Deal to Open Strait of Hormuz is Close The U.S. and Iran are close to a preliminary agreement that could extend the cease-fire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and set up later talks on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief…
The US and Israel Did Have a Iran Plan A New York Times article notes that U.S. and Israeli planners briefly considered installing hard-line former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a pliable leader of Iran after early 2026 strikes killed top…
US Demands Economic and Political Change in Cuba C.I.A. Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba amid a severe energy crisis — days after Havana said fuel for power plants was exhausted — to deliver President Trump’s demand that Havana make economic…
Geopolitical Implications of Meeting First let's begin with the agenda of the Trump-Xi meeeting below: •Taiwan Issue and US-China Relations • Iran, Strait of Hormuz, and China's Potential Role • Trade Tensions and Economic Cooperation • AI Technology and Semiconductor…
Future of US Gulf Strategic Relationship The recent Gulf war between Iran and U.S./Israeli-aligned forces exposed deep strategic strain: Gulf states feel vulnerable despite long U.S. security guarantees, Iran’s missile-and-drone attacks disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and regional…
Possible US-Iran Deal but Complications Exist Recent high-level talks between the United States and Iran show a fragile opening for peace, but deep mistrust, recent violence, and uncompromising demands have blocked a deal. Sustaining the current cease-fire, building confidence measures,…
Ceasefire: Nuclear Enrichment and Strait of Hormuz The two-week ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran is fragile and leaves many core disputes unresolved. Key issues—Iran’s nuclear program, Lebanon/Hezbollah, demands for compensation, the risk of terrorism and proxy attacks,…
Trump-Xi Meeting Postponed due Conflict in Middle East U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly asked China to delay Xi Jinping’s planned visit amid the widening Iran war, casting doubt on the high-profile diplomatic exchange meant to stabilize U.S.-China ties and extend…
Iranian Regime Weakened: Can it survive? The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has struggled to maintain its deterrent reputation amid ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf. Despite continuing attacks on Gulf infrastructure and some resilience, the IRGC has suffered operational…
Iran Facing Capitulation or Confrontation The US has essentially given Iran two choices. The first, accept ending enrichment of uranium, get rid of long-range ballistic missle program, end support for regional Iranian proxy groups and treat Iranian citizens better. In…
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