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President Trump abruptly paused 'Project Freedom' following reports that Saudi Arabia suspended US access to its key military bases and airspace. This decision has raised questions about the US-GCC alliance and its implications for the Strait of Hormuz.
Twice in a year, the United States has been humiliated by an adversary's ability to weaponize its control over one of the world economy's main arteries.
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that Iran sought a ceasefire, which he would only consider if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, threatening severe military action until the waterway is free. This has sparked international reactions, discussions on regional security, and economic concerns.
A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump's White House ballroom project, stating that Congress must authorize the construction before it can proceed. The ruling, which suspends the $400 million endeavor, represents a significant setback for the Department of Justice, with the judge specifying that the President is not the 'owner' of the White House, requiring Congressional consent for the project.
The United States has attacked an Iranian nuclear site, prompting Iran to strike a fully-loaded oil tanker off the coast of Dubai. The conflict has led to significant market volatility, with oil prices surging to near four-year highs and global stock markets experiencing sharp declines. International efforts, including mediation by Pakistan and China, are underway to de-escalate the situation.
Gulf allies are privately pressing former President Trump to continue the war against Iran until the country is decisively defeated, according to reports.
US President Donald Trump has extended the pause on military strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure until April 6, citing positive negotiation progress. This decision, amid renewed Mideast tensions, has caused global markets to react, with oil prices falling and Seoul and Tokyo stocks opening sharply lower.
LMMs have proven effective in countering strikes by Iran and its proxies in the region
US President Donald Trump's position on the Middle East conflict is sending mixed signals, with him declaring Iran 'almost destroyed' while also expressing shock at Iranian strikes. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have sarcastically responded to Trump's social media comments, stating that the outcome of war is not determined by tweets, indicating a new level of confrontation beyond diplomatic or military fields.
A US Air Force KC-135 refueling plane crashed in Iraq, killing six servicemembers, including Major Alex Klinner. The incident occurred amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with a GoFundMe campaign set up for Klinner's family.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada has not received any requests for military support from its Gulf allies, amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that Italy would provide “air defense systems, anti-drone and antimissile systems” as Iran widened its retaliatory strikes.
Residents were aghast as drones and missiles targeted the United Arab Emirates and America’s other Gulf allies, long-time refuges from regional conflict, on Saturday and Sunday.
A Venezuelan-Like Oil Blockade Against Iran Could Enable The US To Divide-And-Rule RIC Authored by Andrew Korybko, The cascading consequences of such a blockade, which might not ultimately be imposed due it entailing a high risk of war with Iran, could simultaneously weaken Russia, India, and China. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump 2.0 is considering imposing a Venezuelan-like oil blockade against Iran. It hasn’t yet done so due to concerns that Iran might attack the US’ regional military assets and/or seize its Gulf allies’ oil tankers, with either scenario destabilizing the global oil market and spiking the risk of war, so it might never ultimately happen. If the US were to successfully impose such a blockade, however, then it might be able to adroitly divide-and-rule Russia, India, and China (RIC). “The US Wants To Replicate The Venezuelan Model In Iran” by coercing Iran into subordinating itself and its energy industry to the US. The “Trump Doctrine”, which is shaped by Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby’s “Strategy of Denial”, seeks to deny strategic resources to the US’ rivals. Accordingly, it has an interest in cutting off China’s average import of 1.38 million barrels of Iranian oil per day last year, which could hit its economy hard if they’re not replaced (and that might be difficult). These exports could then be redirected to India, thus enabling India to more than replace its average import of 1 million barrels per day of Russian oil last month, with the revenue placed in an escrow account per the Venezuelan precedent for release to Iran if it cuts a nuclear and missile deal with the US. Through these means, India could zero out its import of Russian oil while raising the US’ role over its energy security exactly as Trump 2.0 wants, with the end result dealing incredible harm to RIC. Russia’s budgetary revenue from such sales would be reduced and could only realistically be replaced in part through more sales to China, though that might not be as easy as it sounds. The UK is preparing a campaign to seize Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the English Channel after being emboldened by the US’ seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker near its coast. If Russia doesn’t impose unacceptable costs on the UK, and it didn’t impose any on the US for doing this, then its Baltic Sea tankers might never reach China. Those from the Black Sea might not reach it either if the UK allies with Greece and Cyprus to cut off Russia’s “shadow fleet” from that vector too. Pipeline exports, which have limits to how much they can be scaled, would then be the only means for replacing part of Russia’s lost oil exports to India with China apart from relatively minimal tanker exports from the Far East. The resultant economic pressure on Russia and China might make them susceptible to lopsided deals with the US on Ukraine and trade. As for India, it already entered into a partially lopsided deal with the US as regards the informal quid pro quo of it agreeing to zero out its import of Russian oil in exchange for their trade deal, and the US’ growing influence over India’s energy security could curtail its hard-earned strategic autonomy. This might then be leveraged for coercing a reduction in India’s purchase of Chinese goods and services so as to place more pressure on the People’s Republic to agree to its own lopsided trade deal with the US. This worst-case scenario of the US’ dividing-and-ruling RIC can be averted by Iran deterring or breaking a US blockade on its oil in parallel with Russia doing the same with respect to any British one against its “shadow fleet”. These options require immense political will since they entail the potential cost of a hot war breaking out between Great Powers so it’s unclear whether they’ll be implemented, but likewise, so too might the US and UK ultimately back off from their possible blockades for the same reason. Tyler Durden Mon, 02/16/2026 - 20:05
Iran's foreign minister arrived in Pakistan, fueling speculation about potential direct talks with the U.S. President Trump stated he anticipates Iran will present an offer aimed at satisfying American demands.
Gulf allies are reportedly rushing to rebuild their air defense capabilities after recent Iranian strikes exposed significant gaps in their existing systems.
President Trump has reportedly told aides he is willing to end the ongoing war in Iran even without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as attacks continue across the region.
China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point peace plan for the Middle East, urging a ceasefire after a month-long war, as Iran's Revolutionary Guards continue to issue warnings against US companies like Apple, Google, and Meta, citing retaliation for 'targeted assassinations' of Iranian leaders.
US President Donald Trump shared a video purportedly showing a munitions depot in Iran being attacked, following reports of a US bombing in the night. American officials have confirmed that the US military struck a large ammunition depot in Isfahan with 907-kilogram bunker buster bombs during intense US-Israeli attacks, with witnesses recording dramatic footage of the strikes and explosions also reported in Tehran.
Ukraine and Qatar have signed a 10-year defense agreement aimed at deepening cooperation in combating missile and drone threats, including technological collaboration and development, as Kyiv seeks to leverage its battlefield expertise and secure new partnerships amid rising regional tensions.
Washington has announced the approval of more than $16 billion in arms sales to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, two Gulf nations that have been impacted by recent events.
Iran has launched attacks targeting Qatar and other US Gulf allies, with Qatar intercepting a missile attack and drone attacks disrupting flights in Dubai. This comes despite US intelligence warnings that contradicted claims of surprise regarding Iran's strikes.
Trump may need to delay the trip to China due to coordinating the war effort in Iran, says US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Having abandoned Ukraine, the US has sought Kyiv's support in defence from Iranian drones.
The Trump administration is facing growing discontent from its Gulf allies, who accuse Washington of not providing sufficient time to prepare for the escalating situation in the Middle East.
Wary of getting directly involved in the US-Israeli war with Iran, European countries are nevertheless being drawn into the conflict following attacks on Cyprus and Western allies in the Gulf.
Ukrainians to help intercept drones targeting Gulf allies, UK PM says; Russian overnight missile attacks on Ukraine hit new high. What we know on day 1,467 The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, said Ukrainian experts would provide guidance on intercepting Iranian drones being launched at Gulf allies, as Tehran responds to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. “We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region,” Starmer said on Sunday night. “And we will ...
Iran has seized multiple ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with Croatia confirming two nationals were aboard one vessel. Concurrently, Tehran announced it has begun collecting its first toll revenues from the strategic waterway, escalating regional tensions.
Talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, including engagement between Prince Faisal and Araghchi, indicate a potential easing of regional tensions, with Gulf allies backing a ceasefire.
France and Italy have pushed back against some US-Israeli military operations, as US President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies in Europe for being unhelpful in the month-long war in Iran, highlighting growing transatlantic tensions.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has reiterated its warning to US tech firms, explicitly listing 18 companies including Apple, Google, and Meta as targets for 'reciprocal action' starting tomorrow. This follows previous threats against leading American technology companies, which Iran claims are complicit in alleged Israeli-US intelligence-backed strikes.
Former President Donald Trump claims the U.S. is negotiating with Iranian leadership and has made 'progress' on a deal, but simultaneously threatens to destroy Iran's oil wells, Kharg Island, and desalination plants if an agreement is not reached shortly. Gulf allies are reportedly urging him to continue fighting until the Islamic regime falls.
Iran-linked hackers have publicly claimed responsibility for breaching the personal email of FBI Director Kash Patel, publishing photographs, a resume, and other personal documents. A Justice Department official has confirmed the breach, which has been widely reported by international media, with the Handala hack team specifically claiming responsibility for the attack on Friday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing for a possible nuclear catastrophe in the Middle East, with officials admitting they are vigilant for potential nuclear weapon use in Iran due to the escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, warning of devastating, decades-long global consequences.
US President Donald Trump stated that the military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran prevented the outbreak of a Third World War, specifically a nuclear one. He also reiterated his belief that Israel would not use nuclear weapons against Iran.
Iran and Ukraine are involved in a bitter dispute following reports that Kyiv has offered anti-drone expertise to the US and Gulf allies, intensifying tensions between the two nations.
Speaking on his nation's television, a Kuwaiti analyst has gone on to say that the Arab countries are the ones protecting America, not the other way around.
India's measured response to Iran's supreme leader's assassination, focusing on regional de-escalation, has sparked domestic criticism. While condemning Iranian strikes on Gulf allies, New Delhi has avoided direct condemnation of the killing, prioritizing national interests like energy security and diaspora welfare. This stance contrasts with past criticisms of Iran's internal affairs.
Iran retaliates after U.S.-Israel strikes kill Khamenei; Gulf states face missile attacks as Middle East teeters on full-scale war