Shifting Geopolitics, Oil, and Tensionsactive

Iran warned this Friday that it will close the Strait of Hormuz unless the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, according to a statement by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who also described recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump as "false." "With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open," Ghalibaf wrote on his account on the social media platform X, adding that passage through the waterway will take place through routes determined by Tehran and will depend on Iranian authorization. The parliamentarian, who co-led the Iranian side in negotiations with the United States in Islamabad last weekend, also added that whether the strait is open or closed, and the rules that govern it, "will be determined on the ground, not through social media." 1. The U.S. President made seven claims in one hour, and all seven were false. 2. They will not win the war with these lies, and they certainly will not achieve anything through negotiations. 3. With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open. — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 17, 2026 Similarly, in his post, he stated that Trump had made "seven claims in one hour, and all seven were false," although he did not specify which claims he was referring to.

The US has renewed a waiver permitting countries to buy Russian oil for another month. The decision came two days after the Trump administration had said it had no plans to extend the waiver.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, issued a license related to Russia on Friday, authorizing the delivery and marketing of crude oil and refined products originating from the Russian Federation, provided they were loaded onto ships starting on April 17, 2026. This is General License 134B, which introduces new exceptions to the sanctions regime related to the Kremlin. According to the document, "all prohibited transactions (...) that are normally incidental and necessary for the sale, delivery, or unloading of crude oil or petroleum products originating from the Russian Federation, loaded onto any vessel (...) on or before 00:01 Eastern Time on April 17, 2026," are authorized, provided they are carried out before 00:01 Eastern Time on May 16, 2026. The authorization also includes logistical and technical operations associated with the maritime transport of these shipments, such as the safe berthing of ships, the protection of the crew, and emergency interventions. In this regard, the license explicitly includes "normal and necessary" activities, such as ship management, fuel supply, piloting, registration, and insurance services, among others. The scope of the measure also covers oil and derivatives produced by entities subject to various regulations...

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian announced on social media that the strait would be "completely opened," but with certain conditions. Subsequently, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized that free passage of ships would not be permitted unless the U.S. lifts its naval blockade. Amidst this situation, there is a growing expectation that the next direct talks between the United States and Iran will take place within the next few days.

Sergey Nechayev added: "We are fully ready for dialogue, but we will not impose ourselves"

A quarter featuring multiple eye-popping deals is no longer unusual for China’s pharmaceutical industry – in fact, it may soon be considered a slow season. In recent months, companies including CSPC Pharmaceutical and RemeGen have struck out-licensing agreements worth up to US$18.5 billion and US$5.6 billion respectively, while Haisco Pharmaceutical Group has added two of its own — most recently a deal worth up to US$745 million. Under the terms of the deal, the Beijing-based Haisco granted US...

The Trump administration on Friday reversed course and extended a waiver on sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products amid the Iran war, just days after a top Cabinet official said the U. S. would not be doing so. A license allowing countries to purchase Russian oil from Friday through May 16 was posted on the Treasury…

A top Iranian official raised hopes of a breakthrough when he said the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open,” while President Trump said a U. S. naval blockade on Iranian ports would remain in force.

The Trump administration made the announcement hours after Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz was open to commercial ships.

A Lebanese man who returned to southern Lebanon removes the Israeli flag from Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif).

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday said he demands answers from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding comments the secretary made in an interview in 2024 about Black children on certain Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications being “re-parented.” “We’ve known RFK Jr. has been unfit to serve as Secretary, but…

The US on Friday issued a license letting countries buy more Russian oil that’s already been loaded on tankers, part of the White House’s push to prevent prices from surging.

The US treasury department posted the updated license, permitting transactions involving Russian oil loaded onto vessels from that day through May 16.

The worldwide release of 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin,' which exposes Russian war propaganda from the inside to students at a school in the Urals, brought the film's director, Pavel Talankin, to public attention. In mid-March, his Oscar for best documentary made him famous. But the Kremlin labeled him a 'foreign agent, increasing the threats and discredit against this filmmaker, now living in exile in Prague.

Israel launched its latest offensive against Lebanon in early March, just a few days after the war against Iran began.

Last year, a state jury in Louisiana ordered Chevron to pay $745 million to help restore the wetlands damaged through crude oil production during World War II. Chevron argued that the company was acting as a federal contractor to the US military at the time and the case should be heard in federal court. The Supreme Court agreed.

After announcing that the Strait of Hormuz is open, Iran said it would close the vital waterway again unless the United States lifted its blockade. DW has more.

In Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, 34 children remain in the districts of Sloviansk where the mandatory evacuation of families with children is underway.

According to sources cited by the news outlet, Israel requested clarifications from the White House.

Iran US war news LIVE: In big reprieve for countries across the world threatened with fuel crisis, Iran on Friday said it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels. However, US said the blockade on Iranian ships and ports “will remain in full force”.

The statements were made by the Minister of National Defense, Pedro Sánchez, who also stated that he will not cease his pursuit of this matter.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board invited more than 1,700 influencers from around the world to the city between 2023 and last year, with the internet personalities having a combined following exceeding 1.6 billion. Responding to an inquiry from lawmaker Chan Hoi-yan, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said the board had invited 1,730 influencers to come to the city over two years, with itineraries tailored to their markets and audiences. “In 2026-27, [the board] will continue to develop themed...

The war in Iran and ensuing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has exposed the risks of over-reliance on the Persian Gulf for oil, turning Beijing’s Mediterranean infrastructure plans from long-term goals into urgent strategic necessities. From Algerian oilfields to Moroccan battery factories and Egypt’s industrial base, China might now fast-track these projects to create a Mediterranean hub for a green-energy supply chain, observers said. Beijing aims to create a strategic backup that protects its...

A Mercedes-Benz was buried as a funerary offering in a village in northeastern China, igniting public outrage over legal violations and environmental safety. A viral video shows some villagers in Liaoyang, Liaoning province, attending the funeral of a septuagenarian on April 9. Sources told the mainland media that the dead person was an avid collector of luxury cars, prompting his children to bury a real vehicle to ensure his soul’s peaceful passage. The car, a black Mercedes-Benz S450L valued...

President Trump is seeking leverage by continuing the naval blockade, while Tehran signals flexibility to opening the strait.

‘This will be a great and brilliant day for the world’ Donald Trump said as Iran fully opens the Strait of Hormuz.

A retrospective rich with vintage prints traces the career of this American who constantly reinvented herself, from surrealist artist to war correspondent.

Two US Army soldiers have been injured after encountering a brown bear in a mountainous training area in Anchorage, according to the military. The incident happened on Thursday as the soldiers were taking part in a “land navigation training event” in Arctic Valley, part of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s training area. The soldiers were receiving medical care as of Friday, a military official told the Anchorage Daily News. Queries sent to base were not immediately returned on Friday. The...

Despite some empty seats, Trump projected confidence in his party’s ability to win the midterm elections. Some in the crowd focused on GOP divisions.

TSMC's first-quarter 2026 earnings call delivered the expected headline numbers — $35.9 billion in revenue, a 66.2% gross margin, and full-year revenue growth guidance raised to above 30% in US dollar terms. The financial story was strong and largely anticipated.

Karol Nawrocki noted that the security situation is changing almost every week

The Israeli military reported this Friday about an operation carried out in southeastern Lebanon "minutes before" the ten-day ceasefire came into effect, which was announced on Thursday by U.S. President Donald Trump. The operation, dubbed "Punishment," took place "minutes before the ceasefire with Beirut went into effect," scheduled for 00:00 local time on Friday (17:00 on Thursday in Chile), and involved the "deployment of special forces in the Christofini mountain range," located in the Lebanese governorate of Nabatiyé. This was announced by the Israeli military's Arabic-speaking spokesperson, Avichai Adrai, on his social media accounts, where he stated that "the operation was approved by the Chief of Staff," Eyal Zamir. In his post on X, Adrai stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) remain "on high alert" and will continue to "eliminate threats throughout the area between the border and the line established under the ceasefire agreements." #Breaking: Operation "Punishment": The Israel Defense Forces reveal a military operation that took place minutes before the ceasefire with Lebanon came into effect, involving the deployment of special forces in the Christofini mountain range in eastern Lebanon. 🔸Special forces from the Israel Defense Forces began the operation last night (Thursday)...

A meeting of finance ministers and other officials from the G7, the group of seven major economies, was held in the United States on the morning of the 18th (Japan time) to discuss issues related to critical minerals, including rare earth elements. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating efforts to diversify supply chains, with a particular focus on China, which holds a dominant share of the market.

Taiwanese automotive electronics leader E-Lead Electronic is reshaping the future of smart cockpits through a combination of deep technological reinvention and production restructuring, as it positions itself as a full-spectrum systems supplier in an increasingly fragmented global supply chain.

Embodied AI is moving out of the lab and into real-world environments at increasing speed. The humanoid robot half-marathon scheduled for April 19 in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town) is framed as a public race, but functions more as an industry stress test, compressing a full stack of technologies into a 21-kilometer trial.

The 2026 International Symposium on VLSI Technology, Systems and Applications (VLSI TSA) kicked off on April 14, gathering over 800 semiconductor professionals worldwide. The conference focused on next-generation core areas including GenAI inference acceleration, wafer-level computing, and terahertz wireless communication, while also delving into quantum computer system architectures and extending the reach of semiconductors to AI-driven cardiac analysis and other smart healthcare applications.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, China's dominant electric vehicle battery manufacturer, is accelerating its push up the supply chain, pairing strong earnings with an aggressive expansion into upstream mining as it positions for the next phase of growth in electric vehicles and energy storage.

Local media has reported that the former British ambassador to the United States, who had a relationship with the deceased billionaire, Jeffrey Epstein, and was later charged with sexual abuse offenses in the US, was deemed unsuitable during a background check conducted before his appointment. This has once again raised questions about the responsibility of Prime Minister Starmer in his appointment.

The surge in AI data center demand is rapidly accelerating the need for high-speed data transmission, prompting LED manufacturers to target opportunities in optical communications. best-Epitaxy Manufacturing's (bEMC) CEO Evan Wu said the company has focused on data transmission since its inception and recently began proof-of-concept (POC) testing with a leading cloud service provider (CSP). Their short-distance Micro LED transmission currently reaches speeds of 4Gbps, aiming to achieve 8Gbps per chip in 2026.

The age of cheap oil is over and Thailand’s rooftops are reflecting that fact. Across homes, garages and warehouses in the sun-drenched kingdom, the blue-black sheen of solar panels is spreading, as the Iran war has done what years of climate summits could not: turn solar power into a necessity. Demand for solar panels has swamped companies like Wayso, whose managing director is colouring in Thailand’s rooftops as fast as he can find technicians to do it. “We can’t hire quickly enough,” Suwat...

Tens of thousands of people forcibly displaced by Israeli attacks on Lebanon use first day of ceasefire to return home.

The president of the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) Review Conference, which discusses the global direction of nuclear disarmament, held a press conference. He stated that, with nuclear arms control treaties between the United States and Russia set to expire, the NPT is "the only remaining hope," and expressed his determination to reach an agreement.

President Trump on Friday teased at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix that he will direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release government files on UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs). “I recently directed the Secretary of War … to begin releasing government files relating to UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena,” Trump said. “And…

Jaden Pierre has been identified as the 15-year-old who was shot dead yesterday at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York and cops have released suspect photos.

Transportation costs for World Cup fans traveling to US stadiums could be more than 10 times higher than regular fares. Local officials and FIFA bosses are trading blame for the increased prices while fans feel fleeced.

President Trump was met with an at times a roaring ovation from a crowd at a Turning Point USA event in Arizona on Friday during several opportunities where he detailed his policies on Iran. It marked a window into how some young conservatives are receiving Trump’s message on the international conflict. “Would anybody like to…

The impending three-day visit of President Lee Jae-myung to India is not routine diplomacy – it is a strategic inflection point for both countries and the wider Indo-Pacific. The regional order that once underpinned stability is fragmenting. Economic interdependence is increasingly a liability, and long-standing security guarantees are under strain. In this shifting landscape, India […] The post Recalibrating the India-South Korea strategic partnership appeared first on Asia Times.

At a Turning Point USA rally, Kirk lauded Trump's leadership. Meanwhile, Druski's impersonation of Kirk gained traction on social media.

"Balance of Power: Late Edition" focuses on the intersection of politics and global business. On today's show, Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) shares his disbelief when discussing President Trump saying the Strait of Hormuz is open. Neil Bradley, US Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President, talks about the impact the Middle East conflict is having on small businesses. (Source: Bloomberg)

WASHINGTON, April 17 (Yonhap) -- Iran said Friday that it reopened the crucial S...

Two of the six vessels that have been stranded since early March have remained in the Persian Gulf

The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf, said Friday that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz again amid the U. S. blockade on Iranian ports, contradicting President Trump, who said the strait was “open for business” earlier in the day. His remarks came as Trump was on stage delivering a speech in Arizona at a…

The president's strong statements are intended to increase pressure on Tehran, but some U.S. allies and officials involved in the negotiations are questioning whether Iran has truly conceded, as Trump claims.

The intelligence department reported the Rome prosecutor's office after news reports were published about the head of Meloni's office.

Tehran aims to reach a memorandum of understanding that would solidify the truce and provide an additional 30-40 days for more in-depth negotiations.

Araghchi: "The agreement concerns the duration of the ceasefire. Permission from the Pasdaran (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) is still required." Twenty ships are currently in motion. Washington will only ease its restrictions on Tehran with a comprehensive agreement.

The meeting in Paris on the security of the Strait of Hormuz involved Starmer and Merz. China and India were connected to the discussion, but not the Americans. The Élysée Palace believes that Trump should not be involved, while Berlin and London support his inclusion. The discussions focused on mines, military aid, and intelligence.

In Paris, amidst hugs and smiles, a new understanding was reached with the French leader. Italy wants to act within a European framework or under the auspices of the United Nations. A vote in both houses of parliament is expected to take place quickly.

The president of Copasir (the Italian parliamentary committee for the evaluation, verification and control of the secret services) stated: "The relationship with the United States must be maintained, but Meloni's strategy will need to be adjusted. Trump will not abandon NATO."

Iran war’s impact has been larger on short-term expectations but 2022 serves as a cautionary tale

The president will direct federal agencies to boost research into the drugs and support clinical trials, moves championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

President Trump on Friday sprinted ahead to take a victory lap celebrating what he said was Iran’s agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.  But conflicting statements from Iranian officials and Israeli pushback on the terms of the ceasefire with Lebanon are raising doubt about the president’s actual…

Ex-US NSA moots Hippocratic oath for corporates to prevent Chinese takeover

Prices plummeted after Iran said it would open the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Under the "Tacos of the World" project, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico is supporting Mexican citizens who were in an undocumented immigration situation in the United States. At the UNITEC (Technological University of Mexico) Cuitláhuac campus, Mexican nationals Jaime, Luis Alberto, and Carlos prepared ribeye tacos, Cajun shrimp tacos, and huazontle ranch tacos, as part of the training, mentorship, and support programs offered by the embassy to those returning to Mexico, in collaboration with Migraflix. This initiative, led by Ambassador Ronald Johnson, aims to create opportunities and improve the future for returning individuals, as well as to strengthen local economies. Also read: U.S. Trade Representative to meet with Ebrard on Monday; also with companies and organizations in the private sector. "We are investing in the talent and creativity of each individual," commented the diplomatic representation. Highlighting that gastronomy tells the stories of regions and brings people together, the embassy mentioned that 150 entrepreneurs have received training to start their own businesses. This is a concrete initiative to address undocumented migration, and it is an investment in people. By creating opportunities, we help save lives, the embassy stated. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence and in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the creations of the returning Mexicans will be available for tasting at the Globa Village…

The numbers are the first to quantify the effect of the Trump administration’s shutdown and restarting of a program that has saved millions of lives worldwide.

Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) shares his disbelief when discussing President Trump saying the Strait of Hormuz is open, stating markets “would be wise to put the President on mute.” He goes on to explain how Trump has now given Iran a different strategic deterrent in chokehold control of the Strait, and whether or not he believes the president can talk peace into existence with Iran. Rep. Auchincloss speaks with Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu on the late edition of Bloomberg's "Balance of Power." (Source: Bloomberg)

Iranian officials did not confirm most of Mr. Trump’s claims and disputed several of them.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick ruled out the possibility of Chinese investment in the US auto industry, saying there’s no need for companies like electric carmaker BYD Co. in America.

If Trump’s claims of concessions are true, the blockade is working. But keep the pressure on.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would appoint academics and players in chemical and other industries and additional scientists to its Science Advisory Board (SAB). The new appointments come more than a year after the administration “reset” the board, dismissing the scientists who were on it. This board is made up of outside scientists who provide scientific…

On Friday, optimism and confusion were intertwined as President Trump suggested that an end to the conflict in Iran was within reach, even as many of his claims were met with silence or murmurs of dissent from Tehran. The war is at a critical juncture, seven weeks after it was launched by the United States and…

Iran has rejected suggestions by Donald Trump that it has agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium.

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) on Thursday referenced a previously deleted image of President Trump resembling Jesus Christ when she criticized the impact that the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran has had on costs in the U.S., prompting her to say the president could "f**k his a**." Kamlager-Dove said this in a video recorded by MediasTouch reporter Pablo…

The White House responded to reports concerning the deaths or disappearances of 10 scientists and officials associated with nuclear and space research.

Seres' plans demonstrate how the intense competition in the electric vehicle sector is putting pressure on automakers to innovate.

The war-torn country wants to reconstruct in a way that is environmentally, socially, and geopolitically more sustainable.

The sides also discussed international steps toward restoring Libya’s unity with the United Nation’s pivotal role

Iranian officials did not confirm most of Mr. Trump’s claims and disputed several of them.

President Trump and his family are suing federal agencies over leaks of their tax information. Court filings say they’re in talks to find a solution instead of heading to trial.

Tehran's announcement on Friday that the critical Strait of Hormuz was reopen to commercial shipping for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was followed by a flurry of social media posts by US President Donald Trump suggesting that a peace deal with Washington could be reached "soon". But Iranian officials said the two sides still needed to overcome serious differences.

Day 5 in Africa for Pope Leo the 14th. In the midst of a pause in the ongoing violence in Cameroon, the Pope headed to Douala after the city of Bamenda, to celebrate a Mass. Also It's now more than 48 hours since Million Beyene disappeared without a trace. And Literature takes centre stage in the French capital as Paris hosts the fifth edition of its Book Festival, among the standout voices, Cameroonian writer Djaïli Amadou Amal.

Gavin Lee is pleased to welcome former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Italy's former head of state offers a deep, insightful, and thought-provoking perspective on contemporary geopolitics, European cohesion, and leadership ethics. Speaking from the perspective of a former leader of a major European country, he reflects on instability in global alliances, energy vulnerability in Europe, and the evolving nature of political leadership. His analysis is characterized by a tension between pragmatism and principle, where shifting allegiances are both criticized and, at times, cautiously supported.

The Governor of the province of Buenos Aires, Axel Kicillof, began assembling a photo album that he had gone to Spain to acquire, as part of the World Progressive Movement gathering. In the afternoon, in Barcelona, the Governor of Buenos Aires met with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro. The Colombian leader suggested that Kicillof "might be the President of Argentina," to "pull it out of the crisis." They met in the Gabriel García Márquez library. Kicillof traveled to Spain on Thursday and will return to Argentina on Saturday. Invited by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, it was expected that the Governor would participate in the panel "Progressive Action and Multilateralism in a Fragmented World: EU-Latin America Relations in Times of Disruption," organized by FEPS. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the Governor of Buenos Aires did not attend. Aloizo Mercadante, President of the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development and former Minister of Justice of that country, expressed his regret. "It's a shame that Kicillof didn't have time to participate, but regardless of his absence, the important thing is to defeat Milei," he concluded the panel. Kicillof went to Spain to present himself as one of the figures that the progressive movement – or, as Kicillof himself put it, the "national and popular" movement – has to challenge the government of Javier Milei in the upcoming elections. He was seeking support. Although in the interviews...

Amid conflicting reports about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, European leaders gathered on Friday to coordinate a plan to guard it.

"The war could slow down growth in the short term."

Former President Obama is increasing pressure in Virginia to encourage voters to support the state's redistricting measure and give Democratic candidates a stronger chance in the November midterm elections, telling Virginians "we're counting on you." ABC News obtained a new video of Obama reminding voters in Virginia that "early voting is underway" and emphasizing the importance of turnout.

A coalition of nonbelligerent states led by France and the UK has said it is ready to lead an international mission to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. But that won't be deployed before the Iran war is over.

Lebanon and Israel are holding first direct talks in decades.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Friday that the Trump administration is looking into whether there may be a link between the nearly a dozen American scientists who have reportedly died or gone missing in the past almost three years. Leavitt wrote in a post on the social platform X that the White House is…

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo arrived in Barcelona, Spain, where she was welcomed by the Mexican community residing in the city. Upon her arrival, dozens of compatriots gathered to welcome her with banners, the Mexican flag, and traditional Veracruz music. The gathering, according to the Mexicans present, reflects the strong bond that Mexicans abroad maintain with their country and with what is known as the "Fourth Transformation." "Is this visit to Spain historic?" the federal leader was asked. "Yes, thank you," she replied. What is Mexico's message in Spain? "Long live peace always," she responded. Also read: Sheinbaum to participate in the IV Summit for the Defense of Democracy in Barcelona; plans to meet with Mexican residents in Spain. 🇲🇽 🇪🇸 This is how President Claudia Sheinbaum is being welcomed in Barcelona, Spain, as part of the IV Summit for the Defense of Democracy. #VIDEO: @elkizz_ | EL UNIVERSAL 📸 pic.twitter.com/Z2Jifal4iD — El Universal (@El_Universal_Mx) April 17, 2026 Also read: "Welcome, President Claudia Sheinbaum"; Mexicans in Spain express their support for her visit. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on Whatsapp! Stay informed about the most important news of the day, opinion pieces, entertainment, trends, and more, all from your mobile device. nro

Tense negotiations are set to resume in an effort to end a dispute that is costing the United States more than a billion dollars each month.

The message from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to his fellow economic policymakers a year ago came as a welcome surprise — that “America First does not mean America alone” and that the US is “doubling down on our engagement with the international economic system.”

Adnan at-Tamimi says that another reason is related to Washington's actions towards Israel and a possibility of suspending the war in Lebanon

Proprietary systems were less risky, U. S. officials assumed. That turned out to be a dangerous premise.

Trump may get a nuclear agreement on paper, but the world’s larger success is a return to energy realism.

A closer agreement, but "significant differences" remain. According to the Wall Street Journal: "Negotiations in Pakistan may take place as early as Monday."