‘Dark Shadows’ over Iran Talks
The United States’ continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is derailing a planned Iran‑U.S. negotiation in Islamabad, just as the current ceasefire expires. Vice President JD Vance has stayed in Washington, delaying direct talks, while President Donald Trump insists the blockade will remain until a formal agreement is reached. Pakistan’s foreign minister has pressed both sides to extend the ceasefire, positioning it as the most viable diplomatic step. Meanwhile, Iran signaled willingness to reopen the waterway after a separate Israel‑Lebanon ceasefire, adding further complexity to the standoff.
Mullin's Bid to Rehab DHS' Image
The Department of Homeland Security, led by new Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is launching a direct‑to‑public communications push to rehabilitate its image after a contentious tenure under Kristi Noem. Mullin will front the effort, delivering frequent cable‑news interviews, X video messages...
Dems Fly War Powers Banner without GOP Support
Democrats on the Senate floor have re‑filed a war‑powers resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s authority to launch military action against Iran, but no Republican senator has signaled support. The resolution faces an uphill battle as GOP leaders on...
The Return of Russia Oil Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury let its general‑license waiver on Russian oil expire this weekend, re‑imposing the October sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil. Senate Democrats claim the waiver let Russia earn more than $4 billion, while Treasury officials argue the impact is modest...
Can Pakistan Get the US and Iran Off the Ledge?
Pakistan has re‑emerged as a pivotal intermediary between Washington and Tehran after the Trump administration reversed the Biden‑era tilt toward India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted a two‑week cease‑fire proposal, emphasizing Pakistan’s ties to Saudi Arabia and its recent mutual‑defense...
De-Escalating Iran War: Many Cooks, No Soup
A flurry of cease‑fire initiatives – from Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators to Oman and a UK‑led 41‑nation effort – have failed to secure a pause in the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran. Iran rejected a 45‑day cease‑fire proposal, while Oman...
Iran War Squeezes African Countries
U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran are sending shockwaves across Africa, where soaring energy costs are hitting consumers and exporters alike. Nigeria’s gasoline prices have jumped 65%, Kenya’s tea shipments are stuck in ports, and South Africa has cut fuel taxes to...
Iraq Stands to Lose and Lose From Iran Strikes
U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have forced Iraq to curtail oil production as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, exposing Iraq's dependence on Iranian gas and electricity. The disruption comes just as major U.S. oil majors—ExxonMobil, Chevron and...
Inside Seoul’s Bid for Canada Submarine Contract
Canada is preparing to replace its aging Victoria‑class submarines, launching its largest defence procurement to date. South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, backed by Hyundai Heavy Industries, is vying against Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the contract. Both governments are pitching comprehensive...
New START Is Dead. Trump Wants a New-Er Deal.
The New START treaty died today, thus ending the last major U.S.-Russian arms control pact.