Ust-Luga (700K bbl/day capacity) hit by mass drone strike. Fires burning across tank farms and loading stands. Primorsk port hit 48 hours earlier. Reuters: ~40% of Russian oil export capacity halted. Drones flew 1,250 km — over NATO airspace (Poland → Baltic states → Leningrad Oblast). Pulkovo Airport shut down two nights running. UK simultaneously announced it will board shadow fleet tankers in its waters.

Army raises max enlistment age from 35 to 42 for both prior and non-prior service. Marijuana possession waivers eliminated. Expedited revision — not standard review cycle. Official explanation: "alignment with DoD standards." Counter-signal: recruiting targets already met. Amber, not red — but the timing is notable.

Announced 23 Mar with threat to "hit and obliterate" power plants if Hormuz doesn’t open. Iran denied any talks. Oil dropped $15 in 4 hours on the announcement — then recovered. No extension signals as of Thursday evening. Forces have not stood down — MarineTraffic shows no withdrawal of amphibious group.

Ballistic missile launches declining steadily since Day 1. Iran fired 500+ ballistic and ~2,000 drones in first week. Current rate suggests either inventory depletion or strategic rationing for a longer war. Both interpretations favor ground operation timing — Iran’s defensive capability is degrading.

Fire aboard the carrier in early March now investigated as possible arson. If confirmed — sabotage of US naval assets. Reduces strike capability in theater. Increases pressure to escalate to compensate. Wild card — could delay or accelerate ground operation depending on damage assessment.