In-depth conservative coverage of global energy developments, rare earth and critical mineral rivalries, oil and gas markets, Trump’s energy dominance agenda, and the weaponization of resources by China, Russia, and other major powers.
China quietly cut oil imports by five million barrels a day after the Strait of Hormuz closed. The move absorbed most of Asia’s shortfall and kept prices from reaching $200. China oil reserves, estimated at 1,300 to 1,400 million barrels, proved far larger and more flexible than Western stockpiles. The United States released over 100 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve while Beijing conserved its buffer.
Iran war update: 14 nights of American attacks on Iran, and Iranian retaliation against US bases in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. Two sea straits are blocked, oil touched 100 dollars, and China cut its Iranian crude purchases by 40 percent. Discover why the Saudis finally attacked the Houthis and why Tehran is begging for a deal.
The Africa integration crisis deepens this week as the US and China race for cobalt, lithium, and rare earths across the continent. From AFRICOM's faith outreach to Djibouti's mounting debt to China, see the forces shaping Africa's future, and why America's investment model differs sharply from Beijing's extraction approach.
President Trump declared a US Hormuz toll of 20 percent on all cargo shipped through the strait, naming America the guardian of the waterway. Iran's foreign minister mocked the move but agreed with the premise. Oil prices jumped over 7 percent as the world waits to see who ends up paying to keep the Persian Gulf open, stirring debate.
Iran's attacks in Hormuz on three tankers triggered a powerful American military response on July 7, with U.S. airstrikes hitting Iranian ports, air defenses, and missile sites. The Department of the Treasury also revoked Iran's oil sale license, cutting off Tehran's main revenue, testing Trump's peace through strength doctrine weeks after the ceasefire.
Chile just offered Argentina its Pacific ports to ship Vaca Muerta gas to Asia, a defensive move against Peru's Chinese-built Chancay megaport. The Chile China corridor story also touches lithium, a surging Chinese fishing fleet, and a submarine cable fight that disrupted Chile's own presidential transition. Here is the full picture.
The US Iran ceasefire deal is real. Trump announced it at 3:57 AM from France, markets soared, and oil fell 4%. The Strait of Hormuz reopens June 19 under a 60-day MOU. Israel is not on board. Iran and the U.S. describe two very different versions of the same agreement. The next 60 days will tell the real story.
Oil prices Iran deal headlines moved markets again on Friday. Brent fell 3.37% to $87.33, WTI fell 3.23% to $84.88, down more than 6% for the week and nearly 20% for the month. Pakistan says a final peace deal text exists. Trump disputes Iranian reports on the terms. Markets are betting on a negotiated outcome.
Congo conflict minerals are at the center of a war most people know nothing about. The DRC produces 70% of the world's cobalt and 60% of global coltan reserves. Those minerals power your phone, your electric vehicle, and precision missiles. China controls most of it. A rebel group controls the mines. America must pay attention.
Japan imports 95% of its oil from the Middle East. South Korea imports 68%. Together they pump 3.3 million barrels per day through the Strait of Hormuz. For Tokyo and Seoul, a Hormuz closure is more immediately devastating than a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Here is why Japan South Korea energy security depends on one narrow strait.
Brazil rare earths hold 23% of global reserves, second only to China. Lula told Trump: all investment welcome, but processing stays on Brazilian soil. A 2,800 million dollar US acquisition of Serra Verde is on the table. If America loses this deal, China moves in fast. The window is closing, and Beijing is already watching closely.
Iran destroyed IRGC speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz Monday night — yet its top negotiator stayed in Qatar for peace talks Tuesday morning. Day 88 of the US-Iran war. Oil above $105. Trump says a deal is days away. Peace Through Strength is working — but will the deal hold?
