Oil Spikes As Trump Vows To Hit Iran "Extremely Hard Over Next 2-3 Weeks", Threatens To Send It "Back To The Stone Ages"
Trump declares 'core strategic objectives met', threatens 2-3 more weeks of bombing, no mention of ceasefire
This Week in the World Affairs Brief
TRUMP LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT OF THE IRAN WAR
As I predicted last week, Trump is desperately looking for a way out of the costly war with Iran that he and Israel started, as long as he can still claim some kind of victory. Trump has said, “the US is very close to meeting its military objectives,” and is considering “winding down the Iran operation.” But, that isn’t because Trump is winning, even if he thinks he is. Reports say that his daily war briefings are kept to just 2 minutes and focus mainly on “successful” airstrikes while omitting the lack of strategic victories—which is what Trump wants to hear, but the negative reports would tell him that Iran is not even close to giving up. Trump will never admit this was a mistake even though the current energy crisis proves that it was. Even more dangerous, Trump’s war (backing Israel) has created a major deficit of US missile interceptor and munitions that make the US highly vulnerable should a war with China and North Korea start soon over Taiwan. Trump is facing intense pressure at home to end the conflict that has sent global oil prices skyrocketing, and sowed division among his core base of supporters, especially among those in the military. Republicans in Congress have also reacted negatively over the superficial classified briefings they are getting from the administration, telling them very little about where this war is going. To receive a free one-time sample of the Brief, along with options on how to subscribe, click on Request a sample on the left.
Also:
- What has Stopped China Practicing Attacks on Iran?
- The DHS Shutdown Drags On Over Filibuster
Daily News
Trump To Declare Iran War Wind-Down As Iranian President Issues Open Letter To Americans
Trump to declare Iran war is winding down and others need to resolve Hormuz Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has released an open letter to the American people, questioning whether Washington is truly putting “America First” or merely acting as a “proxy for Israel” willing to fight “to the last American soldier.”... Oil tanker leased to QatarEnergy was struck by an Iranian cruise missile in Qatari waters Wednesday. IRGC has newly vowed to keep attacking with "full intensity and power" - suggesting this is far from over, as ceasefire talks remain theater lacking in much substance. Ayatollah praises Hezbollah in written statement.
Minnesota Judges Enabling Somali Fraud Epidemic With Slaps On Wrist
The Feeding Our Future fraud is the largest pandemic-relief theft in American history - $250 million stolen, mostly by Somali immigrants who fabricated meal counts and pocketed federal child nutrition funds. The prosecutions have dragged on for years. Now that sentences are finally coming down, a troubling pattern is emerging: the punishments don’t seem to fit the crime.
Trump Signs Order Creating National Eligible Voter List, Tightening Mail-In Ballot System
The president signed the new law after Congress stalled while debating the SAVE America Act.
Pentagon Prepares A-10 Warthog Surge As Mideast Fleet Set To Double
The surge of additional Warthogs, as many as 18, on top of the roughly dozen A-10s already operating in the region, has already been used to sink Iranian boats in the Hormuz chokepoint and strike Iran-backed militias in Iraq, according to the NYT, citing DoW officials. The expanded fleet suggests a broader aviation campaign in and around Hormuz and could even play a critical role in supporting a potential seizure of Kharg Island, Iran's main oil hub in the northern Persian Gulf.
Federal Judge Orders Trump Admin to Restore Legal Status of Migrants Who Used CBP One App
On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs invalidated the Trump administration’s decision to end the immigration parole status of migrants who entered the country under the Biden-era CBP Home policy.
Tankers Seized By US Carried 20 Million Barrels Of Iranian Crude To China
Between 2013 and 2025, these nine vessels delivered 20.3 million barrels of Iranian crude to Chinese ports, the report said, citing data from Kpler. The vessels also carried 37.9 million barrels of Venezuelan crude and 11.1 million barrels of Russian crude to Chinese ports.
Supreme Court Rules Against Colorado’s ‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban
The case was brought by a therapist who alleged that Colorado’s ban violated her right to free expression.
Iran Says 'Prepared To End War' If Security Guarantees Offered, But Still No Direct Negotiations - Just 'Messages'
He said that all communication concerning diplomacy and the war is routed through the Foreign Ministry and overseen by the National Security Council. They have neither responded to reported US proposals nor submitted their own, stressing that no decision on talks has been made. Instead of a ceasefire, Iran is calling for a full regional end to the war, along with guarantees against future attacks and compensation for damages.
Bullet Used in Charlie Kirk Murder Doesn't Match The Alleged Weapon, Defense Claims
However, in a motion filed Friday, Robinson's attorneys disclosed that they had received an ATF summary report with an unexpected finding. "Regarding the firearm evidence, the defense has been provided with an ATF summary report which indicates that the ATF was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr. Robinson," the motion reads. The defense added, “Although the State has not indicated an intent to produce this report at the preliminary hearing, the defense may very well decide to offer the testimony of the ATF firearm analyst as exculpatory evidence.”
Putin Winning, Ukraine's Position Weakened, From Prolonged Iran War: Zelensky
he said bluntly: "I am sure Russia wants long war. They have benefits: The US is focusing on the Middle East and may decrease military help to Ukraine. Further he highlighted that "Sanctions are partially lifted" on Russian energy and so "I see only benefits for Russia from the war with Iran continuing."
U.S. Gasoline Prices Hit Politically Sensitive $4 Level As Trump Eyes Iran War Off-Ramp
The overnight Wall Street Journal report that President Trump told aides he is willing to wind down the U.S. military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted (and appeared to confirm this narrative in a social media post this morning) comes just as the national average gasoline price hit the politically sensitive $4-a-gallon threshold, underscoring the delicate balancing act the administration is facing in managing battlefield objectives and domestic fuel costs.
China’s Quiet Gains during U.S.-Israel War on Iran
While both sides suffer great losses in this protracted conflict, America’s biggest geopolitical rival – China – seems to be gaining palpable economic and strategic benefits from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Challenges to Petrodollar and Yuan’s Rise against U.S. Dollar
Chancellor Merz: A ‘considerable proportion’ of violence in Germany comes ‘from immigrant groups’
Foreigners are responsible for half of gang rapes, 65% of sexual violence in German trains and train stations, and 40% of violent incidents in the school system
Tracking The Last UK-Bound Jet Fuel Tanker As Shortages Near
The UK has heavily relied on jet fuel transiting the Hormuz chokepoint for several years after phasing out Russian supplies. Analysts warn that airlines may begin to feel the supply crunch in late April if disruptions in Hormuz persist. As of Monday, northwest European jet fuel prices were roughly double prewar levels. In Asia, Singapore kerosene is trading at more than $200 a barrel, more than double the level at the start of the year.
Zelensky Calls For Easter Truce Amid Nightly Russian Drone Assaults
"We’re ready for a ceasefire during the Easter holidays," Zelensky told reporters, describing that "normal people who respect life" would seek a permanent ceasefire. "But we’re ready for any compromises, except those involving our dignity and sovereignty," he added.
Oil Slides As Trump Reportedly Told Aides He's Willing To End War Without Reopening Hormuz
Trump reportedly told his aides he's willing to end the war without reopening the Strait of Hormuz Iran struck a fully-laden Kuwaiti oil tanker in a Dubai port Iran rejects 'excessive, illogical' US demands while Trump mentions 'progress' with a 'more reasonable regime'. Trump again threatens to destroy Iran energy sites and Kharg Island. Hundreds of US Special Forces arrive in region. White House seriously considering ground operation to seize Iran's enriched uranium stockpile but also wants Tehran to negotiate handing it over willingly. Bessent: US will 'retake' Hormuz Strait 'over time'. Bazan oil refinery in Israel's northern city of Haifa is on fire after a second apparent Iranian missile strike of the war. Trump says US response 'coming shortly'. Iran accuses Israel of more 'false flags' - after Kuwait water desalination plant hit.
US firm boosts production of new systems that deliver precision strikes against drones
A Florida-based company is accelerating production of powerful systems that can counter small drone threats. VAMPIRE counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS) deliver precision strike capabilities against drones.
China’s breakthrough lithium battery could double EV range to 600+ miles, survive -94°F temp
A Chinese team developed an all-weather battery electrolyte that could extend EV range and work in extreme cold.
Global Demand Destruction: Subsidies, Empty Gas Stations, Rationing, Flight Cancelations, Export Limits, Price Controls
We start, as always, with Asia which has emerged as ground zero of the global energy crisis - as a reminder last week we first presented a map by JPMorgan's resident commodity expert who how the shockwave from the Iran war spreads across the world, hitting Asia first, then Africa and Europe, before settling on the US, but mostly California.
China Flexes Robot Wolves With Machine Guns And A "Collective Brain"
China occasionally likes to flex its dual-use robotic ground systems, with the latest footage showing quadruped machines that act as "robot wolves" with machine guns mounted on top, being trained for street battles.
Trump Ready To Take US Arms For Ukraine & Divert Them To Middle East
The Iran war has been bad for Ukraine, and President Zelensky knows it. He's frequently been warning partners not to let the global focus on the latest Middle East war distract from supporting Kiev. But President Trump himself made fresh remarks highlighting just this situation, signaling he's willing to reroute arms originally tied to Ukraine toward the Middle East theater against Iran, reinforcing the obvious and growing pivot in US priorities.
The Weird Obsession With Flying First-Class Among America's Anti-Capitalists
Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders on Friday afternoon, there was one common denominator among these "champagne" socialists: their obsession with living an affluent, elitist lifestyle, including flying first class.
O’Reilly Exposes San Francisco As A Violent Third-World Drug Dystopia INFESTED By Illegals
“Honduran drug gangs who are here illegally” are fueling the fentanyl crisis while sanctuary policies and cash handouts keep the nightmare going
US 'only certain of having destroyed a third' of Iran's missiles
Officials reportedly contradict statements by US President Donald Trump that Iran's stockpile has been largely destroyed
Why Is The Trump DOJ Still Enforcing The Biden Pistol Brace Rule?
The current Department of Justice is choosing to continue enforcing an unconstitutional legal theory being weaponized against gun owners by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
US Signals Allies 'No Immediate Plans' For Ground Invasion, As Iran Warns 'Heavy Price' To Pay For Nuclear & Steel Plant Attacks
US signals to allies no ground invasion coming, with thousands of troops still en route: Iran denies requesting Donald Trump’s 10-day halt; Israel attacks steel & industrial sites. Also, Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor, part of the Arak Nuclear Complex, targeted. Yellow Cake factory in Yazd province hit.
US Education Department Notifies Student Loan Borrowers of Repayment Plans
About 7.5 million enrollees in the Biden administration’s defunct SAVE plan will have to enroll in a legal repayment plan.
Iran-US war latest: Trump extends pause on energy plant strikes and says talks with Tehran going ‘very well’
The US may send an additional 10,000 troops on top of the thousands of service members already dispatched to the region, according to a new report
US and Israel Reportedly Preparing Deployment of Nearly 12,000 Troops into Iran with Financial Support from Gulf States
The United States and Israel are reportedly evaluating contingency plans for a limited ground component in Iran, centered on the potential deployment of approximately 12,000 elite troops, as the broader conflict that began with joint strikes on February 28, 2026 continues to evolve. According to multiple emerging assessments, the prospective operation would rely heavily on regional partnerships, proxy forces, and external financial backing rather than a large-scale unilateral invasion.