UAE secretly launched strikes on Iran during war, attacked oil refinery — report

The New Gulf Guard: How Secret Alliances are Redefining Middle East Security The landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics is shifting from a reliance on distant superpowers to a model of “active regional defense.” The revelation that Gulf nations may be engaging in covert military operations—such as the reported strikes on the Lavan Island oil refinery—signals … Read more

Strait of Hormuz Remains Effectively Blocked After Naval Skirmishes

Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted following recent naval skirmishes between U.S. And Iranian forces. For several weeks, the narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea has been choked by competing blockades enforced by both sides of the conflict. The impact on maritime logistics is significant, with approximately … Read more

Iran is trying to formalise its control over the Strait of Hormuz, but there are some obvious problems

The New Gatekeepers: How Iran’s Control of the Strait of Hormuz Redefines Global Trade For decades, the Strait of Hormuz has been recognized as the world’s most critical energy choke point. But we are witnessing a fundamental shift in how this waterway is managed. It is no longer just about the threat of naval skirmishes; … Read more

Iran creates new agency to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has established a new government agency to formally vet and collect tolls from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has heightened international concerns over the freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical waterways. The agency, known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, is “positioning itself as the only … Read more

Oil Prices Just Crossed $100 Again. Here’s What Energy Investors Should Do Next.

The Great Energy Pivot: Why the Americas are the New Oil Hub The global energy map is being redrawn in real-time. For decades, the Persian Gulf has been the beating heart of global oil supply, but escalating instability in the Strait of Hormuz is forcing a strategic migration. When energy security is threatened by geopolitical … Read more

Airstrikes hit Iran as it attacks Israel and Gulf states while diplomatic efforts accelerate

Trump’s Shifting Stance on Iran: A War Paused on the Brink of Negotiation? As airstrikes continue to batter Iran and its neighbors, and missiles rain down on Israel, a surprising development has emerged: President Donald Trump’s claim of ongoing talks with Iran to end the escalating conflict. This announcement, made amidst a backdrop of heightened … Read more

Iran threatens to attack Mideast electrical plants powering US bases

Middle East on the Brink: Iran and US Trade Threats as Conflict Escalates The Middle East teeters on the edge of a wider conflict as Iran and the United States exchange increasingly dire threats. Donald Trump’s ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz – demanding its reopening or facing the destruction of Iranian power plants – … Read more

Hegseth says there’s “no clear evidence” Iran is placing new mines in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. Military continues operations against Iran as the war, which began on February 28, enters its second month. Despite claims of significant progress, challenges remain, including a largely halted flow of ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and rising global oil prices. Military Operations and Strait of Hormuz Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated … Read more

Iran’s supreme leader gives first statement as oil prices go up, markets down

Iran Under New Leadership: Navigating War and Continuity Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s ascension to Supreme Leader of Iran, following the death of his father, marks a pivotal moment for the Islamic Republic. His initial public statement, delivered as a prepared message rather than a traditional address, signals a deliberate strategy of continuity amidst escalating regional conflict. … Read more

Iran’s attacks on shipping send oil prices up again

Iran’s New Leader Escalates Tensions: Strait of Hormuz Closure and Regional Attacks DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In his first public statement as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to continue attacks on Gulf Arab nations and maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a means of applying pressure. The move … Read more