Iran–U.S. Tensions

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PRESIDENT TRUMP STRAIT OF HORMUZ RENAMED TRUMP STRAIT

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“PRESIDENT TRUMP AND VP VANCE TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE GOP CONVENTION”

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“PRESIDENT TRUMP STRAIT OF HORMUZ RENAMED TRUMP STRAIT”

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Where the room stands

Topic polls that run across every story and network — the durable sentiment, and how Al Jazeera and Fox audiences differ. Add your take.

Topic poll · all networksIran enriches uranium to 60%. Weapons-grade requires what % purity?

  1. 60%
  2. 75%
  3. 90%
  4. 99%
Guess, then reveal the answer

90%

Houston has a long history of protests over immigration enforcement.

Houston is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S. — over 600,000 foreign-born residents. Tensions between ICE and Houston communities date to the agency's founding in 2003 after the Homeland Security Act reorganized federal immigration enforcement.

Topic poll · all networksWhich country charged ships a toll for strait passage for 400+ years?

  1. Denmark
  2. Ottoman Empire
  3. Portugal
  4. Spain
Guess, then reveal the answer

Denmark

Topic poll · all networksWhat happens next with US-Iran tensions?

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Topic poll · all networksShould Iran suspend nuclear commitments amid U.S. violations?

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Ramat David is one of Israel's oldest active air bases!

Built by the British in 1942, Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel has been a key IDF site for over 80 years. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWho advances from Spain vs Belgium?

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Khamenei has led Iran since 1989, outlasting 7 U.S. presidents

As Iran's longest-serving Supreme Leader, Khamenei survived sanctions, the killing of allies & Gen. Soleimani in 2020. Learn more at Wikipedia

In 1987, the U.S. Navy escorted tankers through Hormuz under fire!

Operation Earnest Will was the largest U.S. naval convoy operation since WWII. The U.S. reflagged 11 Kuwaiti tankers to protect oil flow as Iran and Iraq attacked shipping in the Persian Gulf.

England beat Norway 8-0 at Euro 2022 — their biggest ever win!

That Euro 2022 group stage rout at St. Mary's Stadium is England's record victory. Beth Mead scored a hat-trick as the Lionesses announced themselves as favourites — and went on to win the whole tournament.

Trump has declared deals dead before — then restarted talks.

In diplomacy, 'deal is over' declarations often precede renewed negotiations. Trump previously called off North Korea talks in 2019 before resuming them. Follow live updates at AP News

Topic poll · all networksWhat should Trump's next move be on Israel-Iran tensions?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat will most shape Iran's future after Khamenei's death?

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Topic poll · all networksHow long has Sanaa Airport been closed to commercial flights?

  1. About 3 years
  2. About 6 years
  3. About 9 years
  4. About 12 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 9 years

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. charge tolls for passage through key straits?

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Topic poll · all networksSince what year have Houthi forces controlled Sanaa, Yemen's capital?

  1. 2011
  2. 2014
  3. 2016
  4. 2019
Guess, then reveal the answer

2014

Topic poll · all networksWhen did Paris last host a major Ukraine peace summit before 2024?

  1. December 2019
  2. March 2015
  3. June 2021
  4. October 2017
Guess, then reveal the answer

December 2019

Topic poll · all networksHow many active personnel serve in Iran's IRGC?

  1. 45,000
  2. 85,000
  3. 125,000
  4. 210,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

125,000

Topic poll · all networksWill Trump's 20% Hormuz passage charge actually take effect?

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Iran has one of the Mideast's largest ballistic missile arsenals.

The Center for Strategic & International Studies estimates Iran fields 3,000+ ballistic missiles — more than any other regional power — giving it strike range across the entire Persian Gulf, including Kuwait.

NATO burden-sharing disputes predate Trump by decades.

The 2% GDP defense spending target was set at the 2014 Wales Summit, but U.S. presidents from Eisenhower onward pressured allies to spend more. In 1971, Congress nearly forced troop withdrawals over European "free-riding."

Topic poll · all networksIn 2011, Iran dismantled a CIA spy network — roughly how many informants were caught?

  1. Around 10
  2. Around 30
  3. Around 70
  4. Around 150
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 30

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. reinstate a naval blockade on Iran?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many nuclear bombs' worth of material is in Iran's enriched uranium stockpile?

  1. 1
  2. 3
  3. 7
  4. 12
Guess, then reveal the answer

3

Topic poll · all networksHow many FIFA World Cup 2026 matches is Kansas City set to host?

  1. 3 matches
  2. 6 matches
  3. 8 matches
  4. 10 matches
Guess, then reveal the answer

6 matches

The UN's UNCLOS grants all ships 'transit passage' rights through Hormuz!

UNCLOS, adopted in 1982 and ratified by 168 nations, guarantees unimpeded transit through international straits. Iran signed UNCLOS but never ratified it — one reason its actions in Hormuz are so legally contested.

Buckling columns can trigger total building collapse in seconds!

Euler's critical load formula, developed in 1757, still underpins modern skyscraper safety. A single compromised column can redistribute catastrophic loads. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksShould the US pressure Iran to delay any statement on hostilities?

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NATO's 2% defense spending target wasn't always the standard!

The 2% of GDP guideline was only formally adopted at the 2014 Wales Summit, after Russia's annexation of Crimea. Trump has pushed allies hard on this benchmark. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWill US strikes on IRGC degrade Iran's ability to threaten Hormuz shipping?

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U.S. strikes near Iran can send oil prices surging overnight

The Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of global oil supply. When U.S.-Iran tensions spike, crude markets react within hours. Track energy markets at Reuters

The IRGC was designated a terrorist org by the U.S. in 2019

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps was the first state military force labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization by Washington, dramatically escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. Follow coverage at AP News

The 1975 Typhoon Nina triggered China's deadliest dam collapse

Nina caused the Banqiao Dam in Henan to fail, killing up to 170,000 people. The disaster reshaped China's flood control and early warning systems — the same infrastructure used to prepare for typhoons today.

Topic poll · all networksShould Iran control access to the Strait of Hormuz?

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Spain knocked France out of Euro 2024 just months ago!

Spain beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semifinal, with Lamine Yamal scoring a stunning equalizer at just 16 years old. Now they meet again on the World Cup stage. Explore Spain's history at Wikipedia

The U.S. has had no formal diplomatic ties with Iran since 1980!

After Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979, President Carter severed all diplomatic relations in April 1980. Over 45 years later, the two nations still have no official embassies in each other's countries.

Topic poll · all networksWhat share of global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

  1. About 5%
  2. About 12%
  3. About 20%
  4. About 35%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 20%

Topic poll · all networksWhich past decision most inflamed US-Iran tensions?

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Topic poll · all networksHow wide is the Strait of Hormuz at its narrowest point?

  1. 8 miles (13 km)
  2. 21 miles (33 km)
  3. 55 miles (89 km)
  4. 100 miles (161 km)
Guess, then reveal the answer

21 miles (33 km)

The U.S. quit the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, triggering this standoff

Trump withdrew from the 2015 JCPOA, reimposing sweeping sanctions. Iran then began exceeding nuclear limits — the root of today's dispute. Follow updates at Reuters

Iran's south endured 2,000+ Iraqi missile strikes during the 1980-88 war.

The Iran-Iraq War's 'War of the Cities' (1984-88) saw Iraqi Scud missiles target Dezful, Ahvaz & other southern cities, killing thousands of civilians in one of history's longest modern conflicts.

Eisenhower ended the Korean War just 6 months into his presidency!

Like Trump today, Eisenhower campaigned on ending an ongoing war. He took office Jan. 20, 1953, and an armistice halting combat was signed July 27 — roughly 6 months later, after over 3 years of fighting.

Topic poll · all networksShould the US act as 'guardian' of the Strait of Hormuz?

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"Only revenge" first echoed at Soleimani's 2020 funeral — led by Khamenei himself.

When Gen. Qasem Soleimani was killed by a U.S. drone strike on Jan. 3, 2020, Khamenei wept openly at his funeral in Tehran. A stampede that day killed 56 mourners — one of Iran's deadliest crowd disasters.

A confirmed strike on U.S. troops triggers a 48-hr legal deadline.

Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the President must notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing forces into hostilities. Kuwait hosts ~13,500 U.S. troops — making any confirmed Iranian strike an automatic constitutional tripwire.

Topic poll · all networksHow many words form Section 230's core liability shield?

  1. 26 words
  2. 74 words
  3. 142 words
  4. 312 words
Guess, then reveal the answer

26 words

Topic poll · all networksHow will Iran respond to further U.S. pressure, based on past patterns?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many nations signed Trump's Abraham Accords with Israel?

  1. 2
  2. 4
  3. 6
  4. 8
Guess, then reveal the answer

4

Gas first hit $4/gallon nationally in June 2008 — then crashed to $1.61.

The 2008 spike was driven by crude oil hitting a record $147/barrel in July 2008. By December, the financial crisis tanked demand and gas plummeted to $1.61 — a drop of over 60% in just 6 months.

Carter called Iran 'an island of stability' just before the 1979 revolution!

On New Year's Eve 1977, President Carter toasted the Shah in Tehran, calling Iran 'an island of stability.' Weeks later, mass protests erupted. By 1979, the Shah fled and U.S. diplomats were taken hostage for 444 days.

Topic poll · all networksHow many U.S. military sites did Iran reportedly strike in the Middle East?

  1. 4
  2. 8
  3. 16
  4. 24
Guess, then reveal the answer

16

Topic poll · all networksHow many hostages were included in Phase 1 of the Jan. 2025 Gaza ceasefire deal?

  1. 12
  2. 33
  3. 57
  4. 98
Guess, then reveal the answer

33

The US & Iran haven't had formal diplomatic ties since 1980!

After the 1979 hostage crisis, Switzerland became the US 'protecting power' in Iran. All official US-Iran communication passes through a neutral third country — making any direct agreement especially significant.

The UAE mainland was first struck by Houthi drones in Jan. 2022.

Three people were killed near Abu Dhabi airport on Jan. 17, 2022 — the first deadly attack on UAE soil. The Houthis used drones and ballistic missiles, prompting the UAE to activate Patriot air defense systems.

Houston has been a flashpoint in ICE enforcement debates since 2017.

In 2017, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez ended the county's 287(g) agreement with ICE, limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement — making Houston a focal point in debates over local policing and immigration policy.

Merino's late header vs. Germany at Euro 2024 also won in extra time!

At Euro 2024, Merino headed in a 119th-minute winner to eliminate Germany in the quarter-finals. Spain went on to win the tournament, and Merino has now made late goals his trademark for La Roja.

Topic poll · all networksWill the Iran-Israel ceasefire hold long enough for U.S. peace talks to succeed?

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Topic poll · all networksQatar & Iran share the world's largest what?

  1. Natural gas field
  2. Oil reserve
  3. Desalination plant
  4. Shipping lane
Guess, then reveal the answer

Natural gas field

Iran's leader once called accepting a ceasefire "drinking poison"

In 1988, Ayatollah Khomeini used that exact phrase to describe accepting the UN-brokered end to the Iran-Iraq War — a rare admission that outside pressure forced Iran's hand, much as it may be doing again today.

The U.S. helped overthrow Iran's elected PM in 1953.

Operation Ajax, a CIA-backed coup, removed PM Mohammad Mosaddegh and restored the Shah. Iran's 1979 revolution — and decades of U.S.-Iran hostility — trace directly back to that intervention.

Iran has repeatedly defied U.S. military pacts in the Gulf

CENTCOM oversees operations across ~20 nations. Iran's failure to honor military MOUs raises the risk of dangerous naval incidents in the Persian Gulf. Follow updates at Reuters

Topic poll · all networksHow many Iranian military targets did CENTCOM hit on July 11?

  1. Approximately 40
  2. Approximately 80
  3. Approximately 140
  4. Approximately 200
Guess, then reveal the answer

Approximately 140

Topic poll · all networksWill Rubio's diplomacy stop Iran's strikes on Israel?

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Switzerland represented Argentina in the UK during the 1982 Falklands War!

When Argentina and the UK severed diplomatic ties in 1982, Switzerland served as 'protecting power' — managing consular affairs and communications between the two warring nations on Argentina's behalf.

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. strikes on Iran shift prediction market odds significantly?

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In 1949, Israel shot down 5 British RAF planes near northern Israel!

During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Israeli pilots downed 5 RAF Spitfires over the Negev and Galilee. Britain had been patrolling for Egypt — creating a bizarre clash between Israel and its former Mandate ruler.

The U.S. & Iran have had no diplomatic relations since 1980.

After Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979, Washington cut ties. Today, Switzerland acts as a go-between — meaning there is no direct diplomatic channel during military escalations.

The U.S. never ratified the global treaty governing strait passage!

UNCLOS, signed by 168 nations, grants all ships 'transit passage' rights through international straits. The U.S. follows it as customary law but never ratified it. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow should China prioritize Typhoon Bavi relief efforts?

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Topic poll · all networksWhich Apple product was FIRST to feature a LiDAR laser scanner?

  1. iPhone 12 Pro
  2. iPad Pro (2020)
  3. Apple Vision Pro
  4. MacBook Pro
Guess, then reveal the answer

iPad Pro (2020)

Trump's NATO spending demands echo Reagan's 1980s burden-sharing push

Reagan repeatedly pressured NATO allies to boost defense budgets during the Cold War. In 1984, he warned Europe wasn't 'paying its fair share' — the same argument Trump has made at every NATO summit since 2017.

Pakistan has brokered US-Iran back-channel talks since 1980!

The US severed diplomatic ties with Iran on April 7, 1980, after the hostage crisis. With no embassy in Tehran, Washington has relied on third-party nations like Pakistan to carry sensitive communications ever since.

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the inadequate disaster response in Venezuela?

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The U.S. helped overthrow Iran's elected prime minister in 1953.

Operation Ajax was a CIA-backed coup removing PM Mosaddegh, who had nationalized Iran's oil. The U.S. officially admitted its role in 2013 — historians cite it as a root of lasting anti-American sentiment in Iran.

Shark incidents can slash nearby beach visits by ~25%.

A 2019 Tourism Management study found shark attacks cause ~25% attendance drops at affected beaches. U.S. coastal tourism tops $100B annually, making rising shark activity a serious economic threat for beach communities.

Topic poll · all networksThe 2015 deal capped Iran's enrichment at 3.67%. How high since?

  1. 20%
  2. 40%
  3. 60%
  4. 90%
Guess, then reveal the answer

60%

Topic poll · all networksHow will Israel respond to Iran's threat over Lebanon strikes?

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No U.S. president has ever been stopped by the War Powers Act in court.

Passed in 1973 after Vietnam, the War Powers Resolution requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of military action. Courts have repeatedly declined to rule on it, calling it a 'political question.'

Topic poll · all networksShould beaches post more warnings as shark sightings rise in fall?

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Topic poll · all networksWill Iran's fuel crisis force the regime to change energy policy?

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Some dogs are specifically trained to deter charging bears!

Karelian Bear Dogs are used by U.S. wildlife agencies to scare off problem bears. Washington's Wind River Bear Institute has deployed them since 1996 to reduce dangerous bear-human encounters.

Topic poll · all networksWhat triggered the 1988 U.S.-Iran naval battle in the Gulf?

  1. Iran mined international waters
  2. A U.S. spy plane was shot down
  3. Iran seized a U.S. cargo ship
  4. Iran bombed a Saudi oil platform
Guess, then reveal the answer

Iran mined international waters

Topic poll · all networksShould ALL nations pay Trump's 20% passage fee for Iranian ships?

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Iran has long used negotiations as strategic leverage in disputes.

Iranian officials have historically framed diplomacy as an extension of resistance, not compromise. This view shaped nuclear talks for decades. Read more at Wikipedia

The '30% of income on housing' rule dates back to a 1969 US law!

The Public Housing Act of 1969 set 30% as the affordability threshold. Today, over 50% of US renters exceed it — and the IMF found global home prices surged ~30% in just 2020–2022.

FBI sting ops have disrupted dozens of attack plots since 9/11.

Federal indictments for terror plots often follow lengthy undercover FBI operations. Since 2001, the FBI has disrupted scores of domestic plots. More at AP News

The IRGC controls a vast business empire worth billions in Iran

Founded after Iran's 1979 revolution, the IRGC runs banks, construction firms & telecoms. The UK joins the US & EU in restricting the group. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksThe U.S. last escorted tankers through the Strait of Hormuz during which operation?

  1. Operation Earnest Will
  2. Operation Desert Shield
  3. Operation Praying Mantis
  4. Operation Nimble Archer
Guess, then reveal the answer

Operation Earnest Will

Topic poll · all networksIn 2021, the US median home price was how many times the median income?

  1. About 2 times
  2. About 4 times
  3. About 6 times
  4. About 9 times
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 6 times

The U.S. & Iran fought the largest U.S. naval battle since WWII in 1988!

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) saw U.S. Navy ships destroy two Iranian oil platforms and sink or damage six Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf — all in a single day.

Topic poll · all networksIran's Natanz nuclear site was sabotaged in 2020. What caused the blast?

  1. Explosive device in a safe
  2. Drone strike from Israel
  3. US cruise missile
  4. Iranian test accident
Guess, then reveal the answer

Explosive device in a safe

The U.S. once sold Iran more weapons than any other nation.

Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran was America's top arms customer. Between 1970–1978, the U.S. sold Iran over $20 billion in weapons — before the 1979 Islamic Revolution ended the alliance.

The U.S. charged Panama Canal tolls for 85 years before 1999.

From 1914 to 1999, the U.S. controlled and collected fees on Panama Canal traffic. The first toll was paid by the steamship Ancon on Aug. 15, 1914 — setting a precedent for charging passage through strategic waterways.

In 1988, the U.S. Navy fought Iran in the Gulf to protect tankers!

Operation Praying Mantis (April 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. The U.S. sank 2 Iranian frigates and destroyed oil platforms used to coordinate attacks on shipping.

The U.S. has intervened in Lebanon's conflicts since 1958!

Eisenhower sent 14,000 Marines to Lebanon in 1958. Reagan deployed troops in 1982 — ending after the Beirut barracks bombing killed 241 Americans, the deadliest single-day Marine loss since Iwo Jima.

Topic poll · all networksLebanon & Israel have no peace treaty. How long have they been in a state of war?

  1. Since 1948
  2. Since 1967
  3. Since 1978
  4. Since 1982
Guess, then reveal the answer

Since 1948

Topic poll · all networksWill the 20% cargo escort fee through the Strait of Hormuz actually happen?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many years has Oman served as a US-Iran back-channel since the 1979 revolution?

  1. 10 years
  2. 25 years
  3. 35 years
  4. 45 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

45 years

Iran has launched cross-border missile strikes multiple times before

The IRGC has targeted sites in Iraq, Syria & Pakistan in recent years. Iran fields one of the Middle East's largest missile arsenals. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksIran threatens Israel today, but when did the two last have diplomatic ties?

  1. Before 1948
  2. Before 1967
  3. Before 1979
  4. Before 1990
Guess, then reveal the answer

Before 1979

Topic poll · all networksWhat should be Trump's top priority at the NATO Summit?

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The EU's DSA forces platforms to protect kids from harmful content

The Digital Services Act requires large platforms to assess risks to minors & restrict targeting of children. Learn more at Wikipedia

Iran blocked Gulf shipping before — in the 1980s 'Tanker War'!

From 1984–1988, Iran & Iraq attacked 500+ tankers in the Gulf, spiking oil prices globally. The U.S. Navy escorted Kuwaiti tankers under American flags — called Operation Earnest Will — to keep the strait open.

The UN first referred Iran's nuclear file to the Security Council in 2006.

The IAEA Board of Governors voted to refer Iran after undeclared nuclear activities were found. The move echoed 2003, when North Korea became the only nation to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty under similar UN pressure.

Iran's strike echoes Iraq's 39 Scud missile attacks on Israel in 1991.

During the Gulf War, Iraq fired 39 Scuds at Israeli cities — the last major ballistic missile assault on Israel before today. The U.S. rushed Patriot batteries to Israel, marking their first-ever use in combat.

Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.

In 2018, Trump exited the JCPOA — the 2015 Iran nuclear deal — calling it 'the worst deal ever negotiated.' Iran then ramped up uranium enrichment, fueling the escalating tensions that led to today's crisis.

Topic poll · all networksIn Iran's April 2024 attack on Israel, what % of projectiles were intercepted?

  1. Around 50%
  2. Around 75%
  3. Around 99%
  4. Around 30%
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 99%

Iran military strikes historically trigger oil price spikes

Geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf can send crude oil prices surging, as the region handles ~20% of global oil supply. Track market moves at Reuters

The EU's Digital Services Act requires platforms to assess risks to minors

Passed in 2022, the DSA mandates that large platforms like YouTube & TikTok conduct risk assessments protecting children online. Learn more at Wikipedia

The 1919 Palmer Raids arrested 10,000+ immigrants in one night.

U.S. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer ordered mass arrests across 33 cities. Like today's ICE enforcement actions, the raids sparked fierce community backlash and lasting civil liberties debates.

Topic poll · all networksHow should communities best keep the 9/11 memory alive?

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Bandar Abbas guards the world's most vital oil chokepoint!

The Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of global oil. Bandar Abbas hosts Iran's main naval base, making any incident there a global energy flashpoint. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow many nations are in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein)?

  1. 32 nations
  2. 50+ nations
  3. 18 nations
  4. 75+ nations
Guess, then reveal the answer

50+ nations

Topic poll · all networksWhat should be the top priority in Israel-Lebanon talks?

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~20% of global oil flows through a strait just 21 miles wide

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest, shipping lanes are only 2 miles wide each way — making it the world's single most critical oil chokepoint.

Iran's strikes follow its 'forward defense' military doctrine

Iran's 'forward defense' strategy involves striking adversaries across the region before threats reach its borders — shaping decades of Mideast conflict. Learn more at Wikipedia

Algeria, not Oman, brokered the 1981 deal freeing 52 U.S. hostages.

The Algiers Accords ended 444 days of captivity and established the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague — still active today — to settle billions in disputed assets. Oman now plays a similar mediator role.

China can evacuate millions in hours when a typhoon strikes!

China's centralized government coordinates some of the world's largest typhoon evacuations. The country faces more storms than almost any other nation. Learn more at Wikipedia

Iran's IRGC helped create Hezbollah in Lebanon in 1982.

After Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon, Iran sent ~1,500 Revolutionary Guard troops to train Shia fighters — creating Hezbollah, now considered one of the world's most heavily armed non-state forces.

In 2020, the US & Iran nearly went to war — then both stood down.

After the U.S. killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Jan. 2020, Iran fired 16 ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq. No Americans were killed, and both sides de-escalated, avoiding a feared full-scale war.

~20% of the world's oil passes through a 2-mile-wide lane!

The Strait of Hormuz handles ~17 million barrels of oil daily. At its narrowest, tankers navigate a shipping lane just 2 miles wide — making it the world's single most critical oil chokepoint.

Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. last fight a naval battle near the Strait of Hormuz?

  1. 1973
  2. 1988
  3. 2003
  4. 2019
Guess, then reveal the answer

1988

Topic poll · all networksShould Iran grant IAEA inspectors full unrestricted access?

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Louisiana hasn't had 2 Black U.S. House members since Reconstruction.

The last time Louisiana sent multiple Black representatives to Congress was the 1870s. The Supreme Court's ruling striking down the state's map aims to restore that representation under the Voting Rights Act.

U.S. sanctions slashed Iran's oil exports by ~80% after 2018!

When the U.S. exited the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed 'maximum pressure' sanctions, Iran's oil exports collapsed from ~2.5M to under 500K barrels/day — costing Iran an estimated $200B in lost revenue by 2023.

Topic poll · all networksWhat's most likely behind the explosions in southern Iran?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. strike Iran-linked militias to pressure hostage releases?

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The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Persian Gulf since 1949!

The U.S. 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, monitors Iran's naval moves. In 1987, the U.S. escorted Kuwaiti tankers under Operation Earnest Will. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat % of the world's seaborne oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

  1. About 5%
  2. About 12%
  3. About 20%
  4. About 35%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 20%

~20% of the world's oil flows through a 21-mile-wide strait

The Strait of Hormuz, bordered by Iran & Oman, is the world's most critical oil chokepoint. Any blockade sends shockwaves through global energy markets. Follow developments at Reuters

Iran earns ~$35B/year in oil revenue despite heavy sanctions.

Oil accounts for roughly 40% of Iran's government budget. Even under U.S. sanctions, Iran exported ~1.5M barrels/day in 2023-24, mostly to China — making oil infrastructure a prime strategic target.

Topic poll · all networksWhich 9/11 community faced the hardest path to healing?

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Topic poll · all networksWill Israel's intensified strikes on Hezbollah lead to a wider regional war?

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Topic poll · all networksThe 2015 JCPOA capped Iran's uranium enrichment at what purity level?

  1. 3.67%
  2. 20%
  3. 45%
  4. 60%
Guess, then reveal the answer

3.67%

The U.S. has been a NATO member since its founding in 1949!

NATO was formed after WWII to deter Soviet aggression, with 12 founding nations. Today it has 32 members. Trump has repeatedly pressured allies to meet the 2% GDP defense spending target. Learn more at Wikipedia

U.S. homes cost ~2.5x income in 1980 — now it's over 5x.

Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies tracks price-to-income ratio as a key affordability measure. In cities like San Francisco, homes now cost over 10x the local median annual income.

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. Navy blockade Iran's coastline to enforce sanctions?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the explosions near Iran's military site?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many passengers died when the U.S. Navy shot down Iran Air 655 in 1988?

  1. 112 passengers
  2. 198 passengers
  3. 290 passengers
  4. 347 passengers
Guess, then reveal the answer

290 passengers

Topic poll · all networksWhat's most likely to make the Israel-Iran halt last?

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Topic poll · all networksEU data: What % of EU kids aged 9-16 report harmful online contact?

  1. 12%
  2. 27%
  3. 44%
  4. 61%
Guess, then reveal the answer

44%

The Strait of Hormuz has been a war flashpoint since the 1980s!

During the 1980s 'Tanker War,' Iran and Iraq attacked over 500 vessels in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. Navy escorted tankers through the strait. Today, ~20% of global oil still transits this 21-mile-wide waterway.

Topic poll · all networksWhat causes 'friendly' shrapnel injuries during missile intercepts?

  1. Interceptor missile fragments
  2. Radar pulse interference
  3. Sonic boom pressure
  4. Ground launcher backblast
Guess, then reveal the answer

Interceptor missile fragments

Topic poll · all networksWhat did Sheikh Hamad do in 2013 that was rare for Arab rulers?

  1. Abdicated in favor of his son
  2. Dissolved the royal family
  3. Declared Qatar a republic
  4. Joined a regional coalition
Guess, then reveal the answer

Abdicated in favor of his son

U.S. 'background briefings' with unnamed officials date back to the FDR era!

Washington press corps rules define three tiers: 'on record,' 'background' (senior official, unnamed), and 'deep background' (no sourcing at all). Formalized after WWII to let officials speak candidly without political consequences.

Topic poll · all networksWill the Israel-Iran flare-up derail peace talks for good?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat should authorities do next in the Nolan Wells case?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many died in the deadliest mass shooting at a music festival in US history?

  1. 22 victims
  2. 38 victims
  3. 60 victims
  4. 91 victims
Guess, then reveal the answer

60 victims

Topic poll · all networksHow far can Iran's Paveh cruise missile travel?

  1. Under 500 km
  2. Around 1,000 km
  3. Around 1,650 km
  4. Over 3,000 km
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 1,650 km

Topic poll · all networksQatar hosts the largest US military base in which region?

  1. Middle East
  2. Central Asia
  3. North Africa
  4. Southeast Asia
Guess, then reveal the answer

Middle East

Topic poll · all networksHow many visitors does Fontainebleau Forest draw each year?

  1. 1 million
  2. 5 million
  3. 15 million
  4. 30 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

15 million

Whitney Plantation is the only U.S. museum focused on enslaved people

Located in Wallace, LA, the Whitney Plantation opened in 2014 as America's first slavery-focused museum. A family whose ancestors were enslaved there now owns it. Learn more at Wikipedia

The U.S. last blockaded a nation during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis

JFK called it a 'quarantine' — not a blockade — to sidestep international war law. Naval blockades are among the rarest, highest-stakes military actions. Follow live updates at Reuters

Iran's claim over Hormuz defies UN maritime law!

UNCLOS guarantees all nations 'transit passage' rights through international straits. Iran cannot legally restrict shipping routes there. Learn more at Wikipedia

Trump ordered the strike killing Iran's top general in 2020!

In Jan. 2020, Trump authorized the drone strike killing Gen. Qasem Soleimani, head of Iran's elite Quds Force — a defining moment of his presidency. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow many field offices does ICE's Enforcement & Removal Ops have nationwide?

  1. 12
  2. 24
  3. 38
  4. 52
Guess, then reveal the answer

24

Bahrain hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet at NSA Bahrain in Manama.

Naval Support Activity Bahrain has been the 5th Fleet's home since 1995, making the tiny island — smaller than Los Angeles — one of the most strategically significant US military outposts in the Middle East.

Qatar has mediated conflicts from Afghanistan to Gaza despite its tiny size!

With just 300,000 citizens, Qatar hosts Hamas, the Taliban, and now Iran talks. Its neutral diplomacy makes it one of the world's most active mediators. Learn more at Wikipedia

China is struck by more typhoons annually than any other nation!

China averages 7–9 typhoon landfalls per year — more than Japan or the Philippines. Its southeastern coast has faced devastating storms for centuries, with typhoon records dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD).

Sheikh Hamad seized power from his own father in a 1995 bloodless coup.

While Emir Khalifa was vacationing in Geneva, Sheikh Hamad took control of Qatar's government and finances. He then transformed Qatar into a global power, launching Al Jazeera in 1996 and securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

New US-Iran strikes echo the 1988 'Tanker War' escalation spiral.

In April 1988, one US frigate hitting an Iranian mine triggered Operation Praying Mantis — the largest US naval battle since WWII — showing how fast localized strikes can shatter a fragile standoff.

Topic poll · all networksWhat share of global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz?

  1. About 5%
  2. About 12%
  3. About 20%
  4. About 35%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 20%

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the Bangkok pub fire deaths?

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Topic poll · all networksIs Trump's push for a ceasefire deal the right move now?

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The U.S. & Iran have clashed militarily since 1988

In 1988, the U.S. Navy destroyed half of Iran's fleet in Operation Praying Mantis — the largest U.S. naval battle since WWII. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow much crypto did North Korea-linked hackers steal in 2022?

  1. $340 million
  2. $1.7 billion
  3. $4.2 billion
  4. $8.9 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

$1.7 billion

Topic poll · all networksIran helped create the Lebanese militia it now backs. In what year?

  1. 1967
  2. 1975
  3. 1982
  4. 1991
Guess, then reveal the answer

1982

Iran's nuclear pullback is actually allowed under the JCPOA's own terms.

Article 36 of the 2015 nuclear deal permits any signatory to suspend commitments if others fail to comply. Iran formally invoked this clause in 2019, a year after the U.S. withdrew from the agreement.

~20% of global oil supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz

This narrow waterway between Iran & Oman is the world's most critical oil chokepoint. Any disruption can spike global energy prices. Follow markets at Reuters

Sheikh Hamad was one of few Gulf rulers to voluntarily abdicate!

In 2013, he handed power to son Tamim — a rare peaceful transfer in Gulf history. He had seized power from his own father in a bloodless 1995 coup. Read more at Wikipedia

A lethal fentanyl dose is just 2mg — a few grains of salt.

The DEA warns 2mg of fentanyl — roughly the size of Lincoln's head on a penny — is enough to kill an average adult. Even small seizures in busts like this can represent thousands of lethal doses.

Iran's south was heavily bombed during the 1980–88 Iran-Iraq War.

Iraq repeatedly struck southern Iran's oil hubs — including Abadan and Khuzestan — destroying the once-largest oil refinery in the world and displacing over 1 million civilians during the 8-year conflict.

The UN debated a nuclear threat in 1962 — and it nearly ended the world.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, U.S. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson confronted the Soviet UN ambassador with spy photos on Oct. 25, 1962 — the closest the UN ever came to stopping a nuclear war in real time.

Topic poll · all networksWill Iran follow through on its Lebanon strike threat?

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Topic poll · all networksQatar declared 4 days of mourning. How long has the Al-Thani family ruled Qatar?

  1. Since 1825
  2. Since 1868
  3. Since 1913
  4. Since 1950
Guess, then reveal the answer

Since 1868

Republicans' weekly address tradition dates back to Reagan in 1982!

President Reagan began the Saturday radio address in 1982. Congress later adopted its own weekly response format, giving the opposing party guaranteed airtime — a tradition now continued by House GOP leadership remarks.

Kuwait hosts thousands of U.S. troops at major Gulf bases

Kuwait has been a cornerstone of U.S. military operations since the 1991 Gulf War, hosting Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base. Learn more at Wikipedia

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Israel's Mossad & the CIA share a 75+ year intelligence partnership.

Established after Israel's founding in 1948, the Mossad-CIA relationship is considered one of the world's closest intel-sharing alliances, with Israel frequently providing the U.S. early warnings on Iranian threats and assassination plots.

Topic poll · all networksWhat event led Kuwait to sign its first defense pact with the U.S.?

  1. Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait
  2. The Iran-Iraq War
  3. Britain's 1961 Kuwait exit
  4. The 9/11 attacks
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Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. push for a formal ceasefire with Iran now?

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Crypto sanctions evasion echoes the 1991 BCCI banking scandal

BCCI, dubbed the 'Bank of Crooks & Criminals,' laundered money for drug cartels, terrorists & rogue states before a 62-country simultaneous shutdown in 1991. Regulators say crypto now fills the same role for illicit finance.

Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated in 2013 — rare in the Arab world.

When Hamad handed power to his son Tamim at age 61, it was one of the few peaceful, voluntary transfers of power in Gulf history. He cited a desire for 'a new generation to take responsibility.'

Topic poll · all networksWhat should Araghchi prioritize in Hormuz talks?

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The IRGC controls an estimated 20-40% of Iran's entire economy!

Through its Khatam al-Anbiya construction conglomerate, the IRGC runs hundreds of companies spanning oil, telecoms, and infrastructure. The US Treasury designated it a terrorist organization in 2019.

Topic poll · all networksShould Congress have power to limit the Supreme Court's size?

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The U.S. last imposed a naval blockade during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

JFK called it a 'quarantine' — not a blockade — to avoid triggering an act of war under international law. The 13-day standoff nearly led to nuclear conflict between the U.S. and Soviet Union.

Qatar has one of the world's highest GDPs per capita from gas!

Qatar holds the world's 3rd largest natural gas reserves. Its LNG exports made it one of the richest nations per person by 2023. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat will decide England's semifinal fate?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many schools have won the NCAA basketball championship?

  1. 22 schools
  2. 35 schools
  3. 47 schools
  4. 58 schools
Guess, then reveal the answer

35 schools

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the ICE shooting in Houston?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for Iran's regime vulnerability?

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Neither Iran nor the U.S. has joined the ICC war crimes court

The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, prosecutes war crimes globally. Iran signed but never ratified its founding Rome Statute — and the U.S. withdrew its own signature that same year under President George W. Bush.

The Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes are only 2 miles wide each way!

Despite being 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest, vessels follow 2-mile-wide lanes with a 2-mile buffer. Roughly 20% of global oil supply — about 17 million barrels per day — passes through it.

Topic poll · all networksHow much of Russia's federal budget comes from oil & gas revenue?

  1. Under 20%
  2. About 30%
  3. Nearly 50%
  4. Over 60%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 30%

Iran signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty back in 1968!

Despite being an NPT signatory, Iran has faced 6 UN Security Council resolutions since 2006 over its nuclear activities — including uranium enrichment far beyond civilian energy needs.

Topic poll · all networksHow much did Qatar's GDP per capita grow under Sheikh Hamad's rule?

  1. Doubled to ~$34K
  2. Tripled to ~$51K
  3. Nearly 6x to ~$93K
  4. More than 10x to $170K
Guess, then reveal the answer

Nearly 6x to ~$93K

Iran has funded & armed Hezbollah in Lebanon since 1982!

Iran's Revolutionary Guard helped found Hezbollah after Israel's 1982 Lebanon invasion. The group became Iran's most powerful regional proxy. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksThe U.S. last struck Iran-linked targets in Iraq & Syria in what year?

  1. 2021
  2. 2022
  3. 2023
  4. 2024
Guess, then reveal the answer

2024

Topic poll · all networksWhat will LA's World Cup legacy ultimately be remembered for?

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Topic poll · all networksThe War Powers Act limits unauthorized strikes to how many days?

  1. 60 days
  2. 30 days
  3. 90 days
  4. 120 days
Guess, then reveal the answer

60 days

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. engage in direct talks with Iran?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. follow through on Trump's "1,000 missiles" warning to Iran?

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Crypto crime isn't new — Liberty Reserve laundered $6B in 2013.

The U.S. shut down Liberty Reserve, an early digital currency, in 2013 after charging it with laundering $6 billion for criminals worldwide. It was the largest money laundering case in U.S. history at the time.

Topic poll · all networksHow many goals had Spain conceded before Belgium scored in this World Cup?

  1. 0
  2. 2
  3. 4
  4. 6
Guess, then reveal the answer

0

Topic poll · all networksWhat will Iran do if Israel continues strikes on Lebanon?

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The U.S. hasn't formally declared war since June 1942.

Since WWII, presidents have conducted 100+ military operations abroad — including strikes on Iran — under executive authority or AUMFs, not formal declarations. The 1973 War Powers Resolution requires Congressional notice within 48 hours.

Bastille Day's parade is Europe's oldest regular military parade!

Held annually since 1880 on the Champs-Élysées, the parade marks the 1789 storming of the Bastille fortress — a turning point of the French Revolution. Learn more at Wikipedia

The IAEA was born from Eisenhower's 1953 'Atoms for Peace' speech!

Eisenhower proposed the agency to the UN General Assembly in Dec. 1953 to ensure peaceful nuclear use. Now with 178 member states, the IAEA is the same body tasked with monitoring Iran's nuclear program today.

Iran attacked 200+ ships in the 1980s 'Tanker War' in the Gulf

During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), Iran targeted neutral oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. The US launched Operation Earnest Will in 1987 to escort Kuwaiti tankers — the largest US convoy op since WWII.

Topic poll · all networksWhat caused the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) to unravel?

  1. U.S. withdrew in 2018
  2. Iran enriched past limits
  3. Israel bombed a facility
  4. UN sanctions reimposed
Guess, then reveal the answer

U.S. withdrew in 2018

Topic poll · all networksThe Bayeux Tapestry is French-kept — but where was it likely made?

  1. Bayeux, Normandy
  2. Canterbury, England
  3. Paris, France
  4. Winchester, England
Guess, then reveal the answer

Canterbury, England

Topic poll · all networksHow many ballistic missiles did Iran fire at Israel on Oct. 1?

  1. Approximately 45
  2. Approximately 90
  3. Approximately 180
  4. Approximately 300
Guess, then reveal the answer

Approximately 180

Qatar shares the world's largest natural gas field with Iran!

The North Dome/South Pars field, straddling the Qatar-Iran border, is the world's largest gas reserve. This deep economic interdependence gives Qatar rare credibility with Tehran — making it a natural diplomatic bridge to the West.

Denmark charged 'Sound Tolls' on strait ships for 428 years!

From 1429–1857, Denmark taxed every ship passing the Øresund Strait, at times collecting 2/3 of royal revenue. Trump's proposed 20% Hormuz charge echoes this centuries-old practice of nations taxing maritime chokepoints.

Sen. Bob Graham kept detailed notebooks of every daily activity for 40+ years!

Graham filled over 4,000 spiral notebooks documenting his daily life — from meals to meetings. He called it 'discipline' and the notebooks became a famous symbol of his meticulous character during his Senate career.

Topic poll · all networksAre U.S. strikes on Iran's coast militarily justified?

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Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. first impose major sanctions on Russia over Ukraine?

  1. 2014
  2. 2016
  3. 2019
  4. 2022
Guess, then reveal the answer

2014

Oman secretly hosted US-Iran talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal!

In 2013, Muscat hosted covert meetings between US and Iranian officials, laying groundwork for the JCPOA. Oman is the only Gulf Arab state that has never severed diplomatic ties with Iran.

Topic poll · all networksHow far is Qatar from Iran across the Persian Gulf?

  1. About 60 miles
  2. About 125 miles
  3. About 300 miles
  4. About 500 miles
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 125 miles

The 1988 U.S.-Iran naval clash was the biggest sea battle since WWII.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) saw the U.S. Navy sink or damage half of Iran's operational fleet in one day, after Iran mined international waters and damaged a U.S. frigate. Iran's IRGC small-boat tactics trace to that conflict.

Families of public figures often drive political accountability investigations.

When families speak out publicly, it can shift political narratives and prompt official inquiries. Stay current on this developing story. Follow updates at AP News

Iran only began directly striking Israel in April 2024!

In April 2024, Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel using 300+ drones and missiles. A strike on a northern airbase signals deepening escalation. Background at Wikipedia

The FBI's JTTF — formed in NYC in 1980 — led the UFC plot investigation.

The Joint Terrorism Task Force was the first of its kind in the U.S. Today, over 200 JTTFs operate nationwide, combining FBI agents with local law enforcement to investigate domestic and international terror threats.

Direct U.S. strikes on Iranian soil mark a historic escalation

The U.S. and Iran have clashed for decades — from the 1988 Gulf tanker war to the 2020 Soleimani strike — but direct attacks on Iranian cities are unprecedented. Follow live updates at Reuters

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for escalating strikes on Russian energy infrastructure?

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Topic poll · all networksName the 6 stages of a just-in-time supply chain!

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Design,Sourcing,Manufacturing,Assembly,Distribution,Retail

Chabahar is Iran's only port with direct access to the open ocean!

Located on the Gulf of Oman, Chabahar bypasses Pakistan & is key to India-Afghanistan trade routes. Learn more at Wikipedia

Iran has one of the Middle East's largest ballistic missile arsenals

Iran's missile program dates to the 1980s Iran-Iraq War and now includes missiles capable of reaching all of Israel. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow far apart are Israel and Iran by straight-line distance?

  1. About 500 miles
  2. About 1,000 miles
  3. About 1,800 miles
  4. About 2,500 miles
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 1,000 miles

Pakistan has long served as a secret back-channel between the US & Iran!

Pakistan maintains ties with both Washington and Tehran, making it a rare go-between. This back-channel role dates back decades. Learn more at Wikipedia

The Hormuz Strait has been a U.S.-Iran flashpoint since the 1980s!

During the 'Tanker War,' the U.S. launched Operation Earnest Will to escort ships through Hormuz — the largest convoy op since WWII. Iran and the U.S. directly clashed in 1988's Operation Praying Mantis.

Topic poll · all networksWhat should be the top priority in the Ebola outbreak response?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat triggered the last major US military strike on Iran?

  1. An Iranian naval mine
  2. An Iranian missile attack
  3. A hostage rescue attempt
  4. An Iranian air strike
Guess, then reveal the answer

An Iranian naval mine

Qatar's 2013 handover was one of the Gulf's rarest peaceful abdications!

When Sheikh Hamad stepped down in 2013, he became one of very few Gulf rulers to voluntarily cede power. His son Tamim, then 33, became the youngest ruling emir in Qatar's history. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksA 1996 federal commission found CPI overstated inflation by how much?

  1. 0.3 percentage points
  2. 1.1 percentage points
  3. 2.4 percentage points
  4. 3.8 percentage points
Guess, then reveal the answer

1.1 percentage points

Topic poll · all networksQatar can mediate U.S.-Iran talks partly because it hosts what?

  1. The largest U.S. base in Mideast
  2. The UN's regional HQ
  3. Iran's main trade embassy
  4. NATO's Gulf command center
Guess, then reveal the answer

The largest U.S. base in Mideast

~20% of the world's oil supply transits southern Iran's waters daily.

The Strait of Hormuz, hugging Iran's southern coast, is the world's most critical oil chokepoint. The U.S. Energy Information Administration calls it 'the world's most important oil transit chokepoint.'

Topic poll · all networksShould Iran's uranium enrichment cap be non-negotiable in talks?

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Iran's 2020 missile strike on a U.S. base cost ~$1.8B to repair.

When Iran hit Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq in Jan. 2020, the U.S. spent ~$1.8B on repairs and TBI care for 110 injured troops — the costliest single Iranian strike on U.S. military assets on record.

The Strait of Hormuz is only 21 miles wide at its narrowest!

Despite its tiny width, ~20% of the world's oil supply passes through it daily — about 17 million barrels. It's widely called the world's most critical oil chokepoint by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Topic poll · all networksThe 2015 Iran nuclear deal capped centrifuges at how many?

  1. 1,044
  2. 5,060
  3. 12,500
  4. 19,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

5,060

Topic poll · all networksWhat's the biggest risk of US-Iran military escalation?

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U.S. sanctions on Iran date back to November 1979!

Triggered by the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis, sanctions began under President Carter. In 2012, Iran was cut from the SWIFT banking network, causing its oil exports to drop by over 50%.

Topic poll · all networksWhat federal charge is most used in U.S. domestic terror prosecutions?

  1. Material support for terrorism
  2. Seditious conspiracy
  3. Weapons of mass destruction
  4. Treason
Guess, then reveal the answer

Material support for terrorism

Khomeini invented a new form of government: clerical rule

His 'Velayat-e faqih' doctrine made a senior Islamic jurist the supreme political authority — a concept with no precedent in Islamic history. Read more at Wikipedia

The Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of the world's oil supply daily.

Any disruption to this narrow waterway between Iran and Oman can spike global oil prices instantly. In 2019, tanker attacks near the strait caused Brent crude to jump over 15% in a single day.

NATO has held summits since 1949 — now with 32 member nations!

NATO was founded April 4, 1949, with just 12 original members. It has grown to 32 nations today. Explore NATO summit history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksThe last major U.S. naval strike on Iran in 1988 had what name?

  1. Operation Praying Mantis
  2. Operation Eagle Claw
  3. Operation Nimble Archer
  4. Operation Earnest Will
Guess, then reveal the answer

Operation Praying Mantis

Trump brokered the Abraham Accords — first Mideast peace deals in 26 years!

Signed in Sept. 2020, the Accords normalized Israel's ties with UAE, Bahrain, Sudan & Morocco. Iran, excluded and opposed, called them a 'betrayal' of the Palestinian cause.

Topic poll · all networksA 2011 blast at Iran's Bid Ganeh base killed which key military figure?

  1. Hassan Moghaddam
  2. Qasem Soleimani
  3. Ali Shamkhani
  4. Yahya Rahim Safavi
Guess, then reveal the answer

Hassan Moghaddam

Hawaii's costliest hurricane caused $1.8B in damage in 1992!

Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai on Sept. 11, 1992, destroying 1,421 homes and damaging 5,000 more. It remains Hawaii's most destructive storm on record — a stark reminder of the economic stakes as Lowell approaches.

Iran has been on the U.S. terrorism sponsor list since 1984!

Designated by Reagan in 1984, Iran is one of only 4 countries on the U.S. terrorism sponsor list. Treasury's OFAC has since sanctioned hundreds of Iran-linked banks, shell companies, and militia networks.

The W. Pacific is Earth's most active tropical cyclone basin!

It generates nearly a third of all tropical storms worldwide — more than any other ocean basin. Learn about typhoon preparedness at weather.gov

Topic poll · all networksWhich NATO treaty article requires members to defend each other?

  1. Article 4
  2. Article 5
  3. Article 6
  4. Article 9
Guess, then reveal the answer

Article 5

The IRGC is the only national military labeled a U.S. terror org

In April 2019, the U.S. designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard a Foreign Terrorist Organization — the first time Washington applied that label to another nation's official military branch.

Topic poll · all networksSheikh Hamad launched Al Jazeera in 1996 with a state grant of how much?

  1. $25 million
  2. $150 million
  3. $400 million
  4. $1 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

$150 million

Topic poll · all networksWhat will be the biggest consequence of US strikes on Iran?

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Bandar Abbas sits at the mouth of the world's most critical oil chokepoint.

The Strait of Hormuz, just miles from Bandar Abbas, carries roughly 20% of global oil trade daily — about 17 million barrels. The U.S. Energy Information Administration calls it the world's most important oil transit chokepoint.

China merged 13 agencies into one ministry to handle disasters like typhoons!

In 2018, China created the Ministry of Emergency Management, consolidating 13 agencies — including flood control, earthquake relief, and forest fire response — under a single unified command structure.

Eisenhower forced US allies to accept a ceasefire in 48 hours!

In 1956, Ike threatened economic sanctions against Britain, France & Israel during the Suez Crisis, demanding they halt their invasion of Egypt. All three complied within 2 days — a rare case of US pressure overriding its own allies.

Aortic dissection is often misdiagnosed — and fatal within hours.

An aortic dissection is a tear in the aorta's inner wall, causing blood to surge between layers. It can be mistaken for a heart attack and kills ~50% of patients within 48 hrs untreated. Learn more at Wikipedia

The US has clashed with Iran over Gulf shipping before!

In 1987-88, Operation Earnest Will saw the US Navy escort Kuwaiti tankers through the Persian Gulf, leading to direct clashes with Iranian forces — including the sinking of Iranian vessels in Operation Praying Mantis.

The W. Pacific is the world's most active tropical cyclone basin!

More typhoons form here than anywhere on Earth — China's coast faces roughly 7-9 landfalling typhoons per year on average. Explore the history at Wikipedia

Tiny Qatar has become one of the world's most active diplomatic mediators!

Despite having a population under 3 million, Qatar hosts the Taliban's political office, has mediated Gaza ceasefire talks, and now engages Tehran. Learn more at Wikipedia

U.S. housing affordability hit a 40-year low in 2023!

The National Association of Realtors reported that surging mortgage rates and home prices pushed affordability to its worst level since 1984 — a key driver behind calls for landmark federal housing legislation.

Senate seat appointments by governors date back to the 17th Amendment (1913).

The 17th Amendment gave governors power to temporarily fill vacant Senate seats. Since then, dozens of appointments have been made — but family members filling a senator's own seat remain exceptionally rare in U.S. history.

Topic poll · all networksWas the U.S. military strike on Iran justified?

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The last major U.S. military strike on Iran was in 1988.

Operation Praying Mantis, April 18, 1988, was the U.S. Navy's largest surface engagement since WWII — sinking two Iranian warships and destroying oil platforms after a frigate hit an Iranian mine.

CENTCOM has overseen U.S. military ops in the Mideast since 1983!

U.S. Central Command, created under Reagan, covers 21 nations including Iran. It has directed every major U.S. military operation in the region for 4 decades. Follow live updates at Reuters

US Iran sanctions are authorized by a 1977 law called IEEPA!

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act, signed by President Carter, lets presidents impose economic restrictions after declaring a national emergency. Iran has been under a declared emergency since 1979.

Sheikh Hamad seized power from his own father in a 1995 palace coup

While Emir Khalifa vacationed in Geneva, Hamad took control in a bloodless takeover — then made history again in 2013 by voluntarily abdicating to son Tamim, a rare act among Gulf rulers.

~20% of global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz daily.

At its narrowest, the Strait is only 21 nautical miles wide. The two shipping lanes — one in, one out — are each just 2 miles wide, making it the world's most critical oil transit chokepoint.

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. impose a 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz cargo?

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Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. last have full diplomatic ties with Iran?

  1. 1973
  2. 1980
  3. 1991
  4. 2003
Guess, then reveal the answer

1980

Topic poll · all networksShould the US strike Iran over its nuclear program?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for surging oil prices?

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Topic poll · all networksBefore it was a toy, Play-Doh was invented to clean what?

  1. Wallpaper
  2. Car upholstery
  3. Shoe leather
  4. Vinyl flooring
Guess, then reveal the answer

Wallpaper

Trump has used Truth Social to announce major foreign policy positions.

Truth Social, launched in 2022 after Trump was banned from Twitter, has become a primary channel for his policy announcements, including ceasefire and peace deal statements. Follow updates at AP News

Topic poll · all networksWhat will the U.N. Iran nuclear debate lead to?

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Sheikh Hamad's 2013 abdication was a rare voluntary Gulf power transfer.

When Sheikh Hamad handed power to his son Tamim in 2013, it was among the first voluntary abdications by a ruling Gulf monarch — a region where leaders historically rule until death. He was just 61 years old at the time.

Topic poll · all networksHow far is Iran from northern Israel, the target of its claimed strike?

  1. Under 500 miles
  2. About 1,000 miles
  3. About 1,500 miles
  4. Over 2,000 miles
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 1,000 miles

Topic poll · all networksWhat will most pressure Sudan's warring parties to protect civilians?

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Iran attacked 400+ tankers in the 1980s 'Tanker War' in the Gulf.

During the Iran-Iraq War (1984-1988), both nations targeted oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. eventually reflagged Kuwaiti tankers and deployed Navy escorts, leading to direct U.S.-Iran naval clashes.

China's coast is one of the world's most typhoon-prone regions!

The Western Pacific produces more tropical cyclones than any other ocean basin — averaging 25–30 per year. China's coastline absorbs more landfalling typhoons than almost any nation. Explore more at Wikipedia

Trump pulled the US from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in May 2018.

The 2015 JCPOA had Iran limit uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump called it 'the worst deal ever.' Current talks mark the 3rd major US-Iran nuclear framework attempt since 1979.

U.S. sanctions on Iran have been in place since 1979!

The U.S. first sanctioned Iran after the hostage crisis — over 40 years of economic pressure. Trump's renewed blockade escalates the longest-running U.S. sanctions regime. Follow updates at Reuters

Iran's 2015 nuclear deal unlocked ~$100B in frozen assets for Iran

The JCPOA gave Iran sweeping sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear limits. The U.S. withdrew in 2018, triggering today's impasse. Read the history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWho bears more blame for the Israel-Iran cycle of strikes?

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The UN has debated Iran's nuclear program for over 20 years!

Iran's nuclear activities first drew IAEA scrutiny in 2002. The UN Security Council passed 6 resolutions imposing sanctions before the 2015 JCPOA deal. Learn more at Wikipedia

Venezuela's 1812 earthquake killed ~20,000 people in under a minute.

The catastrophic 1812 Caracas quake struck on Holy Thursday, collapsing churches packed with worshippers. Venezuela sits on the volatile Caribbean-South American tectonic plate boundary, making it one of Latin America's most seismically active nations.

Topic poll · all networksWhat should the U.S. do about Iran's new Hormuz restricted zone?

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Fontainebleau Forest has been a royal hunting ground since the 12th century!

Covering ~25,000 hectares near Paris, it inspired the 19th-century Barbizon School of painters. Kings from Louis VII to Napoleon III hunted there, making it one of France's most historically treasured forests.

Topic poll · all networksWhat should Iran's nuclear enrichment policy be?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. and Iran return to the negotiating table now?

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Topic poll · all networksBefore the Senate, what rank did Lindsey Graham hold in the Air Force Reserve?

  1. Captain
  2. Lieutenant Colonel
  3. Colonel
  4. Brigadier General
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Colonel

Topic poll · all networksAre U.S. strikes against Iran the right move?

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Iran built cruise missiles by reverse-engineering pre-revolution US arms.

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution cut off US weapons supplies, Iran developed its own missile program. The Quds-1 cruise missile — linked to Houthi attacks on the UAE — closely resembles older US designs Iran possessed before 1979.

NATO's 2% spending goal predates Trump — set at 2014 Wales Summit.

When Trump took office in 2017, only 3 of 28 NATO members met the 2% GDP defense target. By 2024, 23 of 32 members met or exceeded it — a dramatic shift in alliance contributions.

Naval sea drones were first used in combat by Ukraine vs. Russia!

Ukraine pioneered armed USVs against Russia's Black Sea Fleet in 2022, inspiring global militaries. Now the U.S. has deployed them offensively for the first time. Learn more at Wikipedia

In 1988, the U.S. Navy fought its biggest sea battle since WWII — vs. Iran.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) saw U.S. forces sink or disable half of Iran's operational navy in one day, after Iran mined international waters and damaged the USS Samuel B. Roberts.

Topic poll · all networksShould France permanently loan the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK?

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Topic poll · all networksShould Israel halt attacks on Lebanon to avoid escalating with Iran?

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In 1988, the U.S. Navy fought Iran's small boats in the Gulf in one day

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. The Navy sank or disabled 6 Iranian vessels, including small speedboats used by the IRGC Navy.

Topic poll · all networksShould countries pay Trump's 20% fee for Hormuz passage?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat follows U.S. strikes against Iran-backed Houthis?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat's most likely to crack Iran's economy first?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat should cities prioritize after Toronto's festival shooting?

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Topic poll · all networksICE didn't always exist — what year was the agency created?

  1. 1973
  2. 1986
  3. 2003
  4. 2010
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2003

Topic poll · all networksHow many years was Sanaa airport closed to commercial flights during Yemen's war?

  1. 1 year
  2. 3 years
  3. 6 years
  4. 9 years
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6 years

Topic poll · all networksShould Trump's maximum pressure on Iran include a naval blockade?

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Iran's secret nuclear sites were exposed by an opposition group in 2002!

The National Council of Resistance of Iran publicly revealed the Natanz enrichment facility and Arak heavy water plant, forcing the IAEA to investigate what Iran had concealed for nearly 18 years.

The U.S. has major military bases in all 3 countries Iran targeted

Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. air base in the Middle East. Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet HQ. Learn more at Wikipedia

A U.S. naval blockade of Iran echoes the 1962 Cuba crisis!

In 1962, JFK's naval 'quarantine' of Cuba halted Soviet ships in the Cold War's tensest standoff. A blockade is legally considered an act of war under international law. Follow coverage at Reuters

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. military guarantee Hormuz stays open to all vessels?

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The Sea of Azov has been a Russia-Ukraine flashpoint since 2014

Ukraine struck 10+ Russian oil tankers there since Friday. Russia seized control after annexing Crimea in 2014, choking Ukrainian ports. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow close is Trump to sealing a ceasefire deal?

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Iran & the U.S. haven't had direct diplomacy since 1980!

The 1981 Algiers Accords — the last binding Iran-U.S. deal — was brokered by Algeria after Iran cut ties with Washington post-revolution. Decades later, talks still rely on intermediaries like Oman.

The IAEA has policed nuclear activity since 1957!

The International Atomic Energy Agency has 178 member states and sends inspectors worldwide to verify nuclear treaty compliance. Iran has been a central focus for years. Learn more at Wikipedia

Electing a House Speaker once took 133 rounds of voting!

In 1855-56, the House needed 133 ballots over 2 months to elect Nathaniel Banks as Speaker. Kevin McCarthy's 15-ballot fight in Jan. 2023 was the longest Speaker vote in 164 years.

Topic poll · all networksHow many days did the 1979 Iran hostage crisis last?

  1. 144 days
  2. 280 days
  3. 444 days
  4. 512 days
Guess, then reveal the answer

444 days

The last major U.S. strike on Iran was in 1988 — 37 years ago.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII — triggered after an Iranian mine damaged a U.S. frigate. The U.S. sank 2 Iranian warships and destroyed 2 oil platforms.

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the explosions across southern Iran?

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Topic poll · all networksWho deserves most credit for pausing Israel-Iran attacks?

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Qeshm Island was near the largest U.S. naval battle since WWII!

In April 1988, Operation Praying Mantis saw U.S. and Iranian forces clash in the Persian Gulf near Qeshm Island, sinking multiple Iranian vessels in a single day — the biggest U.S. naval combat since 1945.

Topic poll · all networksWhat will the EU's child online safety push actually change?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for France-Morocco tensions?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many federal terrorism indictments were filed in the US in 2023?

  1. Under 50
  2. Around 100
  3. Over 200
  4. Nearly 400
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Over 200

Topic poll · all networksWhat should the US prioritize in talks with Iran?

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Topic poll · all networksHow much does Iran reportedly fund Hezbollah per year?

  1. $50 million
  2. $200 million
  3. $700 million
  4. $2 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

$700 million

The Strait of Hormuz shipping lane is just 2 miles wide each way.

Despite being ~21 nautical miles wide, tankers navigate two 2-mile-wide lanes separated by a 2-mile buffer. About 21% of global oil trade — ~17 million barrels/day — passes through this narrow corridor.

Iran's southern coast has been a flashpoint since the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War.

During the 'Tanker War' (1984-88), over 400 ships were attacked in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. Navy shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over these same waters in 1988, killing all 290 people aboard.

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for Russia's fuel shortages?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat % of global oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

  1. About 5%
  2. About 20%
  3. About 35%
  4. About 50%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 20%

Israel's Iron Dome can intercept rockets mid-air at 90% success!

The Iron Dome, developed with U.S. support, has intercepted thousands of rockets since 2011. As sirens sound across Israel, the system is on high alert. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksThe US sees roughly what share of global unprovoked shark bites?

  1. About 1 in 5
  2. About 1 in 3
  3. About half
  4. Nearly all
Guess, then reveal the answer

About half

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the Israel-Iran escalation?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the crew abandoning ship in the Strait of Hormuz?

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Topic poll · all networksHow much has the U.S. spent in Iraq since the 2003 invasion?

  1. Around $500 billion
  2. Around $800 billion
  3. Over $2 trillion
  4. Nearly $5 trillion
Guess, then reveal the answer

Over $2 trillion

Topic poll · all networksWhat happens next between the US and Iran?

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Topic poll · all networksBastille Day became France's official national holiday in what year?

  1. 1789
  2. 1830
  3. 1880
  4. 1919
Guess, then reveal the answer

1880

Topic poll · all networksHow many people have served as Thailand's Prime Minister since 1932?

  1. 12
  2. 21
  3. 30
  4. 47
Guess, then reveal the answer

30

Topic poll · all networksHow much did Sheikh Hamad fund Al Jazeera with at its 1996 launch?

  1. $50 million
  2. $150 million
  3. $300 million
  4. $500 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

$150 million

Topic poll · all networksWas the U.S. military right to target IRGC boats near the Strait of Hormuz?

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Topic poll · all networksShould Israel be allowed to strike the corridor dividing N. and S. Gaza?

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Topic poll · all networksShould Mateta be a starter for France at the next World Cup?

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France didn't officially celebrate Bastille Day until 1880!

The storming of the Bastille in 1789 sparked the French Revolution, but the national holiday wasn't established for 91 years. Explore the full history at Wikipedia

Florida has over 900 names on its fallen officers memorial wall.

The Florida Fallen Officers Memorial in Tallahassee honors law enforcement who died in the line of duty since 1840. Memorial breakfasts keep their legacy alive. Learn more at Wikipedia

Iran's southern coast saw major U.S.-Iran naval combat in 1988.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. The U.S. Navy struck Iranian oil platforms and sank two Iranian vessels after the USS Samuel B. Roberts hit an Iranian mine in the Gulf.

Iran is weeks away from weapons-grade uranium, experts warn

Iran enriches uranium to 60% — just below the 90% weapons-grade threshold. The IAEA warns Iran has enough stockpile to produce multiple bombs if enriched further, making the VP's offer to halt a critical diplomatic signal.

The U.S. & Iran have had no diplomatic relations since 1980

After the 1979 hostage crisis, the U.S. severed ties with Iran — making every negotiation unofficial. Learn the full history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksShould countries pay the US for protecting the Strait of Hormuz?

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Topic poll · all networksQatar hosted Taliban peace talks before Iran. When did Doha open a Taliban political office?

  1. 2004
  2. 2008
  3. 2013
  4. 2018
Guess, then reveal the answer

2013

England & Norway once clashed in a landmark 1951 World Court case!

The UK challenged Norway's coastal fishing zone boundaries at the International Court of Justice — and lost. Norway's 1951 victory helped shape modern international maritime law worldwide.

The 2022 World Cup was watched by over 5 billion people!

Nearly 2/3 of humanity tuned in, setting an all-time record. Players like Mbappe and Messi gained massive new fanbases far beyond soccer. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat happens next after IRGC closes the Strait of Hormuz?

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Israel & Iran were close allies before Iran's 1979 revolution!

Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Israel and Iran shared military intel and Iran was one of Israel's top oil suppliers. The 1979 Islamic Revolution ended all ties — turning former allies into arch-enemies.

Topic poll · all networksHow many days did the Camp David Accords negotiations last in 1978?

  1. 3 days
  2. 13 days
  3. 30 days
  4. 47 days
Guess, then reveal the answer

13 days

Topic poll · all networksShould Trump restart US-Iran nuclear talks after scrapping the MOU?

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Anutin Charnirakul built his fortune in construction before politics!

Anutin leads the Bhumjaithai Party & became PM in 2023. His family's Sino-Thai construction empire shaped his rise to power. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat will the Southeast & Southwest do about extreme heat?

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The GCC was founded in 1981 partly due to fears of regional conflict spillover.

Formed after the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the start of the Iran-Iraq War, the 6-nation Gulf Cooperation Council established joint defense protocols still used to coordinate regional security alerts today.

Topic poll · all networksIs Iran's threat of a 'more crushing' response to Israel justified?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many people has Sudan's civil war internally displaced?

  1. Over 4 million
  2. Over 7 million
  3. Over 11 million
  4. Over 15 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

Over 11 million

Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel dates back to the 1940s!

Built by the British Royal Air Force during WWII, Ramat David became operational for Israel during the 1948 War of Independence. It remains one of Israel's most strategically vital air bases over 75 years later.

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for tensions in the Strait of Hormuz?

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The Emergency Alert System can hijack ALL broadcasts in seconds!

Established in 1997, the EAS replaced the 1963 Emergency Broadcast System, interrupting every TV & radio station simultaneously. Learn more at Wikipedia

House GOP weekly press remarks became routine in the Gingrich era!

Newt Gingrich formalized weekly GOP leadership press availabilities in 1995 to drive the party message. The practice has continued under every House Speaker since, becoming a staple of congressional media strategy.

Topic poll · all networksAre Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian tankers justified?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the US charge 20% for Strait of Hormuz passage?

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NATO's Article 5 collective defense has only been invoked once — after 9/11.

Despite NATO's 75-year history, Article 5 — the 'attack on one is an attack on all' clause — was triggered just once: in 2001, when allies backed the U.S. following the September 11 attacks.

AI helped diagnose rare diseases in 18 kids stumping doctors

Boston researchers used OpenAI's GPT-4 to crack cases baffling specialists. Over 300M people live with a rare disease, often waiting years for answers. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat's Hawaii's biggest challenge when a rare hurricane threatens?

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Topic poll · all networksWill Trump's Strait of Hormuz moves face legal challenges?

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Jefferson originally wrote 'inalienable' — not 'unalienable' — in his draft!

The Declaration's final version changed Jefferson's wording. Historically, courts debated whether these rights extended to enslaved people and women. Explore the history at Wikipedia

23 of 32 NATO members now meet the 2% defense goal — up from just 3 in 2014!

Trump has long demanded NATO allies spend 2% of GDP on defense. In 2014, only 3 members met that threshold. By 2024, that number jumped to 23 — a shift NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg publicly credited to U.S. pressure.

The House Majority Leader role wasn't formalized until 1899!

Before 1899, no official Majority Leader title existed in the House. Sereno Payne of New York is recognized as the first. The position was created to better coordinate the growing legislative agenda of a rapidly expanding nation.

Boston Logan had failed FAA security audits before 9/11.

The 9/11 Commission Report noted Logan Airport received poor marks in pre-attack FAA security assessments. Two of the four hijacked flights — AA Flight 11 and UA Flight 175 — both departed from Logan.

Iran struck a U.S. base in Iraq in 2020, injuring 110 troops.

In Jan. 2020, Iran fired ballistic missiles at Al-Asad Air Base after the U.S. killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani. The Pentagon initially claimed no casualties, then acknowledged 110 troops had traumatic brain injuries.

Qatar's Al-Thani family has ruled since the 1850s!

The Al-Thani dynasty has governed Qatar for over 170 years, transforming it from a pearl-fishing economy into a global LNG powerhouse. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow should Maine Dems pick their new nominee?

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Qatar's emir took power from his own father in a bloodless coup!

In 1995, Sheikh Hamad deposed his father Khalifa while he vacationed abroad, then modernized Qatar & launched Al Jazeera. Read more at Wikipedia

The Declaration's 'unalienable rights' are NOT enforceable in court!

U.S. courts have long held the Declaration of Independence carries no binding legal authority. Only the Constitution and federal statutes create enforceable rights — making 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' a moral ideal, not a legal claim.

Topic poll · all networksWill US-Iran nuclear talks produce a deal in 2025?

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Topic poll · all networksHow much does Iran reportedly send Hamas per year?

  1. $10 million
  2. $100 million
  3. $500 million
  4. $1 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

$100 million

Topic poll · all networksShould Iran control both proposed Northern routes through its waters?

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The U.S. has patrolled the Strait of Hormuz since 1987!

Operation Earnest Will (1987-88) had the U.S. Navy escort Kuwaiti oil tankers through the Strait during the Iran-Iraq War — the largest U.S. convoy operation since WWII.

Qatar National Vision 2030 was launched in October 2008!

Announced under Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QNV 2030 has 4 pillars: human, social, economic & environmental development — aiming to reduce Qatar's reliance on hydrocarbon wealth by 2030.

Louisiana has faced VRA redistricting legal battles since the 1980s!

The 1986 Thornburg v. Gingles Supreme Court ruling set the legal test for challenging discriminatory maps — the same standard used to strike down Louisiana's current congressional district lines.

Qatar has mediated 12+ conflicts since the 1990s, more than any Gulf state.

From brokering the 2008 Doha Agreement in Lebanon to hosting Taliban-US talks in 2020, Qatar built its reputation as the Gulf's go-to neutral broker — maintaining ties with rival regional powers simultaneously.

Iran's Oct. 2024 strike was one of history's largest ballistic missile barrages.

Iran fired ~180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct. 1, 2024, surpassing its April 2024 attack of ~120 missiles — both unprecedented as single state-on-state ballistic missile salvos in modern warfare.

Iran has previously plotted to assassinate a sitting U.S. official.

Iran allegedly plotted to kill Trump after the 2020 killing of Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Israel now shares new intel on fresh threats. Background at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWill Qatar's talks in Iran lead to broader negotiations?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many world powers negotiated the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal?

  1. 3
  2. 6
  3. 9
  4. 12
Guess, then reveal the answer

6

Topic poll · all networksShould Iran sign a nuclear deal with the U.S. right now?

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Memorial breakfasts often spark lasting policy change in Florida.

Florida has passed major public safety reforms following high-profile memorial events. The 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act, signed weeks after tributes, became a model for school safety legislation in 14 other states.

The IAEA uses 'continuity of knowledge' to track nuclear sites

When monitoring is interrupted, inspectors can't verify activity during the gap — meaning undeclared work could go undetected. Iran has experienced multiple such monitoring gaps since 2021.

Iraq fired 42 Scud missiles at Israel during the 1991 Gulf War.

That was the last time a foreign state directly struck Israeli soil with ballistic missiles before Iran's 2024 attacks. Iraq hoped to draw Israel into the war and splinter the U.S.-led coalition.

Qatar hosts the largest US air base in the Middle East!

Al Udeid Air Base near Doha houses ~10,000 US troops, yet Qatar also maintains warm ties with Iran — a rare dual relationship that makes Doha a uniquely trusted neutral ground for regional diplomacy.

Iran & Israel have never formally declared war despite decades of conflict.

Their shadow war spans proxy forces, assassinations, and now direct strikes. Iran's 2024 attacks marked the first time it launched missiles directly at Israel. Read more at Wikipedia

Iran seized a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz in 2019.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized the Stena Impero, claiming it violated maritime rules — closely mirroring today's dispute over unapproved routes. The UK deployed warships in response to the standoff.

Iran threatened to close Hormuz during the 1980s Tanker War too

During the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, Iran attacked 340+ tankers in the Gulf — the 'Tanker War.' The U.S. Navy launched Operation Earnest Will in 1987 to escort Kuwaiti ships safely through the strait.

Topic poll · all networksICE, the agency involved in this Maine shooting, was founded in what year?

  1. 1994
  2. 1999
  3. 2003
  4. 2008
Guess, then reveal the answer

2003

Ramat David Airbase was originally built by the British RAF in the 1930s

Named after British PM David Lloyd George, Ramat David is Israel's largest active air base, housing F-16 squadrons. It was also attacked during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War — its first major test under fire.

Topic poll · all networksBefore Iran's 1979 revolution, what was Iran's stance toward Israel?

  1. Close allies
  2. Strictly neutral
  3. Trade rivals only
  4. Hostile enemies
Guess, then reveal the answer

Close allies

Large sporting events are among the FBI's top 'soft target' concerns.

Since 9/11, the FBI has disrupted over 100 domestic terror plots. Crowded venues like UFC Fight Nights — often drawing 15,000–20,000 fans — rank among the highest-risk 'soft targets' due to limited security perimeters.

Topic poll · all networksTrump reinstated Cuba restrictions. When did the U.S. embargo on Cuba begin?

  1. 1953
  2. 1958
  3. 1962
  4. 1971
Guess, then reveal the answer

1962

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund has paid over $11B to survivors.

Reopened in 2019 under the Never Forget the Heroes Act, the fund covers first responders and survivors with 9/11-related illnesses. Over 100,000 claims have been filed since the fund was first established in 2001.

Khamenei has led Iran for 35+ years — longer than most leaders

As Supreme Leader since 1989, Khamenei controls Iran's military and foreign policy — making him the key voice behind any retaliation threat. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksAre additional U.S. strikes against Iran justified?

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Topic poll · all networksHow long did Korean War ceasefire negotiations drag on before a deal?

  1. 6 weeks
  2. 8 months
  3. 2 years
  4. 5 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

2 years

The U.S. once PAID tribute for safe passage through key straits!

In the 1790s, the U.S. paid Barbary States millions for safe passage in the Mediterranean. Jefferson refused further payments, sparking the 1801 Barbary War — a striking reversal of Trump's demand today.

Topic poll · all networksWill Iran's demand for $12B upfront kill the nuclear talks?

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Topic poll · all networksFontainebleau was protected decades before Yellowstone. By how many years?

  1. 5 years
  2. 12 years
  3. 19 years
  4. 31 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

19 years

Norway won the Women's World Cup in 1995 — England never has!

Norway was once Europe's dominant women's side, winning the 1993 Euros & 1995 World Cup. England's Lionesses won Euro 2022 but still seek their first World Cup — making today's quarterfinal win extra meaningful.

Iran has repeatedly denied airstrikes it's blamed for since 2019

Iran denied the 2019 Aramco oil facility attack too, blaming the U.S. instead. Denying cross-border strikes is a recurring Iranian tactic. Follow coverage at Reuters

The U.S. has sanctioned crypto exchanges for helping evade financial penalties!

The U.S. Treasury's OFAC can blacklist crypto platforms used to bypass sanctions, freezing their U.S. assets and barring Americans from using them. More at Reuters.com

Iran's rial lost over 80% of its value since 2018 sanctions.

When the U.S. reimposed sanctions in 2018, Iran's currency collapsed. By 2023, the rial hit ~580,000 per U.S. dollar — down from ~42,000 in 2017, gutting ordinary Iranians' purchasing power.

Iran once agreed to cap uranium enrichment at just 3.67% purity.

Under the 2015 JCPOA, Iran accepted strict limits in exchange for sanctions relief. After the U.S. withdrew in 2018, Iran gradually rolled back compliance — enriching to 60% purity by 2023.

Topic poll · all networksRoughly how many U.S. troops are currently stationed in Kuwait?

  1. Around 2,500
  2. Around 6,000
  3. Around 13,500
  4. Around 25,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 13,500

Topic poll · all networksWere U.S. strikes on Houthi forces in the Strait of Hormuz justified?

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De Gaulle expelled all NATO troops from France in 1966!

French President Charles de Gaulle withdrew France from NATO's integrated military command in 1966, ordering all allied forces off French soil. France didn't rejoin NATO's military command until 2009 — 43 years later.

Norway won 3 major women's titles in the '80s & '90s!

Norway dominated women's football, winning UEFA Women's Euro in 1987 & 1993, plus the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup. England's Lionesses, Euro 2022 champs, have now flipped the script on their old rivals.

Topic poll · all networksWhat makes the bear-blocking dog the real MVP?

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Topic poll · all networksRamat David, the Israeli airbase Iran claims to have struck, was built by which country?

  1. United States
  2. United Kingdom
  3. France
  4. Israel
Guess, then reveal the answer

United Kingdom

In 1988, the U.S. struck Iran's navy after a ship was mined in the Gulf

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. After the USS Samuel B. Roberts hit an Iranian mine, U.S. forces sank 2 Iranian warships and destroyed 2 oil platforms.

Topic poll · all networksSheikh Hamad abdicated in 2013. How old was he when he stepped down?

  1. 51 years old
  2. 61 years old
  3. 67 years old
  4. 71 years old
Guess, then reveal the answer

61 years old

The U.S. brokered a Mideast ceasefire during active war in 1973!

Henry Kissinger negotiated a UN-backed ceasefire ending the Yom Kippur War in Oct. 1973 — halting Egyptian-Israeli fighting just 18 days after conflict began. It became a model for U.S. diplomacy amid active hostilities.

Topic poll · all networksWho bears more responsibility for the U.S.-Iran Strait of Hormuz clash?

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Federal terror conspiracy charges carry up to 20 years per count.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 2339B, providing material support to a designated terrorist organization is a federal felony. With 8 defendants indicted, prosecutors could seek sentences totaling hundreds of years combined.

Araghchi helped negotiate the 2015 deal that capped Iran's enrichment at 3.67%.

As Iran's deputy FM and chief nuclear negotiator, Araghchi co-authored the JCPOA — which required Iran to slash its enriched uranium stockpile by 98%. He now warns that crossing 20% enrichment will trigger retaliation.

England & Norway have met in major tournaments since 1987!

Their rivalry spans Women's Euros & World Cups, with Norway winning the iconic 1995 World Cup. England's 2-1 extra time win adds a dramatic new chapter. Explore the history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow did Sheikh Hamad seize power in Qatar in 1995?

  1. Bloodless coup vs. his father
  2. Won a democratic election
  3. Appointed by the Arab League
  4. Inherited after father died
Guess, then reveal the answer

Bloodless coup vs. his father

Topic poll · all networksWhat should the U.N. prioritize in Iran nuclear talks?

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Qatar brokered the 2023 U.S.-Iran prisoner swap freeing 5 Americans.

In Sept. 2023, Qatar mediated a deal releasing 5 U.S. prisoners held in Iran, in exchange for $6 billion in unfrozen Iranian funds and 5 Iranian prisoners held in the U.S.

Topic poll · all networksHow many Democrats publicly called on Biden to end his 2024 campaign?

  1. Under 10
  2. Around 20
  3. More than 50
  4. Over 100
Guess, then reveal the answer

More than 50

A blockade of Iran could shock global oil markets instantly

Iran exports ~1.5M barrels of oil daily. Disrupting the Strait of Hormuz — through which ~20% of world oil flows — could trigger major price spikes. Track it at Reuters.com

Topic poll · all networksHow many years has Iran been under some form of US sanctions?

  1. Over 20 years
  2. Over 30 years
  3. Over 45 years
  4. Over 60 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

Over 45 years

ICE was created in 2003 by merging two federal agencies.

Following 9/11, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 dissolved the INS and merged parts of the U.S. Customs Service into the new agency. ICE now has roughly 20,000 employees and operates in all 50 states and 50+ countries.

The U.S. & Iran have been in conflict since a 1953 CIA-backed coup!

The CIA helped overthrow Iran's elected PM Mosaddegh in 1953, fueling decades of mistrust. That history shapes every diplomatic move today. Dig deeper at Wikipedia

The CIA helped overthrow Iran's elected PM in 1953!

Operation Ajax removed PM Mohammad Mosaddegh over oil nationalization. The CIA formally admitted its role 60 years later, in 2013 — a key reason U.S.-Iran distrust runs so deep today.

Topic poll · all networksHow wide is each shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz?

  1. 2 miles
  2. 8 miles
  3. 15 miles
  4. 25 miles
Guess, then reveal the answer

2 miles

The U.S. first 'guarded' Hormuz in 1987 via Operation Earnest Will

Operation Earnest Will was the largest U.S. naval convoy operation since WWII, escorting Kuwaiti tankers through the Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War. At least 11 U.S. vessels were damaged by mines and Iranian attacks.

Iran's Natanz nuclear site was secret until exposed in 2002!

An Iranian opposition group, the MEK, publicly revealed Natanz in August 2002 — triggering 20+ years of UN inspections, sanctions, and ongoing diplomatic standoffs over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Topic poll · all networksIran is enriching uranium to what purity level — near weapons grade?

  1. 20%
  2. 40%
  3. 60%
  4. 84%
Guess, then reveal the answer

60%

Topic poll · all networksHow many people were injured in Toronto's 2018 Danforth Ave. shooting?

  1. 4
  2. 8
  3. 13
  4. 19
Guess, then reveal the answer

13

Ramat David Airbase has been a target since Israel's 1948 War of Independence!

Ramat David, near Haifa, is Israel's largest air force base and was attacked by Iraqi aircraft in 1948. It hosts F-16 squadrons today. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for derailing Israel-Iran peace efforts?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the US target Iran's Strait of Hormuz capabilities?

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Iran holds ~$100B in frozen assets tied to nuclear talks.

When the 2015 JCPOA was signed, Iran regained access to ~$100B in frozen oil revenues. A historical parallel: Iraq's frozen assets and oil embargo cost its economy an estimated $130B between 1990 and 2003's U.S. invasion.

Topic poll · all networksWhat should the White House construction priority be?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many U.S. troops were injured in Iran's 2020 missile strike on Iraq?

  1. None — Iran missed deliberately
  2. 34 troops injured
  3. 110 troops injured
  4. Over 200 troops injured
Guess, then reveal the answer

110 troops injured

Topic poll · all networksShould AI tools be standard in diagnosing rare diseases?

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Topic poll · all networksWho holds real power in Yemen right now?

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The Senate has delivered floor eulogies since the 1800s.

Senate memorial addresses are a formal tradition dating to the early 19th century. When a senator dies, colleagues deliver tributes on the floor — speeches later preserved in the Congressional Record for posterity.

Appointing a senator's relative to fill their seat has rare precedent.

In 1978, Muriel Humphrey was appointed to fill her late husband Hubert Humphrey's Minnesota Senate seat — one of the few times a close family member has been tapped to hold a vacancy in U.S. Senate history.

$6B in Iranian funds were re-frozen by the US just weeks after release.

In Sept 2023, the US unfroze $6B in Iranian oil revenues held in South Korea as part of a prisoner swap deal brokered by Qatar. After the Oct 7 Hamas attack, the US re-froze the funds — the agreement Iran now calls violated.

The last major U.S.-Iran naval battle was in 1988 in the Gulf!

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was the largest U.S. surface naval engagement since WWII. The U.S. sank or damaged 6 Iranian vessels after Iran mined international waters, wounding 63 sailors.

Iran's warnings echo Egypt's threats before the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

In Oct. 1973, Egypt & Syria warned of consequences before launching a surprise attack on Israel. Israeli intel dismissed the signals — a failure later called the 'Conceptzia' (the flawed assumption war wouldn't come).

Oman secretly brokered the 2015 U.S.-Iran nuclear talks!

The sultanate has long served as a quiet back-channel between Washington and Tehran. Secret Omani-hosted talks in 2012–13 laid the groundwork for the landmark JCPOA nuclear deal signed in July 2015.

Topic poll · all networksWhen the Bastille fell in 1789, how many prisoners were found inside?

  1. 7 prisoners
  2. 43 prisoners
  3. 122 prisoners
  4. 312 prisoners
Guess, then reveal the answer

7 prisoners

Topic poll · all networksWill Iran accept Trump's demand to reimburse the U.S. for Hormuz patrols?

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Qatar brokered the 2008 Doha Agreement, ending Lebanon's crisis!

Sheikh Hamad personally hosted Lebanese factions in Doha, ending 18 months of deadly political deadlock. The deal averted civil war and is why Lebanon's president called his passing 'a great loss.'

Topic poll · all networksIran's Shahed drones, used by Russia in Ukraine, have a range of roughly how far?

  1. 500 miles
  2. 1,200 miles
  3. 200 miles
  4. 2,500 miles
Guess, then reveal the answer

1,200 miles

Topic poll · all networksHow many barrels of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz daily?

  1. ~5 million barrels
  2. ~10 million barrels
  3. ~21 million barrels
  4. ~40 million barrels
Guess, then reveal the answer

~21 million barrels

Topic poll · all networksWhat should happen when a family raises new questions about a case?

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ICE's Houston field office covers 5 states — not just Texas!

The ERO Houston Field Office oversees immigration enforcement across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico — a jurisdiction spanning hundreds of thousands of square miles in the south-central U.S.

Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. first help Iran launch its nuclear program?

  1. 1957
  2. 1968
  3. 1979
  4. 1995
Guess, then reveal the answer

1957

Topic poll · all networksThailand was the first Asian nation to decriminalize what, under Anutin's push?

  1. Cannabis
  2. Methamphetamine
  3. Kratom leaf
  4. Magic mushrooms
Guess, then reveal the answer

Cannabis

Argentina's inflation hit 211% in 2023 — Switzerland's was just 2.1%.

While Switzerland ranked among the world's most stable economies, Argentina recorded one of the highest inflation rates on Earth. Argentina has now defaulted on sovereign debt 9 times since independence — more than almost any other nation.

U.S. sanctions cut Iran's oil exports by ~80% since 2018.

After the U.S. left the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's oil revenue fell from ~$100B to under $20B annually. The IMF estimated Iran's economy shrank 6% in 2019 alone — economic pressure central to nuclear talks.

Iran's uranium enrichment has reached 60% — weapons grade is 90%.

Under the 2015 JCPOA deal, Iran was capped at 3.67% enrichment. After stepping back from the deal's limits in 2019, Iran escalated sharply. The IAEA has confirmed 60% enriched uranium in Iran's stockpile.

Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. last directly strike Iranian forces before recent events?

  1. 1979
  2. 1988
  3. 2003
  4. 2020
Guess, then reveal the answer

1988

Topic poll · all networksWill the U.S. and Iran reach a nuclear deal in 2025?

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Suing the IRS is nearly impossible under a 150-year-old law!

The Anti-Injunction Act of 1867 bars most lawsuits against the IRS before taxes are assessed — making Trump's case a rare legal exception. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the Pentagon's cultural drift?

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Iran withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal after U.S. sanctions resumed

The JCPOA, signed by Iran and 6 world powers, collapsed after the U.S. exited in 2018 — fueling today's distrust. Read the full history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat was the highest avg U.S. gas price ever recorded?

  1. $4.11 per gallon
  2. $4.77 per gallon
  3. $5.02 per gallon
  4. $5.87 per gallon
Guess, then reveal the answer

$5.02 per gallon

Topic poll · all networksWhat happens next after Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade claim?

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Topic poll · all networksAre fresh U.S. sanctions enough to curb Iran's financial networks?

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Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the Bushehr air defence incident?

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Topic poll · all networksWho is most likely behind the explosions near Iran's military sites?

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Qatar hosts Hamas, Taliban & now leads Iran de-escalation talks

Qatar has built a reputation as a global mediator, hosting offices for Hamas and the Taliban. Its neutral diplomacy makes it a key broker in Iran tensions. Learn more at Wikipedia

Bandar Abbas handles roughly 90% of Iran's maritime trade.

Located near the Strait of Hormuz — through which ~20% of global oil supply flows daily — disruptions near Bandar Abbas and Jask can trigger immediate spikes in international energy markets.

The U.S. once sank half of Iran's operational navy in one day.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. The U.S. destroyed 2 Iranian warships and 4 gunboats in under 8 hours, with zero American combat deaths.

Plotting terror at a U.S. event can mean life in federal prison!

Federal 'material support for terrorism' charges carry up to life imprisonment. The law, expanded post-9/11, has been used in 100s of prosecutions. Learn more at Wikipedia

The Lebanon-Israel 'Blue Line' was drawn by the UN in 2000

The UN drew the Blue Line after Israel's 2000 withdrawal from Lebanon. It's never been a formal border — disputes along it fuel today's Rome talks. Read more at Wikipedia

Israel's Arrow defense system was born from Iraq's 1991 Scud attacks!

During the Gulf War, Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles at Israel. The Patriot's poor intercept rate spurred the US-Israel Arrow program — now a frontline layer in defending against Iranian ballistic missiles.

The U.S.-Iran MOU involved $6B in frozen Iranian oil funds

In the 2023 prisoner swap deal, Qatar held $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue previously frozen in South Korea. After the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, the U.S. refroze the funds before Iran could access them.

Topic poll · all networksWhat did Typhoon Nina (1975) cause that killed ~170,000 in China?

  1. Banqiao Dam collapse
  2. Yangtze River flood
  3. Shanghai seawall breach
  4. Yellow River overflow
Guess, then reveal the answer

Banqiao Dam collapse

Topic poll · all networksQatar's GDP grew how much during Sheikh Hamad's 1995–2013 reign?

  1. About 5x larger
  2. About 12x larger
  3. About 25x larger
  4. About 40x larger
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 25x larger

The U.S. has brokered dozens of ceasefires since World War II

From Korea to the Middle East, U.S.-mediated ceasefires have shaped modern conflicts. Trump now pushes for a new deal. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat should Israel's response to Iran's missile attack be?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the US & Israel continue joint ops against Iran's leadership?

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Naval blockades are governed by strict international law

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis blockade set modern precedent. International law requires blockades be formally declared, enforced impartially, and allow humanitarian aid. Follow live updates at Reuters

Topic poll · all networksWhich agreement did Iran allegedly violate by attacking ships in Hormuz?

  1. UN Law of the Sea Convention
  2. JCPOA nuclear deal
  3. Gulf maritime safety pact
  4. Strait of Hormuz treaty
Guess, then reveal the answer

UN Law of the Sea Convention

Iran's Shahed-136 'kamikaze' drone has been used in wars on 3 continents.

Developed domestically by Iran, the low-cost Shahed-136 has appeared in Ukraine (supplied to Russia), Yemen (used by Houthis), and Sudan — making Iran a major global drone exporter despite decades of Western sanctions.

Topic poll · all networksWhat % of Yemen's scarce groundwater irrigates qat?

  1. About 10%
  2. About 25%
  3. About 40%
  4. About 60%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 40%

Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated in 2013 — a first for Gulf rulers.

At just 61, he handed power to son Tamim, becoming the first Gulf Arab ruler to voluntarily step down. He also founded Al Jazeera in 1996, just one year after seizing power from his own father.

Topic poll · all networksHow long (in minutes) is extra time in a women's Euro knockout match?

  1. 20 minutes
  2. 30 minutes
  3. 40 minutes
  4. 45 minutes
Guess, then reveal the answer

30 minutes

Topic poll · all networksWho bears the most responsibility for the US-Iran war?

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Sen. Graham served in Congress for over 26 years total.

First elected to the House in 1994 as part of the 'Republican Revolution,' Graham joined the Senate in 2003. He served on Armed Services and Judiciary Committees, influencing military, immigration, and Supreme Court confirmation legislation.

Topic poll · all networksThe IRGC was the first foreign military designated as a U.S. FTO — in what year?

  1. 2001
  2. 2011
  3. 2015
  4. 2019
Guess, then reveal the answer

2019

Iran lost ~$160B in oil revenue in just 3 years of sanctions.

From 2012–2015, nuclear-related sanctions slashed Iran's oil exports from 2.5M to under 1M barrels/day. The economic pain drove Iran to the 2015 JCPOA deal — which lifted sanctions in exchange for limits on enrichment.

The US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 under Trump

The 2015 JCPOA curbed Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump exited it in his first term, calling it 'the worst deal ever.' Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWill the Israel-Lebanon agreement hold long-term?

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El Obeid saw one of Africa's worst 19th-century military defeats!

In 1883, Mahdist forces annihilated an Egyptian army of ~8,000 men under British Gen. William Hicks near El Obeid. The disaster triggered Britain's decision to evacuate Sudan entirely — and sealed Khartoum's fate.

Topic poll · all networksWhich 9/11 lesson should shape future crisis response most?

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Topic poll · all networksAt The Hague NATO summit, what new defense spending % of GDP was agreed?

  1. 2%
  2. 3.5%
  3. 5%
  4. 7%
Guess, then reveal the answer

5%

Topic poll · all networksWas Israel right to share Trump assassination intel with the U.S.?

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Trump's NATO complaints date back to a 1987 newspaper ad!

In Sept. 1987, Trump paid for full-page ads in the NY Times, Washington Post & Boston Globe demanding Japan & NATO allies pay more for their own defense — nearly 30 years before he ran for president.

Topic poll · all networksHow significant is Sheikh Hamad's Qatar as a mediator in the Gaza conflict?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many homes short is the U.S. vs. housing demand?

  1. ~1 million
  2. ~2 million
  3. ~3.8 million
  4. ~6 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

~3.8 million

A 1975 typhoon caused China's deadliest dam disaster in history!

Typhoon Nina triggered the Banqiao Dam collapse in Henan Province, killing an estimated 85,000–240,000 people — making it one of the deadliest structural failures ever recorded worldwide.

Israel & Lebanon have fought 4 major wars since 1948!

The two nations clashed in 1948, 1978, 1982, and 2006, with the 2006 war killing over 1,000 Lebanese civilians. Explore the full history at Wikipedia

The U.S. & Iran nearly went to full war in Jan. 2020 after a drone strike

Iran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq after the U.S. killed Gen. Qasem Soleimani — the closest the two nations have come to direct war in decades. Read more at AP News

Iran has allegedly targeted multiple U.S. officials for assassination

The IRGC has been linked to plots targeting John Bolton & Mike Pompeo. Israel sharing intel with the U.S. is a key part of their security alliance. Learn more at Wikipedia

Tren de Aragua began as a prison gang before seizing Venezuela towns.

The gang originated inside Tocorón Prison, which it effectively controlled for years. Venezuela's crisis has drawn UN scrutiny over crimes against humanity. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWhat follows Iran's strike claim on U.S. assets in Kuwait?

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Topic poll · all networksWhen did Congress first begin giving formal weekly response addresses?

  1. 1962
  2. 1982
  3. 1995
  4. 2009
Guess, then reveal the answer

1982

~20% of global oil trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration calls it the world's most critical oil chokepoint. At its narrowest, it's only 21 miles wide — with just two 1-mile-wide tanker shipping lanes.

Topic poll · all networksFontainebleau Forest has doubled as which famous film location?

  1. Sherwood Forest
  2. The Forbidden Forest
  3. The Black Forest
  4. Fangorn Forest
Guess, then reveal the answer

Sherwood Forest

Topic poll · all networksWill the IRGC fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz soon?

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Topic poll · all networksWill Trump's Hormuz trade deal hold long-term?

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Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. first designate Iran's IRGC as a terrorist org?

  1. 2011
  2. 2015
  3. 2017
  4. 2019
Guess, then reveal the answer

2019

The Strait was last severely disrupted during the 1980s Tanker War!

During the 1984-88 Iran-Iraq 'Tanker War,' 400+ ships were attacked in the Gulf. The U.S. launched Operation Earnest Will in 1987 to escort tankers — the largest U.S. convoy operation since WWII.

Bahrain has hosted the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet since 1995!

The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Manama oversees ops across 20 nations. Kuwait hosts ~13,500 U.S. troops. Learn more at Wikipedia

Iran's nuclear program was launched with U.S. help in 1957!

Under Eisenhower's 'Atoms for Peace' initiative, the U.S. provided Iran its first research reactor and enriched uranium. The Tehran Research Reactor, built with American support under the Shah, still operates today.

Topic poll · all networksWhat happens next between Israel and Iran?

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Sheikh Hamad founded Al Jazeera in 1996 with a $137M grant!

As Emir, Sheikh Hamad launched Al Jazeera Arabic in 1996 with a $137 million grant from the Qatari government — creating the very network now broadcasting this story from Doha.

Topic poll · all networksWhich outcome of the US-Iran conflict worries you most?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the US impose a 20% fee on Hormuz passage?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat's the most likely consequence of Iran striking UAE jets?

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Iran's Hormuz threat echoes Egypt's 1956 Suez Canal closure!

In 1956, Egypt's Nasser nationalized and blocked the Suez Canal, triggering a multinational military crisis. ~20% of global oil transits Hormuz today, making it an even higher-stakes chokepoint.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the U.S. from NATO.

NATO was founded in 1949 with 12 original members. Trump has pressured allies to meet 2% GDP defense spending targets, threatening to leave non-compliant members unprotected. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWill Iran-U.S. nuclear talks lead to a real agreement?

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Iran called U.S. strikes 'aggression' in 1988 too — during Operation Praying Mantis.

In April 1988, the U.S. Navy destroyed Iranian oil platforms and sank several vessels. Iran condemned the strikes as unprovoked aggression. It was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since World War II.

Iran holds the largest ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East.

With an estimated 3,000+ ballistic missiles, Iran's stockpile dwarfs regional neighbors. Its Shahed drones gained global attention after Russia deployed them extensively against Ukraine, exposing their range and impact.

Oman has secretly brokered US-Iran diplomacy since 2012!

Oman hosted covert US-Iran meetings from 2012 that laid groundwork for the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal. The sultanate maintains ties with both Washington and Tehran, making it the go-to neutral mediator for sensitive US-Iran talks.

Oman secretly brokered the 2013 US-Iran talks behind the JCPOA!

Sultan Qaboos hosted covert US-Iran meetings in Muscat in 2013, enabling the nuclear framework. Oman's unique neutrality — ties with Iran, Gulf states, and the West — makes it a trusted diplomatic back-channel.

The U.S. last struck Iran directly in 1988's Operation Praying Mantis.

That April 1988 operation, triggered by Iran mining international waters, was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII — sinking or disabling half of Iran's operational navy in a single day.

U.S. CENTCOM has overseen every major U.S. war in the Middle East since 1983.

From the Gulf War to Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command directs all American military ops across 21 nations in the region. Follow live updates at AP News

Iran has threatened to close Hormuz before — and once nearly did.

During the 1980s 'Tanker War,' Iran attacked 190 ships in the Gulf. The US launched Operation Earnest Will in 1987 to escort tankers — the largest naval convoy operation since WWII.

The U.S. has struck Iran's Gulf naval forces before — in 1988.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 1988) saw the U.S. Navy destroy Iranian warships and oil platforms after Iran mined the Gulf, damaging USS Samuel B. Roberts — the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII.

Topic poll · all networksQatar held frozen Iranian funds as part of a 2023 U.S.-Iran deal. How much?

  1. $1 billion
  2. $6 billion
  3. $12 billion
  4. $20 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

$6 billion

Topic poll · all networksShould Israel launch strikes on Iran if Trump requests backup?

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Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. last directly battle Iran at sea?

  1. 1988
  2. 1973
  3. 2003
  4. 2016
Guess, then reveal the answer

1988

Iran's south borders the Strait of Hormuz, key to 20% of world oil

The Strait of Hormuz, flanked by Iran's southern coast, is the world's most critical oil chokepoint. Any instability there can ripple through global energy markets. Learn more at Wikipedia

Zhejiang is China's most typhoon-struck province historically.

Zhejiang's coastline directly faces the western Pacific, making it the landfall point for more typhoons than any other Chinese province. China uses a 4-tier color-coded alert system — blue, yellow, orange, and red — to manage evacuations.

Bandar Abbas controls access to the world's top oil chokepoint!

~90% of Iran's maritime trade flows through Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz — through which ~20% of global oil passes daily. Learn more at Wikipedia

Iran's oil output collapsed 70%+ during the 1980s 'Tanker War'.

Attacks on Persian Gulf oil terminals and tankers (1984–88) slashed Iran's export revenue, triggering fuel rationing and food price spikes that hit ordinary Iranians far harder than the government.

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the escalating regional tensions?

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Topic poll · all networksU.S. Central Command, now striking Iran, is headquartered in what city?

  1. Tampa, Florida
  2. Norfolk, Virginia
  3. Colorado Springs, CO
  4. Washington, D.C.
Guess, then reveal the answer

Tampa, Florida

Topic poll · all networksAre US strikes the right response to Iran targeting shipping?

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The Strait of Hormuz sparked the U.S. Navy's biggest battle since WWII!

On April 18, 1988, Operation Praying Mantis saw the U.S. Navy sink or damage 6 Iranian vessels — its largest surface engagement since WWII — after an Iranian mine struck USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf.

The Sea of Azov was a naval battleground in the Crimean War too!

In 1855, a British-French naval squadron entered the Sea of Azov and destroyed over 240 Russian vessels and supply depots to cut off Crimean supply lines — a strikingly similar strategic campaign to today's Ukrainian strikes.

Iran now enriches uranium to 60% — just below weapons-grade 90%.

Under the 2015 JCPOA deal, Iran was capped at 3.67% enrichment. Since stepping back from key commitments, Iran has stockpiled 60%-enriched uranium, raising urgent alarms for UN and IAEA inspectors.

The U.S. has clashed with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz before!

In 1987-88, the U.S. Navy ran Operation Earnest Will — the largest convoy op since WWII — escorting tankers after Iran mined the strait and attacked over 87 ships during the Iran-Iraq War.

Topic poll · all networksCan Qatar's mediation actually de-escalate regional tensions?

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In 2019, the U.S. labeled Iran's IRGC a terrorist org — a historic first.

The IRGC designation was unprecedented — no other nation's military had ever been labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. The IRGC oversees Iran's missiles, drones, and proxy forces across the region.

Trump brokered the Abraham Accords, normalizing Arab-Israeli ties in 2020

The 2020 Abraham Accords were the first Arab-Israeli peace deals in 26 years. Now Trump is pushing for another ceasefire. Read more at AP News

Topic poll · all networksThe U.S. first imposed major sanctions on Iran after what event?

  1. 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis
  2. 2003 Iraq invasion
  3. The 9/11 attacks
  4. 1953 CIA-backed coup
Guess, then reveal the answer

The 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for containing the DRC Ebola outbreak?

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The UN held a similar nuclear standoff debate in Oct. 1962!

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, U.S. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson confronted the Soviet Union in an emergency UN Security Council session — famously displaying aerial photos of Soviet missile sites in Cuba before a global audience.

Iran's IRGC was the 1st state military designated a terror org by the U.S.

In April 2019, the Trump administration designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — the first time the U.S. applied that label to another nation's official military body.

The U.S. faced a 5-million-home shortage after WWII too!

Levitt & Sons built 17,400 homes in Levittown, NY in under 4 years (1947–51) to ease the post-WWII crunch. Today's U.S. shortage is estimated at 3.8–7 million homes — a strikingly similar supply-demand gap.

Topic poll · all networksShould NATO members be required to hit the 2% GDP defence target?

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Topic poll · all networksSheikh Hamad funded Al Jazeera's launch with how much?

  1. $50 million
  2. $150 million
  3. $500 million
  4. $1 billion
Guess, then reveal the answer

$150 million

Topic poll · all networksHow many projectiles did Iran launch in its first direct attack on Israel?

  1. About 50
  2. About 150
  3. About 300
  4. About 500
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 300

Kharg Island's oil terminal was built by British Petroleum in the 1950s.

The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (later BP) developed Kharg as Iran's main export hub. After Iran nationalized its oil industry in 1951, the terminal stayed — now handling ~90% of Iran's crude exports worth tens of billions annually.

Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. last conduct major direct strikes on Iranian forces?

  1. 1979
  2. 1988
  3. 2003
  4. 2020
Guess, then reveal the answer

1988

Topic poll · all networksHow influential was Sheikh Hamad's support for Palestinians?

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Before 1979, Iran was one of Israel's closest regional allies!

Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran & Israel shared intelligence, military training, and oil trade. The 1979 Islamic Revolution ended all ties — Iran now calls for Israel's elimination.

Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity — near weapons-grade 90%.

The IAEA has confirmed Iran holds enough 60%-enriched uranium that, if further refined, could theoretically yield material for several nuclear devices. The 2015 JCPOA had capped enrichment at 3.67%.

Sheikh Hamad founded Al Jazeera & hosted US military bases!

During his 1995–2013 reign, Sheikh Hamad turned Qatar into a global hub, launching Al Jazeera in 1996 & securing the largest US air base in the Mideast. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow many nations joined the original 'Coalition of the Willing' in 2003?

  1. 15 nations
  2. 30 nations
  3. 49 nations
  4. 72 nations
Guess, then reveal the answer

49 nations

Topic poll · all networksMahshahr hosts one of the world's largest what?

  1. Petrochemical complexes
  2. Desalination plants
  3. Oil refineries
  4. Natural gas terminals
Guess, then reveal the answer

Petrochemical complexes

Topic poll · all networksWhat's Typhoon Bavi's biggest threat to coastal communities?

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Topic poll · all networksWhen did Argentina last eliminate Switzerland in a World Cup knockout round?

  1. 1966
  2. 1990
  3. 2006
  4. 2014
Guess, then reveal the answer

2014

The CIA overthrew Iran's elected PM in 1953, fueling decades of mistrust

Operation Ajax ousted PM Mohammad Mosaddegh after he nationalized Iran's oil. The U.S.-backed Shah ruled until 1979's Islamic Revolution — a chain of events still shaping U.S.-Iran tensions today.

Iran has been linked to 20+ maritime incidents in the Gulf since 2019.

The Persian Gulf has long been a flashpoint: Iran has seized or harassed vessels from the UK, UAE, and others near the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway carrying ~20% of the world's traded oil and one of the most contested maritime zones on Earth.

Iran controls access to ~20% of the world's oil supply.

The Strait of Hormuz is just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point. Iran has threatened to close it during past sanctions crises — a move that could spike global oil prices overnight.

Topic poll · all networksHow many nations are full NATO members as of this 2024 summit?

  1. 28 nations
  2. 30 nations
  3. 32 nations
  4. 34 nations
Guess, then reveal the answer

32 nations

Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. last strike Iranian military assets in the Persian Gulf?

  1. 1980, during hostage crisis
  2. 1988, Operation Praying Mantis
  3. 2003, during Iraq invasion
  4. 2019, after drone shootdown
Guess, then reveal the answer

1988, Operation Praying Mantis

Topic poll · all networksHow much did oil prices spike in 1 day after drones hit Saudi Abqaiq in 2019?

  1. About 5%
  2. About 15%
  3. About 25%
  4. About 40%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 15%

Topic poll · all networksIs Khamenei's revenge pledge a serious threat or political theater?

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Targeting enemy fuel is a classic WWII tactic used against Nazi Germany

In 1943, Allied bombers flew Operation Tidal Wave, striking Nazi oil refineries in Ploiești, Romania. The raids crippled German fuel supplies and are seen as a turning point in Allied strategic bombing.

In 1988, the U.S. destroyed half of Iran's navy in a single day.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was triggered by Iran mining international waters near Hormuz. The U.S. Navy sank 2 Iranian frigates and several gunboats — the largest American naval surface battle since World War II.

Topic poll · all networksChina built the world's largest flood barrier to protect which city?

  1. Shanghai
  2. Guangzhou
  3. Shenzhen
  4. Hong Kong
Guess, then reveal the answer

Shanghai

Sudan's RSF descended from the Janjaweed of Darfur genocide fame

The RSF grew from the Janjaweed militias behind mass atrocities in Darfur in the 2000s. Now driving Sudan's civil war, their brutal tactics echo that grim history. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWill air defence alerts in UAE, Qatar & Bahrain escalate into broader conflict?

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Qatar's ex-Emir founded Al Jazeera & abdicated voluntarily!

Sheikh Hamad launched Al Jazeera in 1996, transforming Arab media. In 2013, he became the first Gulf ruler to voluntarily hand power to his son, Tamim. Read more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow many U.S. troops are based in Qatar, the Iran-talks mediator?

  1. Around 1,000
  2. Around 5,000
  3. Around 10,000
  4. Around 25,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 10,000

Iran cited JCPOA's Article 36 to justify reducing compliance in 2019

Article 36 of the 2015 nuclear deal allows signatories to suspend obligations if others breach the agreement. Iran invoked it one year after the U.S. withdrew in May 2018, giving Europe 60 days to offset sanctions.

Topic poll · all networksName the 4 countries that joined NATO most recently (since 2017)!

Guess, then reveal the answer

Montenegro,North Macedonia,Finland,Sweden

Topic poll · all networksIran's defense budget is roughly what % of the U.S. defense budget?

  1. About 1%
  2. About 8%
  3. About 15%
  4. About 25%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 1%

The Strait of Hormuz is only 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest.

Yet ~20% of the world's oil supply passes through it daily, per the U.S. EIA. Its navigable shipping lanes are just 2 miles wide in each direction — making it the world's most critical maritime chokepoint.

Topic poll · all networksHow many rockets is Hezbollah estimated to have in its arsenal?

  1. ~25,000
  2. ~75,000
  3. ~150,000
  4. ~300,000
Guess, then reveal the answer

~150,000

Ilsky is one of Russia's oldest refineries, built in 1909!

The Ilsky refinery in Krasnodar predates the Soviet Union itself. Krasnodar has been Russia's oil heartland for over a century — it was among the first regions drilled, making it strategically vital long before today's conflict.

Iran has faced UN nuclear scrutiny since 2006 — nearly 20 years.

The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1737 in 2006, starting nearly two decades of sanctions. Despite the 2015 JCPOA deal limiting enrichment, Iran has since exceeded nearly every limit it agreed to.

Sheikh Hamad's abdication was a rare voluntary Gulf power transfer!

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad became one of the few Gulf rulers to willingly step down, handing power to son Sheikh Tamim. Such peaceful transitions are historically uncommon in the region. Read more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWas Hegseth's 'Iran made a poor choice' statement the right tone?

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Topic poll · all networksIn what year was the House Republican Conference formally established?

  1. 1854
  2. 1865
  3. 1901
  4. 1923
Guess, then reveal the answer

1865

Topic poll · all networksHow many times had England's women reached a World Cup semifinal before 2023?

  1. Never
  2. Once
  3. Three times
  4. Five times
Guess, then reveal the answer

Once

Hormuz tanker attacks echo the deadly 1980s 'Tanker War'

During the 1984–88 Iran-Iraq 'Tanker War,' over 500 vessels were attacked in the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz — through which ~20% of the world's oil passes — has long been a flashpoint for maritime conflict.

In 1973, U.S. pressure also halted an Israel-Arab war mid-fight.

Nixon & Kissinger brokered a UN ceasefire during the Yom Kippur War, threatening to cut off aid to Israel to force a halt — a diplomatic playbook U.S. presidents have returned to repeatedly since.

Iran struck U.S. bases after Soleimani's 2020 assassination

Supreme Leader Khamenei wept publicly and vowed 'severe revenge' after Soleimani's killing. Iran then fired 16 ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq — its first direct military strike on American forces in over 40 years.

Topic poll · all networksIran's air defense relies on the S-300 system. Which country supplied it?

  1. Russia
  2. China
  3. North Korea
  4. France
Guess, then reveal the answer

Russia

Topic poll · all networksBefore 1979, Iran and Israel had what kind of relationship?

  1. Close military allies
  2. Neutral trading partners
  3. Active enemies
  4. No formal ties
Guess, then reveal the answer

Close military allies

Topic poll · all networksOn average, how long does it take to diagnose a rare disease without AI?

  1. 6 months
  2. 1-2 years
  3. 4-5 years
  4. 7-8 years
Guess, then reveal the answer

4-5 years

Topic poll · all networksWill Israel and Iran's pause in attacks hold long-term?

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Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar into a global powerhouse in 18 years!

Under his rule (1995–2013), Qatar launched Al Jazeera, expanded LNG exports, and won the 2022 World Cup bid. Learn more at Wikipedia

Sheikh Hamad founded Al Jazeera in 1996 — the channel you're watching!

After ousting his father in a 1995 bloodless coup, Sheikh Hamad launched Al Jazeera Arabic with a $150M grant. The English-language channel followed in 2006, reshaping global news coverage.

Topic poll · all networksWhat happens next with Iran's political direction?

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Qatar maintains ties to both Iran AND the largest US base in the Mideast!

Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base — the largest US military base in the Middle East — yet also maintains diplomatic ties with Iran, making Doha a uniquely trusted mediator. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. use military force to keep the Strait of Hormuz open?

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The White House Situation Room was built after a major U.S. failure

JFK created the Situation Room in 1961 after the Bay of Pigs disaster revealed critical gaps in intelligence flow. It has served as the nerve center for every U.S. military operation since, including tonight's Iran strikes.

Topic poll · all networksHow much does a single Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missile cost?

  1. $500,000
  2. $3 million
  3. $12 million
  4. $50 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

$3 million

Topic poll · all networksOman helped free US hikers held in Iran. How many were released?

  1. 2
  2. 3
  3. 5
  4. 7
Guess, then reveal the answer

3

Topic poll · all networksWill Iran's Hormuz compensation idea gain real traction?

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Topic poll · all networksThe Ilsky refinery now under attack was founded in what year?

  1. 1909
  2. 1934
  3. 1952
  4. 1971
Guess, then reveal the answer

1909

Île-de-France hosts Europe's densest cluster of data centers!

The Paris region, where Fontainebleau Forest sits, is home to major data centers for Google, Microsoft, and AWS. Wildfires threatening regional power and transport infrastructure can directly impact Europe's cloud computing backbone.

Topic poll · all networksHow many people reportedly attended Khamenei's funeral procession?

  1. 500,000
  2. 1 million
  3. 3 million
  4. 10 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

3 million

Kuwait & Iran have had tense ties since the Iran-Iraq War era!

Kuwait financially backed Iraq during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, straining ties with Tehran for decades. Read the history at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksHow soon after seizing power did Sheikh Hamad launch Al Jazeera?

  1. Within 1 year
  2. Within 5 years
  3. Within 10 years
  4. He didn't found it
Guess, then reveal the answer

Within 1 year

Topic poll · all networksDespite its crisis, Venezuela ranks #1 globally in what?

  1. Proven oil reserves
  2. Natural gas reserves
  3. Gold deposits
  4. Freshwater supply
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Proven oil reserves

Topic poll · all networksIf Khamenei's rule ends, who shapes Iran's future most?

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The U.S. first 'guarded' the Strait of Hormuz back in 1987!

Operation Earnest Will saw the U.S. Navy escort reflagged Kuwaiti tankers through the Strait during the Iran-Iraq 'Tanker War' — the largest U.S. naval convoy operation since WWII.

The U.S. last struck Iran directly in 1988, during Operation Praying Mantis.

That 1988 naval battle sank half of Iran's operational fleet in one day — the largest U.S. surface engagement since WWII. Follow live updates at Reuters.com

Topic poll · all networksWill Iran comply with Trump's 20% Hormuz transit charge?

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Topic poll · all networksHow many days did the Iran hostage crisis last, breaking US-Iran ties?

  1. 180 days
  2. 280 days
  3. 444 days
  4. 612 days
Guess, then reveal the answer

444 days

India supplies ~12% of the world's merchant seafarers.

With over 200,000 sailors working on international vessels, India is one of the top sources of maritime crew globally — making Indian nationals a common presence aboard tankers transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The U.S. Navy clashed with IRGC speedboats in 1988's Operation Praying Mantis

In April 1988, the U.S. sank or disabled several Iranian vessels, including IRGC gunboats — making it the largest U.S. naval battle since WWII, fought in the same Persian Gulf waters as today's incident.

Iran's missiles must travel ~1,700 km to reach northern Israel.

That's farther than London to Athens. Iran has no shared border with Israel — any strike requires ballistic missiles crossing Iraq or Syria. Iran's Fattah-1 hypersonic missile can cover that distance in under 12 minutes.

Qatar's Al Thani family has ruled for over 180 years!

The Al Thani dynasty has governed Qatar since the 1840s, transforming it from a small fishing economy into one of the world's wealthiest nations. Read more at Wikipedia

Sheikh Hamad was the 1st Gulf ruler to voluntarily abdicate!

In 2013, he handed power to son Tamim — a peaceful transfer unprecedented in Gulf history. He also founded Al Jazeera in 1996. Learn more at Wikipedia

Topic poll · all networksWho deserves most credit for England's win over Norway?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. comply with IRGC demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat will Iran's cruise missile strike most likely trigger?

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Iran's IRGC operates proxy forces across 7+ Middle East nations!

The IRGC funds and directs militias in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Gaza & beyond — projecting power without direct conflict. Now the U.S. has struck 140+ Iranian targets. Learn more at Wikipedia

Israel's Iron Dome has intercepted thousands of rockets since 2011!

Developed with U.S. support, Iron Dome uses radar to destroy incoming threats mid-air. First deployed in 2011, it has an intercept rate exceeding 90%. Learn more at Wikipedia

Iran seized three Strait of Hormuz islands the day Britain left in 1971.

As British forces withdrew from the Gulf on Nov. 30, 1971, Iranian forces occupied Abu Musa and the Tunbs islands. Iran still controls them today, giving it a commanding position over the world's most vital oil shipping lane.

Topic poll · all networksWho bears most responsibility for the U.S.-Iran sanctions standoff?

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France ruled Morocco as a protectorate from 1912 to 1956!

Just 66 years after independence, Morocco faced their former colonial ruler in the 2022 World Cup semifinal — becoming the first African nation ever to reach that stage in tournament history.

Trump urged NATO allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense in 2025

NATO's existing benchmark — just 2% of GDP — was set at the 2014 Wales Summit. Only a handful of members currently meet it. Trump's 5% demand would be the highest defense spending target in the alliance's 75-year history.

NATO's 2% defence spending target was set back in 2006!

Only 23 of 32 NATO members met the 2% GDP defence spending target in 2024. The guideline was formally adopted at the 2006 Riga Summit. Read more at Wikipedia

In 1988, the U.S. Navy sank half of Iran's fleet in one day near Hormuz.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since WWII. After an Iranian mine damaged a U.S. frigate, the Navy destroyed 2 warships and multiple Iranian small boats in under 8 hours.

Iran tensions can spike oil prices — the Strait of Hormuz carries 20% of global supply!

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical oil chokepoint. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close it during standoffs with the West. Track live oil prices at Reuters

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. back Trump's military threat against Iran?

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Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. continue direct negotiations with Iran?

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The U.S. last struck Iran militarily in 1988 — 37 years ago.

Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) was the U.S. Navy's largest surface battle since WWII. After Iran mined international waters and wounded 3 sailors, the U.S. sank or disabled 6 Iranian vessels in a single day.

Topic poll · all networksWhat year did ICE first launch its body-worn camera pilot program?

  1. 2015
  2. 2018
  3. 2021
  4. 2023
Guess, then reveal the answer

2021

Topic poll · all networksIRGC coastal bases guard the Strait of Hormuz. What % of global oil flows through it?

  1. About 8%
  2. About 14%
  3. About 20%
  4. About 35%
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 20%

The IRGC was the 1st state military body the U.S. ever labeled terrorist.

In April 2019, the Trump administration designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — the first time the U.S. applied that label to a foreign government's own military branch.

Toronto's Danforth shooting (2018) also killed 2 at a public event.

In July 2018, a gunman opened fire on Danforth Ave during Greektown's busy summer night, killing 2 and injuring 13. It prompted Canada to pass Bill C-21 in 2022, freezing new handgun sales nationwide.

The UN debated N. Korea's nukes for years before its 2006 test.

Like Iran today, North Korea faced UN Security Council resolutions over its nuclear ambitions through the 1990s–2000s. It withdrew from the NPT in 2003 and conducted its first nuclear test just 3 years later.

Topic poll · all networksBefore the Senate, Lindsey Graham was a lawyer for which branch of the military?

  1. U.S. Army
  2. U.S. Air Force
  3. U.S. Navy
  4. U.S. Marines
Guess, then reveal the answer

U.S. Air Force

Iran's April 2024 attack was its first-ever direct strike on Israel!

Before 2024, Iran fought Israel only through proxies like Hezbollah & Hamas — never directly. The two nations had been in a shadow war for decades. Learn more at Wikipedia

France quit NATO's military command in 1966 — and stayed out for 43 years.

President de Gaulle expelled NATO forces from French soil and withdrew France from the integrated command structure in 1966, citing sovereignty concerns. France didn't fully rejoin until 2009 under President Sarkozy.

U.S. presidents have brokered Mideast ceasefires since 1956!

Eisenhower pressured Israel to withdraw from Egypt after Suez in 1956. Carter brokered Camp David in 1978. U.S. leverage over regional conflicts has shaped Middle East diplomacy for nearly 70 years.

Topic poll · all networksSudan's war created the world's largest displacement crisis, surpassing which country?

  1. Syria
  2. Ukraine
  3. Democratic Rep. of Congo
  4. Afghanistan
Guess, then reveal the answer

Syria

Topic poll · all networksWhen did the U.S. & Iran last fight a direct naval battle?

  1. 1988
  2. 2020
  3. 2003
  4. 1979
Guess, then reveal the answer

1988

Iran controls access to ~20% of global oil via one narrow strait!

The Strait of Hormuz is just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point. Iran has threatened to block it before during U.S. tensions, making it a critical flashpoint. Read more at Reuters

Gaza saw its first ceasefire pause in Nov. 2023 — over 400 days ago.

That 7-day humanitarian truce in November 2023 was the only halt in fighting since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. A new deal would mark the longest break in hostilities since the war began.

Topic poll · all networksHow many days did Iran hold 52 American hostages in 1979–81?

  1. 180 days
  2. 290 days
  3. 444 days
  4. 510 days
Guess, then reveal the answer

444 days

Topic poll · all networksWhat caused China's deadliest typhoon disaster in 1975?

  1. Dam collapse flooding
  2. Direct coastal landfall
  3. Earthquake triggered by storm
  4. Simultaneous back-to-back typhoons
Guess, then reveal the answer

Dam collapse flooding

In 2002, NJ Dems replaced their Senate nominee 36 days before Election Day!

Robert Torricelli withdrew amid an ethics scandal; Frank Lautenberg stepped in and won. Courts allowed the swap despite a missed ballot deadline — a key precedent for emergency nominee replacements.

Iran has fired ballistic missiles into at least 4 countries in recent years!

Iran has launched strikes into Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, and Israel, drawing condemnation from Arab neighbors who see the attacks as destabilizing. Follow live updates at Reuters

Topic poll · all networksEach 9/11 Memorial reflecting pool covers exactly how much area?

  1. Half an acre
  2. One acre
  3. Two acres
  4. Three acres
Guess, then reveal the answer

One acre

Russia's 'shadow fleet' has swelled to ~600 tankers to evade oil sanctions!

These aging, often uninsured tankers sail under 'flags of convenience' from nations like Palau or Gabon, masking Russian crude exports worth billions — a workaround to G7 price caps imposed in Dec. 2022.

The NCAA Tournament has sparked political debate since its early days!

From civil rights boycotts to name-image-likeness reforms, March Madness has long intersected with politics. Follow the latest at AP News

Topic poll · all networksWhat should drive Argentina-Switzerland relations most?

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Topic poll · all networksChina uses its own typhoon scale. How many categories does it have?

  1. 3 categories
  2. 6 categories
  3. 9 categories
  4. 12 categories
Guess, then reveal the answer

6 categories

Rare disease patients wait an avg. 4-7 years for a correct diagnosis.

Boston researchers used GPT-4 to help diagnose 18 kids with rare diseases. With ~7,000 known rare diseases, most doctors see fewer than 5 cases of any single one — making AI pattern-matching a potential game-changer.

AI chatbots can confidently invent fake facts — called 'hallucinations'

LLMs like ChatGPT generate text by predicting likely word sequences, not by checking facts — meaning they can fabricate quotes, citations, and events with total confidence. Explore more at BBC News

Topic poll · all networksWill Iran challenge Trump's reinstated naval blockade?

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The U.S. & Iran have clashed militarily before — in 1988.

Operation Praying Mantis (Apr. 18, 1988) was the largest U.S. naval battle since WWII — the Navy sank or damaged 6 Iranian vessels in one day after Iran mined international waters, wounding a U.S. sailor.

In 1988, the U.S. struck Iran to protect Gulf navigation!

Operation Praying Mantis (April 1988) was the U.S. Navy's largest surface battle since WWII, triggered after Iran mined the Gulf and damaged USS Samuel B. Roberts. The U.S. destroyed Iranian platforms and warships.

Iran funds proxy forces in at least 7 Middle East countries

The IRGC backs groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthi rebels, extending Tehran's reach across the region. Explore Iran's regional role at BBC News

The UN held emergency nuclear debates during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis too!

During 13 days in October 1962, the UN Security Council held urgent sessions as the U.S. and USSR faced off over Soviet missiles in Cuba — a standoff ultimately resolved through back-channel diplomacy, not military force.

Iran's oil exports fell ~80% under Trump's 'max pressure' sanctions!

Trump's 2018 'maximum pressure' campaign cut Iran's oil exports from ~2.5M barrels/day to under 300,000 — slashing Iran's annual oil revenue from roughly $50B to under $9B and triggering a severe economic crisis.

The Strait of Hormuz was a battleground in the 1980s Tanker War!

During 1987-88, the US Navy reflagged 11 Kuwaiti tankers & escorted them through the Strait under Operation Earnest Will — the largest US naval convoy operation since World War II.

Topic poll · all networksShould the U.S. keep striking Iran, or try a different approach?

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Topic poll · all networksHow large is the Qatar-Iran shared gas field in trillion cubic feet?

  1. Under 500 trillion
  2. About 900 trillion
  3. About 1,800 trillion
  4. Over 3,000 trillion
Guess, then reveal the answer

About 1,800 trillion

The U.S. brokered the 1978 Camp David Accords in just 13 days!

Carter's secret summit between Egypt & Israel became a model for U.S. Middle East diplomacy. Follow the latest Iran-Israel ceasefire developments at Reuters.

Topic poll · all networksWhat happens next after Iran declares itself a military power?

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Topic poll · all networksWhich moment most shaped today's US-Iran tensions?

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~21% of the world's oil supply transits the Strait of Hormuz daily.

At its narrowest, the Strait is just 21 nautical miles wide — yet roughly 17–21 million barrels of oil pass through it every day. The U.S. has patrolled it since Operation Earnest Will in 1987.

Jordan shot down Iranian drones during the April 2024 Iran-Israel strikes.

Jordan, a key U.S. ally, intercepted Iranian drones crossing its airspace in April 2024 to defend Israeli territory — making Iran now targeting Jordan a sharp geopolitical reversal.

The U.S. & Iran were once close Cold War allies!

Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran hosted U.S. bases & received billions in arms sales. The 1979 Islamic Revolution ended 26 years of alliance — flipping Iran from key partner to adversary overnight.

The IRGC was the 1st foreign military arm labeled a terrorist org by the U.S.

In April 2019, the Trump administration designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — the first time the U.S. applied that label to another nation's official military branch.

Topic poll · all networksHow many Americans did Qatar help free in the 2023 US-Iran prisoner swap?

  1. 2
  2. 5
  3. 8
  4. 12
Guess, then reveal the answer

5

Natanz wasn't exposed by spies — an Iranian dissident group revealed it in 2002!

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) publicly disclosed the Natanz enrichment facility at a press conference, forcing Western governments to acknowledge a site their agencies had not yet made public.

Topic poll · all networksWhat share of Iran's sanctioned oil exports goes to China?

  1. Around 30%
  2. Around 50%
  3. Around 70%
  4. Around 90%
Guess, then reveal the answer

Around 90%

2024 saw a record wave of govt crackdowns on dissent worldwide

Govts from Asia to Europe expanded arrests, press restrictions & protest bans in 2024. Rights groups called it one of the worst years for civil liberties. Read more at Reuters

Topic poll · all networksIn what year did the US first designate a foreign military as a terrorist organization?

  1. 2001
  2. 2011
  3. 2017
  4. 2019
Guess, then reveal the answer

2019

Today's gathering echoes the 1790 Fête de la Fédération!

On July 14, 1790, King Louis XVI joined 300,000 people at the Champ de Mars for the Revolution's first anniversary — a massive show of unity that set the template for world leaders gathering in Paris.

Topic poll · all networksWhat will be the biggest outcome of this NATO Summit?

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Topic poll · all networksWill Oman-Iran consultations help unlock a US-Iran deal?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat should the U.S. prioritize amid the Israel-Iran flare-up?

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Topic poll · all networksWhat's the biggest obstacle to a US-Iran nuclear deal?

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Russia hasn't faced aerial strikes on home soil since WWII

When Nazi Germany bombed Moscow in 1941-42, it was the last time enemy aircraft struck Russian cities. Ukraine's drone campaign — hitting Moscow, Kursk, and Belgorod — has broken that 80-year streak.

Topic poll · all networksIn what year did the U.S. first designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terrorist org?

  1. 2015
  2. 2017
  3. 2019
  4. 2021
Guess, then reveal the answer

2019

Topic poll · all networksWhich US approach to Iran sanctions worked best?

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Spain's unemployment once hit 27% — now it rivals Belgium's rate!

At the peak of Spain's 2012 debt crisis, unemployment reached 27.2% — the highest in the EU. By 2024, it had fallen below 12%, narrowing the gap with Belgium's ~5.5% rate, in one of Europe's sharpest labor market recoveries.

Topic poll · all networksIn Trump's Gaza ceasefire deal, how many hostages were in Phase 1?

  1. 12
  2. 22
  3. 33
  4. 47
Guess, then reveal the answer

33

Topic poll · all networksHow many prisoners were held in the Bastille when it was stormed?

  1. 7 prisoners
  2. 43 prisoners
  3. 112 prisoners
  4. 285 prisoners
Guess, then reveal the answer

7 prisoners

The story so far

LiveNOW from Fox · ABC

PRESIDENT TRUMP STRAIT OF HORMUZ RENAMED TRUMP STRAIT

1d ago
See how they framed it →
LiveNOW from Fox

IRAN SAYS ITS DEFENSES ARE STRONGER SMARTER AND MORE ADVANCED

1d ago
See how they framed it →
LiveNOW from Fox · ABC

TAME. WAR WITH IRAN BR

2d ago
See how they framed it →
ABC · LiveNOW from Fox

UNSEEN HEROISM ON 11

2d ago
See how they framed it →
LiveNOW from Fox · ABC

ATTACKS CONTINUE IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ

2d ago
See how they framed it →
LiveNOW from Fox

IAEA GIVES STATEMENT ON IRAN AND NUCLEAR INSPECTOR

3d ago
See how they framed it →

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