In an August 20, 2026, Bloomberg Opinion column, Javier Blas argued that “choking Iran’s economy is the least bad way to end the war.” Drawing on firsthand observations of sanctions-induced collapse in Iraq, Venezuela, and Cuba—worthless currencies, skyrocketing inflation, and soaring unemployment—Blas noted that pure economic pressure has historically failed to force political change. U.S. […]
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On August 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sweeping sanctions targeting digital asset exchanges and networks used by the Iranian regime to launder funds, evade sanctions, and support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other terrorist groups. The action hits two major platforms exploited by […]
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A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker loaded with Qatari cargo was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz overnight, marking another escalation in attacks on critical energy shipping and raising fresh alarms about supply security for the world’s second-largest LNG exporter. Security consultancies Vanguard Tech and Marisks identified the vessel as the […]
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Iran’s ballistic missile threats have expanded beyond the Middle East into Europe, with Ukraine becoming the latest target after the United Kingdom. This escalation ties directly to Tehran’s strategic partnership with Moscow and the defense of critical Caspian Sea trade and military logistics routes that sustain both nations amid ongoing conflicts and sanctions. On July […]
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Three Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) carrying a combined roughly 6 million barrels of crude oil slipped out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. The vessels began transmitting automated position (AIS) signals as they entered the Gulf of Oman on […]
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Oil markets are back on edge. Brent crude has surged above $90 per barrel for the first time in weeks, driven by a fresh attack on a Kuwaiti tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. Early Tuesday (July 21, 2026), the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported […]
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The Wall Street Journal has reported concerns among tanker operators following strikes on vessels near the Port of Fujairah, raising alarms about the widening scope of attacks beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Social media commentary, including a post by Mario Nawfal, highlighted that Iranian missiles reportedly struck two oil tankers, leading to claims that the […]
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In a statement that underscores the deepening fog of miscommunication between Tehran and Washington, Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, told Russia’s Izvestia newspaper that the Strait of Hormuz will ultimately reopen — but only under new conditions set jointly by Iran and Oman, including transit fees for “services” provided in the waterway. “Of course, […]
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Iran is pushing ahead with legislation to formalize its “management and sovereignty” over the Strait of Hormuz, including provisions for shipping security, navigation and environmental fees, and a regional development fund — moves widely interpreted as establishing a toll-like system and de facto control. A senior Iranian lawmaker, Alireza Salimi, stated that only Iran and […]
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Energy News Beat – May 28, 2026 U.S. and Iranian negotiators have hammered out a tentative 60-day memorandum of understanding (MOU) to extend a fragile ceasefire and kick-start talks on Iran’s nuclear program — but the deal still needs final sign-off from President Donald Trump. According to Axios reporting, the framework aims to reopen the […]
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