International influence, strategic pressure, and cross-border power.
Focus: Coverage in this lane tracks geopolitics, resource pressure, cross-border leverage.
Average gasoline prices hit $4 per gallon today as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. As we’ll discuss below, President Trump doesn’t really care whether it opens again. So, uh, better adjust that gas budget for the long term.
Why it matters: The public stake is whether people can see how money, access, procedure, or official authority changes incentives before the outcome is treated as settled.
Average gasoline prices hit $4 per gallon today as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. As we’ll discuss below, President Trump doesn’t really care whether it opens again. So, uh, better adjust that gas budget for the long term.
The public stake is whether people can see how money, access, procedure, or official authority changes incentives before the outcome is treated as settled.
NASA's Artemis II mission has officially launched, marking a significant step in U.S. space exploration and international collaboration.
The public stake is whether people can see how money, access, procedure, or official authority changes incentives before the outcome is treated as settled.
Its Starlink constellation—now with nearly 9,500 satellites with plans to grow to 20,000—has brought internet to conflict zones in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran.
The public stake is whether people can see how money, access, procedure, or official authority changes incentives before the outcome is treated as settled.
President Trump is again pushing aggressive language toward Cuba, and the old U.S.-Cuba conflict is back in focus.
President Trump is again pushing aggressive language toward Cuba, and the old U.S.-Cuba conflict is back in focus.
International flights have resumed at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport after weeks of war disruption.
International flights have resumed at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport after weeks of war disruption.
Trump says the planned trip by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan has been canceled as hopes for Iran peace talks fade.
Trump says the planned trip by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan has been canceled as hopes for Iran peace talks fade.
Trump canceled a planned trip by U.S. envoys to Pakistan for talks with Iran and said Washington has “all the cards.” The decision matters because it can shift the pace of U.S.-Iran diplomacy with one order from the White House.
Trump canceled a planned trip by U.S. envoys to Pakistan for talks with Iran and said Washington has “all the cards.” The decision matters because it can shift the pace of U.S.-Iran diplomacy with one order from the White House.
A U.S. Navy sailor was injured while preparing for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz.
A U.S. Navy sailor was injured while preparing for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. has reportedly burned through billions of dollars in critical weapons supplies during the Iran war.
The U.S. has reportedly burned through billions of dollars in critical weapons supplies during the Iran war.
Donald Trump is drawing heavy backlash in India and China over his rhetoric and foreign policy posture.
Donald Trump is drawing heavy backlash in India and China over his rhetoric and foreign policy posture.
A leaked Pentagon memo suggested the U.S. should reassess support for Britain’s Falklands claim because of disagreement over Iran.
A leaked Pentagon memo suggested the U.S. should reassess support for Britain’s Falklands claim because of disagreement over Iran.
Talk is growing that renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations could restart as Tehran’s foreign minister heads out on a regional trip.
Talk is growing that renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations could restart as Tehran’s foreign minister heads out on a regional trip.
EU leaders have agreed to prepare a blueprint for using their mutual assistance pact as Donald Trump attacks NATO and casts doubt on the alliance’s reliability.
EU leaders have agreed to prepare a blueprint for using their mutual assistance pact as Donald Trump attacks NATO and casts doubt on the alliance’s reliability.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan as the U.S. pushes new Iran peace talks.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan as the U.S. pushes new Iran peace talks.
Russian oil exports are falling under pressure from Ukraine’s strikes on ports and refineries, even with a U.S. sanctions waiver in place.
Russian oil exports are falling under pressure from Ukraine’s strikes on ports and refineries, even with a U.S. sanctions waiver in place.
The White House has shifted from shock-and-awe strikes in Iran to a slower pressure campaign.
The White House has shifted from shock-and-awe strikes in Iran to a slower pressure campaign.
Iran’s leadership is under fresh pressure as truce talks with the U.S. open after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Iran’s leadership is under fresh pressure as truce talks with the U.S. open after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Anthropic’s new Mythos model has set off alarms because it appears unusually capable of finding cybersecurity weaknesses.
Anthropic’s new Mythos model has set off alarms because it appears unusually capable of finding cybersecurity weaknesses.
Iran’s UN ambassador has responded to President Trump’s announcement that the ceasefire would be extended.
Iran’s UN ambassador has responded to President Trump’s announcement that the ceasefire would be extended.
The war in Iran has burned through more than half of the U.S. stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD missiles.
The war in Iran has burned through more than half of the U.S. stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD missiles.
The fight between the U.S. and Iran has shifted into the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides are testing blockade power at sea.
The fight between the U.S. and Iran has shifted into the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides are testing blockade power at sea.
Iran appears to have held onto far more missile power than the Trump administration is saying out loud.
Iran appears to have held onto far more missile power than the Trump administration is saying out loud.
Mexico’s president says the federal government was not told that CIA officers were involved in a drug raid in Chihuahua.
Mexico’s president says the federal government was not told that CIA officers were involved in a drug raid in Chihuahua.
Trump’s “Board of Peace” is holding Gaza reconstruction talks with UAE logistics giant DP World.
Trump’s “Board of Peace” is holding Gaza reconstruction talks with UAE logistics giant DP World.
China has opened a massive new plasma mill that could help it make the ultra-fine powders used in advanced military and tech manufacturing.
China has opened a massive new plasma mill that could help it make the ultra-fine powders used in advanced military and tech manufacturing.
Volodymyr Zelensky says it is “disrespectful” that U.S. envoys have flown to Moscow several times but never visited Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelensky says it is “disrespectful” that U.S. envoys have flown to Moscow several times but never visited Kyiv.
Donald Trump’s repeated attacks on NATO are forcing Europe to wonder how steady American power really is.
Donald Trump’s repeated attacks on NATO are forcing Europe to wonder how steady American power really is.
Iran is still weighing whether to enter talks as the ceasefire window narrows, while Trump says it is time for negotiation.
Iran is still weighing whether to enter talks as the ceasefire window narrows, while Trump says it is time for negotiation.
The United States has frozen the Lunar Gateway, and Japan is now shifting its space plans around that decision.
The United States has frozen the Lunar Gateway, and Japan is now shifting its space plans around that decision.
Iran-backed Houthi forces are threatening a major Red Sea oil route while drone attacks against U.S. Navy vessels add another layer of danger in the Gulf.
Iran-backed Houthi forces are threatening a major Red Sea oil route while drone attacks against U.S. Navy vessels add another layer of danger in the Gulf.
Federal authorities have charged a Los Angeles woman with helping move weapons from Iran to Sudan.
Federal authorities have charged a Los Angeles woman with helping move weapons from Iran to Sudan.
The U.S. is watching Iran’s highly enriched uranium closely. That stockpile keeps the nuclear standoff alive and raises the stakes for U.S. policy.
The U.S. is watching Iran’s highly enriched uranium closely. That stockpile keeps the nuclear standoff alive and raises the stakes for U.S. policy.
The U.S. says it intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf and released video it says shows the mission.
The U.S. says it intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf and released video it says shows the mission.
The Iranian foreign ministry says the U.S. broke the ceasefire by seizing a shipment.
The Iranian foreign ministry says the U.S. broke the ceasefire by seizing a shipment.
Cuba says it recently held talks in Havana with visiting U.S. officials while Washington keeps up pressure on the island.
Cuba says it recently held talks in Havana with visiting U.S. officials while Washington keeps up pressure on the island.
Iran says it does not plan to take part in U.S.-backed peace talks in Pakistan as the ceasefire clock runs down.
Iran says it does not plan to take part in U.S.-backed peace talks in Pakistan as the ceasefire clock runs down.
Amnesty International says the world’s human rights crisis is being driven from the top by strongman politics in the United States, Israel, and Russia.
Amnesty International says the world’s human rights crisis is being driven from the top by strongman politics in the United States, Israel, and Russia.
Iran's detention of Americans is still shaping the U.S. bargaining table, even as ceasefire talks with Tehran stall.
Iran's detention of Americans is still shaping the U.S. bargaining table, even as ceasefire talks with Tehran stall.
Rahm Emanuel is now calling for the U.S. to end military aid for Israel.
Rahm Emanuel is now calling for the U.S. to end military aid for Israel.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will stay shut unless the U.S. lifts its pressure on Iranian ports.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will stay shut unless the U.S. lifts its pressure on Iranian ports.
The U.S. ambassador to the U.N. says Washington will not trust Iran as peace talks move ahead.
The U.S. ambassador to the U.N. says Washington will not trust Iran as peace talks move ahead.
The U.S. says its Marines took custody of an Iranian-flagged vessel as Iran reportedly rejected peace talks and kept pressure on the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. says its Marines took custody of an Iranian-flagged vessel as Iran reportedly rejected peace talks and kept pressure on the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. says it struck and seized an Iranian tanker as tensions with Iran keep climbing.
The U.S. says it struck and seized an Iranian tanker as tensions with Iran keep climbing.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial vessels, but its leaders are warning that the route could be threatened again if the U.S. blockade continues.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial vessels, but its leaders are warning that the route could be threatened again if the U.S. blockade continues.
The U.S. Treasury quietly extended a waiver on sanctions for Russian oil shipments to help ease shortages linked to the Iran war.
The U.S. Treasury quietly extended a waiver on sanctions for Russian oil shipments to help ease shortages linked to the Iran war.
Iranians are warning that pressure could rise again after U.S. and Israeli strikes stopped.
Iranians are warning that pressure could rise again after U.S. and Israeli strikes stopped.
Iran says it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed again as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.
Iran says it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed again as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.
A U.S. envoy is arguing that Israel’s policy toward Syria and Turkey is strategically counter-productive.
A U.S. envoy is arguing that Israel’s policy toward Syria and Turkey is strategically counter-productive.
Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz after accusing the U.S. Navy of blockading its ports.
Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz after accusing the U.S. Navy of blockading its ports.
Trump says there are “no sticking points” in talks with Iran and predicts a deal could come in days.
Trump says there are “no sticking points” in talks with Iran and predicts a deal could come in days.
Iran’s top negotiator has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if U.S. blockade pressure continues.
Iran’s top negotiator has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if U.S. blockade pressure continues.
Pakistan says there has been a major breakthrough in talks between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Pakistan says there has been a major breakthrough in talks between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are briefing the public on the war with Iran.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are briefing the public on the war with Iran.
The U.S. is helping push Israel and Lebanon toward direct talks as Iran negotiations and a Senate vote add pressure.
The U.S. is helping push Israel and Lebanon toward direct talks as Iran negotiations and a Senate vote add pressure.
Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that could start within hours, according to President Trump.
Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that could start within hours, according to President Trump.
Cuba's president is openly defying fresh U.S. pressure as Washington threatens tighter energy restrictions.
Cuba's president is openly defying fresh U.S. pressure as Washington threatens tighter energy restrictions.
Cuba’s president says the country will be ready if the United States launches a military attack.
Cuba’s president says the country will be ready if the United States launches a military attack.
The IMF says it is restoring formal relations with Venezuela after years of suspended contact.
The IMF says it is restoring formal relations with Venezuela after years of suspended contact.
Trump says a second round of talks with Iran could happen this weekend.
Trump says a second round of talks with Iran could happen this weekend.
The United States has launched a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States has launched a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Southeast Asian neighbors are staying out of the U.S.-Philippine Balikatan drills as the exercise grows larger and more politically charged.
Southeast Asian neighbors are staying out of the U.S.-Philippine Balikatan drills as the exercise grows larger and more politically charged.
Trump said he likes Hungary’s incoming leader, Péter Magyar, and tried to distance himself from Viktor Orbán’s election loss.
Trump said he likes Hungary’s incoming leader, Péter Magyar, and tried to distance himself from Viktor Orbán’s election loss.
Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine’s Patriot missile shortage has become severe, and he blames part of the squeeze on the war in the Middle East.
Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine’s Patriot missile shortage has become severe, and he blames part of the squeeze on the war in the Middle East.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still running at a trickle as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports appears to be holding.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still running at a trickle as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports appears to be holding.
The Trump administration is pushing countries to sign a “trade over aid” declaration at the United Nations.
The Trump administration is pushing countries to sign a “trade over aid” declaration at the United Nations.
Iran is leaning on Europe to raise the heat on Washington after inconclusive nuclear talks.
Iran is leaning on Europe to raise the heat on Washington after inconclusive nuclear talks.
Hong Kong is trying to turn itself into China’s quantum technology gateway even as Washington keeps it under some of the heaviest sanctions pressure in the world.
Hong Kong is trying to turn itself into China’s quantum technology gateway even as Washington keeps it under some of the heaviest sanctions pressure in the world.
US inflation jumped in March as the war with Iran pushed new uncertainty through oil markets and consumer prices.
US inflation jumped in March as the war with Iran pushed new uncertainty through oil markets and consumer prices.
Israel struck Lebanon just before the next round of U.S.-Iran talks.
Israel struck Lebanon just before the next round of U.S.-Iran talks.
U.S. inflation jumped to 3.3%, its highest level in almost two years, after gas prices spiked on the back of the Iran war.
U.S. inflation jumped to 3.3%, its highest level in almost two years, after gas prices spiked on the back of the Iran war.
The Islamabad summit is aimed at one modest goal: keep US-Iran talks from falling apart.
The Islamabad summit is aimed at one modest goal: keep US-Iran talks from falling apart.
JD Vance spoke before departing for negotiations with Iran, putting the next round of U.S. foreign policy pressure in plain view.
JD Vance spoke before departing for negotiations with Iran, putting the next round of U.S. foreign policy pressure in plain view.
The Trump administration is sending senior officials into in-person talks with Iran while Vice President JD Vance calls the negotiations "positive" on his way to Pakistan.
The Trump administration is sending senior officials into in-person talks with Iran while Vice President JD Vance calls the negotiations "positive" on his way to Pakistan.
March inflation ticked up, and CBS News says the war with Iran is part of why prices moved higher.
March inflation ticked up, and CBS News says the war with Iran is part of why prices moved higher.
Israel kept striking Lebanon while the ceasefire talks around Iran and the United States quickly started to wobble.
Israel kept striking Lebanon while the ceasefire talks around Iran and the United States quickly started to wobble.
Gas prices in the U.S. are still elevated even after the Iran ceasefire.
Gas prices in the U.S. are still elevated even after the Iran ceasefire.
President Trump is warning of more violence while the U.S.-Iran ceasefire strains under fresh Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
President Trump is warning of more violence while the U.S.-Iran ceasefire strains under fresh Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Tehran is trying to turn the US-Israeli war into a claim for compensation and political leverage.
Tehran is trying to turn the US-Israeli war into a claim for compensation and political leverage.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is open, but ships must coordinate with Iranian forces first.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is open, but ships must coordinate with Iranian forces first.
Trump says the U.S., Israel, and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire after a burst of deadly threats.
Trump says the U.S., Israel, and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire after a burst of deadly threats.
Israel’s largest strike on Lebanon since the war began killed at least 89 people and sent smoke over central Beirut.
Israel’s largest strike on Lebanon since the war began killed at least 89 people and sent smoke over central Beirut.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and that single claim can rattle oil markets far beyond the Middle East.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and that single claim can rattle oil markets far beyond the Middle East.
Netanyahu is saying the uranium issue is not settled, even after the ceasefire announcement.
Netanyahu is saying the uranium issue is not settled, even after the ceasefire announcement.
Iran’s regime is urging young people to form human shields around power plants as Trump’s deadline for action approaches.
Iran’s regime is urging young people to form human shields around power plants as Trump’s deadline for action approaches.
Oil prices climbed and stocks slipped as traders braced for Trump’s Tuesday deadline on Iran.
Oil prices climbed and stocks slipped as traders braced for Trump’s Tuesday deadline on Iran.
Trump is pushing the Iran crisis toward a wider war, and Starmer is trying to stop the UK from being pulled all the way in.
Trump is pushing the Iran crisis toward a wider war, and Starmer is trying to stop the UK from being pulled all the way in.
Donald Trump’s Iran threats are now forcing a fight over who gets to use British airbases and for what.
Donald Trump’s Iran threats are now forcing a fight over who gets to use British airbases and for what.
Trump’s deadline on the Strait of Hormuz turned into a full-blown international showdown at the U.N.
Trump’s deadline on the Strait of Hormuz turned into a full-blown international showdown at the U.N.
Federal agencies say Iranian hackers are breaking into U.S. industrial control systems.
Federal agencies say Iranian hackers are breaking into U.S. industrial control systems.
Gas prices could jump to $5 a gallon if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed, according to a new JPMorgan analysis.
Gas prices could jump to $5 a gallon if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed, according to a new JPMorgan analysis.
A U.S. service member was rescued after two raids tied to a fighter jet shootdown over Iran, according to President Trump.
A U.S. service member was rescued after two raids tied to a fighter jet shootdown over Iran, according to President Trump.
Trump is ratcheting up threats as the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis move closer to a direct U.S. flashpoint.
Trump is ratcheting up threats as the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis move closer to a direct U.S. flashpoint.
Trump fired off a profanity-laced ultimatum about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and it instantly raised the temperature of a volatile conflict.
Trump fired off a profanity-laced ultimatum about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and it instantly raised the temperature of a volatile conflict.
The Iran war talks are slipping as Donald Trump’s deadline looms over the negotiating table.
The Iran war talks are slipping as Donald Trump’s deadline looms over the negotiating table.
Trump is threatening to hit Iran’s power plants and bridges if it does not cut a deal by Tuesday.
Trump is threatening to hit Iran’s power plants and bridges if it does not cut a deal by Tuesday.
Trump turned a rescue story and a war briefing into one fast-moving White House question session on Iran.
Trump turned a rescue story and a war briefing into one fast-moving White House question session on Iran.
Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have urged Donald Trump not to move forward with an Iran ceasefire yet.
Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have urged Donald Trump not to move forward with an Iran ceasefire yet.
Israeli strikes across Lebanon killed at least 14 people as the fighting with Hezbollah kept spreading.
Israeli strikes across Lebanon killed at least 14 people as the fighting with Hezbollah kept spreading.
The Strait of Hormuz is starting to move again after weeks of war shut it down.
The Strait of Hormuz is starting to move again after weeks of war shut it down.
The U.S. Secretary of State says the Strait of Hormuz will reopen only if Iran agrees or if a military coalition forces the issue.
The U.S. Secretary of State says the Strait of Hormuz will reopen only if Iran agrees or if a military coalition forces the issue.
G7 allies are pressing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a clear answer on American plans for Iran.
G7 allies are pressing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a clear answer on American plans for Iran.
Trump has pushed back his Iran deadline again while strikes and missile attacks keep spreading across the region.
Trump has pushed back his Iran deadline again while strikes and missile attacks keep spreading across the region.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with G-7 diplomats over Iran and Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with G-7 diplomats over Iran and Ukraine.
Marco Rubio is trying to defend U.S. strategy on the Iran war while G7 allies question the White House’s message.
Marco Rubio is trying to defend U.S. strategy on the Iran war while G7 allies question the White House’s message.
The U.S. Secretary of State says sanctions relief on Russian crude is not meant to last.
The U.S. Secretary of State says sanctions relief on Russian crude is not meant to last.
A Rapid7 investigation says a China-nexus threat actor has been planting stealthy backdoor access inside telecommunications networks.
A Rapid7 investigation says a China-nexus threat actor has been planting stealthy backdoor access inside telecommunications networks.
The State Department lifted sanctions to let Russian lawmakers enter the U.S. for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine.
The State Department lifted sanctions to let Russian lawmakers enter the U.S. for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine.
The U.S. blockade on Cuba is worsening a deep humanitarian crisis on the island.
The U.S. blockade on Cuba is worsening a deep humanitarian crisis on the island.
Washington’s tech and political leaders are trying to sell the state as an AI hub.
Washington’s tech and political leaders are trying to sell the state as an AI hub.
A Russian Duma delegation has arrived in the U.S. for meetings in New York and Washington.
A Russian Duma delegation has arrived in the U.S. for meetings in New York and Washington.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed NATO allies to treat the Iran war as their problem too.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed NATO allies to treat the Iran war as their problem too.
The Puppet & The Puppeteer Allies shunned. Sanctions lifted. One question: who benefits? There's a pattern. It's not subtle. And it keeps repeating.
The Puppet & The Puppeteer Allies shunned. Sanctions lifted. One question: who benefits? There's a pattern. It's not subtle. And it keeps repeating.
Japan’s prime minister is trying to hold the alliance together while Donald Trump pushes Tokyo to back a security mission tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan’s prime minister is trying to hold the alliance together while Donald Trump pushes Tokyo to back a security mission tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Trump administration is using U.S. military power against Iran without a clear path to end the conflict.
The Trump administration is using U.S. military power against Iran without a clear path to end the conflict.
Trump is signaling a bigger war effort while Congress faces a possible $200 billion funding demand.
Trump is signaling a bigger war effort while Congress faces a possible $200 billion funding demand.
John Ratcliffe said U.S. intelligence had warned that Iran could target U.S. assets if Israel attacked first.
John Ratcliffe said U.S. intelligence had warned that Iran could target U.S. assets if Israel attacked first.
