China retaliated after losing the Panama Canal terminals legally. Panama's Supreme Court ruled the CK Hutchison concession unconstitutional, handing operations to Maersk and MSC. Beijing responded with port harassment of Panamanian vessels. Secretary Rubio drew a hard line: hemispheric sovereignty is non-negotiable.
Hegseth Fires Back at Congress: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made his first congressional appearance since the Iran war began, testifying nearly six hours before the House Armed Services Committee. His message was clear and unapologetic — Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb. Period.
Brent crude surged past $119.50 a barrel as the Strait of Hormuz blockade enters its second month, with Trump rejecting Iran's offer to reopen as a stalling tactic. Kpler data shows Tehran has just 12-22 days before forced well shutdowns trigger permanent infrastructure damage. The pressure is mounting fast.
German Chancellor Merz slammed the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran as "ill-considered," and Trump fired back hard. While Merz pretends Tehran's nuclear ambitions are manageable, Iran funds Hezbollah, Hamas, and threatens the Strait of Hormuz. Europe's appeasement has a price — and history shows free nations always pay it.
Japan is stepping up where NATO stalls. PM Takaichi backs Hormuz security, hardens U.S. bases with $1.9B in host-nation support, and faces China and North Korea as real threats. While European capitals dodge the 2% defense pledge, Tokyo shares the burden. That is Trump's doctrine in action — and Japan is leading.
President Trump's leverage strategy puts Iran's mullahs on the clock as their oil network risks collapse from pressure and mismanagement. With only days before infrastructure could break, America First power uses energy, timing and fear of loss to force the regime to recalculate without sending troops into another forever war abroad.
Japan welcomes American oil as Trump's energy strategy reaches the Indo-Pacific, with 910,000 barrels of Texas crude crossing the Panama Canal to Tokyo. This historic shipment signals deeper trust between Pacific allies, weakens hostile regimes, and proves energy dominance can strengthen alliances while securing peace through strength.
Taiwan is conducting major military exercises simulating escorted energy shipments through a potential Chinese blockade, drawing critical lessons from the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis. Meanwhile, Beijing's intimidation forced President Lai Ching-te to postpone his Africa trip after overflight permissions were suddenly revoked.
President Trump abruptly canceled the planned trip of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi exited Islamabad without meaningful engagement. Citing Tehran's infighting and a weak offer, Trump signaled phone talks remain possible if Iran gets serious about real peace.
President Trump is exposing the uncomfortable truth behind the US-UK special relationship and NATO's free-riding problem. While America funds 60% of NATO defense, European partners fail to meet basic targets. Trump demands reciprocity over subsidies, restoring alliances built on shared sacrifice, strength, and mutual respect.
