Sanctions
The Representation Gap: Western Misreading of Iranian Public Opinion Amid War
As US-Israeli strikes intensify, a chasm emerges between diaspora advocates demanding regime change and domestic Iranians facing the economic fallout of decades of sanctions and escalating conflict.
Beijing Absorbs Hong Kong Into China’s Financial Security Architecture
Under Xi's 'strong financial nation' doctrine, the city is being repositioned from neutral capital gateway into a strategic instrument for dedollarization and sanctions evasion.
Huawei Restrictions Endure as US-China Tech Decoupling Hardens
Existing federal bans remain firmly in place as the Chinese telecom giant posts record revenue despite years of American sanctions.
US-Venezuela Reset Reshapes Oil Markets and Regional Power Balance
The thaw follows Maduro's capture and could unlock 303 billion barrels while challenging China's $60 billion Latin America foothold.
The Dollar’s Durability Hinges on Geopolitics, Not Economics
As sanctions test reserve currency status, economist Barry Eichengreen argues the greenback's future depends on strategic reliability—a framework sterling's collapse validates.
Ukrainian Drones Sink Russian LNG Tanker in Mediterranean, Escalating Shadow Fleet Campaign
The Arctic Metagaz — a sanctioned vessel hauling Arctic gas — exploded and sank 130 nautical miles north of Libya after what Moscow calls a drone attack from the Libyan coast.
US Grants Indefinite Sanctions Exemption to Rosneft’s German Refineries
Washington reverses course on Russian energy enforcement, allowing Moscow to retain revenue flows from 12% of Germany's refining capacity despite G7 price cap framework.
EU Pressures Ukraine to Repair Druzhba Pipeline as Hungary Blocks €90 Billion Loan
The damaged Soviet-era oil artery has trapped Kyiv between EU energy demands and accusations from Budapest and Bratislava—while Moscow's revenue hangs in the balance.
Washington Sanctions Rwanda’s Military Over Congo Intervention
US Treasury freezes assets of Rwanda Defence Force and four senior commanders for supporting M23 rebels accused of mass atrocities in eastern DRC.
Geneva Talks Show Progress as US-Iran Nuclear Deal Remains Elusive
Third round of indirect negotiations yields 'significant progress' but deep divisions persist over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and regional security amid massive US military buildup.