“It’s not about duration. It’s about a war of wills here and who’s going to blink first. Both countries have a blockade on Hormuz, but the difference between both countries is that the U.S. doesn’t have a strategy, doesn’t have a political objective. Iran has a very clear strategy,” says TAG Managing Director for the […]
Ahmed Helal in Bloomberg Surveillance on the U.S.-Iran potential deal Read More »
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to quit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), even as the war with Iran has caused the most severe energy crisis in history. The moment marks the coming together of several geopolitical trends, including the rift within the Gulf between Saudi Arabia and UAE, convulsions in
Expert Corner: UAE’s exit from OPEC is a turning point for the Gulf and energy markets Read More »
I attended CERAWeek in Houston last week at a moment when the global energy system was not being discussed in theory but tested in real time. Hosted by S&P Global, CERAWeek brings together thousands of executives, policymakers, investors, and analysts from across the energy value chain. While the agenda spans oil, gas, power, renewables, technology,
Front Row with Nisha Biswal: What CERAWeek Revealed About the Global Energy System Read More »
How the Gulf states reconcile their enhanced dependence on the United States with the need to diversify their strategic options will determine opportunities for businesses. Once the guns fall silent in the current war, Gulf states will be left in a strategic quandary. On one hand, U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to launch a war
Front Row with Ahmed Helal: Gulf States Confront A Diversification Challenge Read More »
Key Takeaways The World Trade Organization (WTO) has failed to reach a consensus on renewing its long-standing e-commerce tariff moratorium at its 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), leading to its expiration. The outcome was up in the air until the very end and now an extension will be taken up in the months ahead in the
WTO E-Commerce Moratorium Expires Without Renewal Read More »
1. Executive Summary The current trajectory of the Iran conflict points toward continued escalation rather than near-term de-escalation, with both Washington and Tehran operating from positions of overconfidence and widening maximalist demands. The United States appears focused on coercive pressure aimed at capitulation rather than traditional negotiation, while Iran — despite military setbacks — believes
The Big Picture: Why U.S.-Iran Negotiations Remain Elusive Read More »
For businesses, the EU’s CBAM is increasing compliance burdens and financial obligation, but it is also opening green tech and supply-chain opportunities. In January 2026, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) moved from a transitional carbon reporting regime to enforcement with real financial and compliance consequences for exporters. As free allowances under the EU
The Big Picture: How the Indo-Pacific is Navigating Europe’s Carbon Tax Read More »
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