Holy Frijoles! Israel and Iran Throw Down: Is This the End of the Nine Lives?

A Most Unpleasant Surprise: Kaboom!

Madre de Dios! Your favorite swashbuckling feline Puss in Boots brings you the latest from the lands of fire and fury. It seems Israel and Iran have decided to engage in a bit of a 'dance,' though I assure you there's no tango involved. More like a furious flamenco with explosions instead of castanets. Israel in what some might call a 'bold move,' launched a surprise offensive targeting Iran's nuclear program. Apparently they weren't too fond of Iran's shall we say 'enthusiasm' for enriching uranium. I must say even I with my legendary charm couldn't smooth over this situation.

Tehran Burns! (Figuratively Mostly)

According to the whispers on the wind missiles were flying faster than my getaway after… well let's just say a 'misunderstanding' at the creamery. Tehran is feeling the heat with reports of strikes on the Defense Ministry and sites allegedly linked to the nuclear program. Meanwhile Iran responded with a flurry of its own missiles causing casualties in Israel. An 80 year old woman a 69 year old woman and a 10 year old boy were killed in an attack in central Israel officials said. As our friend the Israeli Defense Minister so eloquently put it "Tehran is burning!" Though knowing politicians it's probably just a bad sunburn from all the saber rattling.

Diplomacy? More Like 'Diplom a see ya!'

And what of diplomacy you ask? Gone! Vanished! As elusive as the perfect bowl of leche. Negotiations between Iran and the United States are off the table leaving everyone wondering how this catfight will end. World leaders are calling for de escalation but their words seem to be lost in the wind like a whisper in a hurricane. China wise as always called the attack on nuclear sites a "dangerous precedent." Indeed. One might say it's like teaching a kitten to play with a ball of yarn… attached to a stick of dynamite.

Top Generals and Broken Centrifuges: A Recipe for Disaster

The casualty list is growing longer than my list of admirers. Israel claims to have taken out top Iranian generals and scientists involved in the nuclear program. Iran in turn reports significant casualties of their own. U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi told the Security Council that the above ground section of the Natanz facility was destroyed. And let's not forget the damage to nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. An Israeli official said it will take much more than a few weeks for Iran to repair the damage. It seems someone has been a very naughty kitty and now must spend a long time in the time out box.

Trump Card or Fool's Errand?: The U.S. Weighs In

Amidst the chaos the United States finds itself in a rather delicate position. President Trump urged Iran to strike a deal saying "Iran must make a deal before there is nothing left." Strong words indeed. Meanwhile U.S. air defense systems are helping to shoot down Iranian missiles. It's all very confusing even for a seasoned adventurer like myself. One moment they're scolding the next they're swatting away missiles like pesky flies. What is a cat to think?

Nine Lives on the Line: Will the Fighting Ever End?

So what does the future hold? Will this conflict escalate into a full blown war? Will cooler heads prevail or will we all be doomed to a fiery end? As Puss in Boots I've faced down many perils but this… this is a threat of a different stripe. Let us hope that diplomacy can find its way back to the table before we all run out of lives. And perhaps just perhaps I'll get a chance to impress some señoritas along the way. Adios mis amigos! Until next time stay safe and remember: fear nothing except perhaps a vacuum cleaner.