as terrorism, has prompted national mourning and calls for improved public safety measures during large events.
III. Tehran's Calculus
Amid escalating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Iran's regional posture has intensified. On May 26, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for greater unity among Muslim nations and encouraged Pakistan to collaborate with Iran in addressing the situation in Gaza. Khamenei referred to Israel as the "Zionist regime" and condemned its actions in Gaza as crimes. His remarks underscored the need for collective action among Muslim countries to counter Israeli military operations and support Palestinians.
Simultaneously, Iran and the United States have resumed nuclear talks in Rome amid heightened tensions and the looming threat of Israeli airstrikes. Despite earlier progress since the talks began in March, recent public threats and a loss of confidence expressed by Iran’s Supreme Leader have cast doubt on their success. An American intelligence report states that while Iran is not currently constructing nuclear weapons, it could generate weapons-grade uranium within a week. Israel, fearing Iran's advancing nuclear capabilities, is reportedly preparing for military action if negotiations collapse, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu awaiting a possible green light from President Trump. Iran has warned that it will hold the U.S. responsible for any Israeli aggression and anticipates retaliation. The core issue remains the U.S. demand for Iran to cease all uranium enrichment, which Iran maintains as a sovereign right.
Disturbing events, to say the least.
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