Latest news with #geopoliticaltension
Russia Today
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
The battle for the Middle East is going global
Global events increasingly reflect the growing confrontation between the Western bloc, led by the United States and its allies, and the countries of the so-called 'World Majority,' coalescing around BRICS. This geopolitical tension is particularly evident against the backdrop of escalating conflicts in the Middle East, where the actions of the US and Israel are seen as manifestations of Western hegemony, while BRICS nations and their partners are increasingly positioning themselves as defenders of multipolarity, sovereignty, and a just international order. On July 7, US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The two leaders discussed two major issues: the upcoming negotiations with Iran and the controversial initiative to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. These topics underscored Washington and West Jerusalem's efforts to reshape the Middle East's security architecture – framed under the banner of offering a 'better future,' yet unfolding amid growing accusations of violations of international law. During a working dinner, Netanyahu stated that Israel and the US had been consulting with several countries allegedly willing to accept Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza. He emphasized that the proposed relocation would be 'voluntary,' offering a better future to those who seek it. According to him, agreements with a number of countries were already nearing completion. Initially, Trump refrained from making a clear statement on the matter, but later remarked that 'neighboring countries have been extremely cooperative,' expressing confidence that 'something good will happen.' This ambiguity may reflect either an attempt to soften the political sensitivity of the issue or a reluctance to prematurely reveal the details of a plan that has drawn considerable criticism. Previously, Trump had proposed transforming Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' and relocating its population – an idea harshly rejected both by the residents of the enclave and by international human rights organizations, which characterized it as a form of ethnic cleansing. Behind the scenes of the dinner, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas were ongoing, focused on securing a ceasefire and a hostage exchange. The meeting marked the third in-person encounter between Trump and Netanyahu since the Republican leader's return to the White House in January. Just two weeks earlier, the US had carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in support of Israeli military action. Days later, Trump helped broker a short-term ceasefire in the 12-day war between Israel and Iran – an achievement likely intended to bolster his own diplomatic credentials. During the meeting, Trump announced that his administration had scheduled formal talks with Iran. He said that Tehran had shown a willingness to negotiate following substantial military and economic pressure. US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed that the meeting was expected to take place 'within the next week.' Trump also indicated he was open to lifting sanctions on Iran under the right circumstances. Meanwhile, Iran's newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressed hope that tensions with the United States could be resolved through diplomacy. These statements suggested a potential, albeit limited, window for resetting US-Iranian relations, though both sides appeared driven primarily by tactical considerations. The political significance of the Trump-Netanyahu meeting was further underscored by protests outside the White House. Hundreds of demonstrators, waving Palestinian flags, demanded an end to US military support for Israel and called for Netanyahu's arrest in light of the International Criminal Court's warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Earlier that day, Netanyahu had met with Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The following day, he held talks with congressional leaders. During his meeting with Trump, the Israeli prime minister also handed the president a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize – a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing the strategic bond between the two leaders and appealing to their respective domestic audiences. The Israeli side expressed hope that the outcome of the conflict with Iran could help advance the normalization of relations with several Arab states, including Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. In this sense, the actions of Israel and the US in the region appear to be aimed not only at immediate security concerns but also at a long-term strategic reshaping of the Middle Eastern landscape. However, the situation is far from straightforward. It seems that Netanyahu is trying to create the appearance of active engagement in peace processes, while in reality showing little interest in achieving meaningful change. Israeli media have reported that Netanyahu is under 'intense pressure' from Trump, who is pushing for a Gaza ceasefire deal. Nevertheless, no substantial progress has yet been made. Media sources indicate that Witkoff's planned trip to Doha has been postponed. Earlier that evening, Witkoff had expressed optimism, claiming that only one issue remained unresolved: where the Israeli army would redeploy. This question is crucial, as Israel insists on retaining control over the city of Rafah in southern Gaza and securing the release of hostages. Current estimates suggest that around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with approximately 20 believed to be alive. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced plans to establish a tent city in Rafah to relocate up to 600,000 Palestinians. Israel would control entry into the camp, prevent residents from leaving, and subsequently begin the process of transferring them out of Gaza altogether. This is all part of what has been referred to as the 'Trump Plan' for the 'depopulation' of the enclave and the establishment of full Israeli control. According to Katz's broader plan, the remainder of Gaza's 2.1 million residents could eventually be expelled as well. Critics argue that this approach would amount to the forced displacement of Palestinians to third countries. Annelle Sheline, a fellow with the Quincy Institute's Middle East program, described the proposed camps as 'concentration camps' and expressed doubt that the Trump administration would intervene to stop the implementation of Israeli plans. 'Although Washington wields considerable influence over the details of what's happening, Trump effectively sidestepped the question of forced displacement by deferring responsibility to Netanyahu,' Sheline told Al Jazeera. She further stated that Trump is surrounded by advisors who are unlikely to challenge him on moral or legal grounds. 'What's happening isn't just a potential crime against humanity – it's an effort to legitimize genocide and the subsequent deportation of survivors. And it implicates the United States directly,' the expert emphasized. Trump himself has continued to strongly support Netanyahu, including by interfering in Israel's internal politics – he has openly criticized the prosecutors leading the corruption investigation against the Israeli prime minister, who faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu has denied all allegations. According to the latest figures, the war in Gaza has killed at least 57,575 Palestinians and injured another 136,879. The majority of Gaza's population has been displaced, and UN estimates suggest that nearly half a million people are now on the brink of famine. Against the backdrop of Netanyahu's visit to Washington, the day before – on July 6 – the BRICS leaders issued a joint declaration condemning the June strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, particularly targeting nuclear facilities. 'We condemn the military strikes against Iran that have taken place since June 13, 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the UN Charter,' the statement read. Specifically, the BRICS leaders expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. They also voiced alarm over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and called for diplomatic efforts to resolve regional crises. The declaration demanded a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories and urged an immediate, lasting, and unconditional ceasefire. It further affirmed that Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine, which must be granted full independence. The summit participants also called for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and advocated for the prompt release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The declaration emphasized that Gaza and the West Bank should be administered by the future government of a sovereign Palestinian state. Unsurprisingly, Trump – along with Netanyahu – was deeply displeased by the BRICS statement. He has repeatedly threatened sanctions against BRICS member states and their allies. According to Politico, Trump sent a letter to the Brazilian government threatening to impose 50% tariffs, accusing the country of politically persecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under investigation for his alleged role in the attempted coup of 2022. The White House reportedly chose swift and effective trade pressure over more complex sanctions mechanisms. According to former US Special Envoy to Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone, the BRICS summit was 'the last straw' for Washington. Trump's anger, his allies say, stems not only from the situation around Bolsonaro but also from BRICS's ongoing efforts to de-dollarize the global economy. The group's condemnation of the strikes on Iran and Israeli actions in the Middle East was also met with frustration in Washington. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon noted that Trump is irritated by every step the bloc takes to undermine the US dollar, and that the summit in Rio de Janeiro only intensified that irritation. In response to Washington's threats, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced retaliatory 50% tariffs on US goods. Meanwhile, Trump continues to ramp up pressure on other BRICS-aligned countries, threatening 10% tariffs – and previously even floated 100% tariffs – should the bloc attempt to replace the dollar in global trade. Analyzing current global developments – from the BRICS summit in Rio to the escalating tensions in the Middle East – it is becoming increasingly clear that the world is moving toward a pronounced geopolitical divide. The interconnected nature of political, economic, and military processes across continents demonstrates that the era of unipolar dominance is fading. A growing confrontation is unfolding between two major blocs: the so-called West, led by the US, and the emerging non-Western world, whose political and economic core is increasingly represented by BRICS. This coalition is steadily solidifying its role as the voice of the Global South, positioning itself as the flagship of a movement advocating for multipolarity and greater equity in international affairs. In its bid to preserve global dominance, the US has increasingly resorted to political and economic coercion, viewing BRICS' efforts as a direct challenge to the existing order. Yet, the global rift is not merely economic or ideological. The Middle East has become a frontline where this confrontation takes on the form of open conflict. Israel's actions, backed by Washington, are increasingly perceived in the non-Western world as a Western offensive against the interests of the 'World Majority' – nations that reject the dictates of traditional power centers. Within this context, Russia and China – both staunch supporters of Iran and other regional actors – are seen as natural allies to those resisting what is perceived as destructive Western policy. The contours of this global divide are becoming ever more defined: on one side, the US and its allies and proxies; on the other, those advocating for a reimagined world order based on fairness, sovereignty, and a balance of interests. From this, one clear conclusion emerges: conflicts in the Middle East are set to intensify. Gaza will likely remain a flashpoint of violence and humanitarian crisis, as the root political and geopolitical causes of the conflict go unaddressed. The confrontation between Israel and Iran – already escalating through direct military engagements and cyber operations – may evolve into a wider and more dangerous conflict. Moreover, the arc of tension is likely to draw in additional regional players, including Türkiye and various Arab states. Despite longstanding economic and military ties with the West, many of these countries are increasingly gravitating toward the non-Western camp, which champions reforms to global institutions, challenges hegemonic structures, and upholds sovereignty and equality in international relations. This trend lays the groundwork for a profound transformation – not only of the Middle East, but of the global system itself – where the battle over new rules of engagement becomes a driving force behind enduring instability and conflict.
The National
12-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Central bank demand, geopolitical tension, trade friction and US dollar weakness to support gold this year
Persistent central bank demand, geopolitical tension, sanctions, trade friction and further US dollar weakness are expected to continue supporting gold prices in the second half of the year, analysts say. Bullion prices have recorded year-to-date gains of roughly 26 per cent. Gold prices are trending upwards, reaching $3,355.95 per ounce as of July 12, driven by geopolitical tension, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and US tariff policies under President Donald Trump, which bolster its safe-haven appeal. 'The prospect of lower US interest rates could reignite demand, especially for metal-backed exchange-traded funds by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like precious metals, compared to short-dated government bonds,' said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank. ' Precious metals are politically neutral, unlike sovereign bonds or fiat currencies. They are universally recognised as a store of value, not tied to the creditworthiness of any nation, which is why central banks are increasingly allocating to gold as a core reserve asset.' Mr Trump unveiled new tariffs against more than a dozen countries on Monday as he increases pressure on America's trade partners to negotiate on deals. Tunisia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Kazakhstan were all hit with tariffs of 25 per cent. Mr Trump announced tariffs of 30 per cent on Bosnia and Herzegovina and South Africa, 32 per cent on Indonesia, 35 per cent on Bangladesh and Serbia, 36 per cent on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40 per cent on Myanmar. He said the US would impose a 35 per cent tariff on imports from Canada next month and also threatened to impose another 10 per cent tariff on any country that aligns itself with the Brics group of emerging economies. Gold is currently trading in a relatively tight horizontal range just below the April record high near $3,500, Saxo Bank's Mr Hansen said. A lack of 'fresh bullish catalysts' has raised the risk of a deeper correction, especially after recent signs of 'buyer fatigue', he added. 'Gold notably failed to rally alongside silver and platinum or attract a safe-haven bid during the brief Israel-Iran conflict. At the same time, surprisingly strong US economic data has postponed rate cut expectations without triggering a significant gold sell-off – another sign of underlying resilience,' Mr Hansen said. 'Technically, gold remains in consolidation mode, with immediate support at $3,245 and secondary support at $3,120. A break below the 200-day moving average – currently at $2,945 – would challenge our bullish outlook. 'However, gold has remained above that level since October 2023, when it traded below $2,000. Until then, we view this consolidation as a pause – not the end – of the investment metals rally.' Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said trade and geopolitical tension have been the major driving force of gold prices so far this year, yet there is strong resistance at $3,400 per ounce lately. Watch: Dubai's gold traders say demand for raw product up amid broader sales slump Gold remains a 'valid play' in the context of rising inflationary pressures with, however, limited upside potential from the actual levels, she said. 'We recommend holding 10 per cent of gold in traditional portfolios,' she added. Strong central bank buying of 900 tonnes in 2025 and robust ETF inflows of 552 tonnes in the first quarter of 2025 reflect sustained demand for gold, while a softer US dollar and anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts (100 basis points by year-end) enhance the precious metal's attractiveness as an inflation hedge, according to Aaron Hill, chief analyst at forex trading broker FP Market. Mr Hansen of Saxo Bank has a 'constructive' outlook on gold in the second half of the year. Key sources of support include persistent central bank demand aimed at diversifying and de-dollarising reserves, stagflation risks in the US, particularly if the full impact of Mr Trump's tariff policies spur deeper rate cuts, as well as continuing geopolitical tension, sanctions, and trade friction, he said. Other driving factors are mounting US fiscal concerns, with the 'Big Beautiful Bill' set to further inflate an already unsustainable deficit, Mr Hansen added. Also in view is portfolio rebalancing by sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors away from US equities and treasuries, towards tangible assets such as metals, and further dollar weakness particularly if stagflation fears intensify.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU to stockpile critical minerals amid geopolitical risks, FT says
(Reuters) -The European Union plans to stockpile critical minerals as a precaution against potential supply disruptions due to geopolitical tension, the Financial Times reported on Saturday, citing a draft document by the European Commission. "The EU faces an increasingly complex and deteriorating risk landscape marked by rising geopolitical tensions, including conflict, the mounting impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and hybrid and cyber threats," the newspaper quoted the draft as saying. The document warns that the higher-risk environment was driven by "increased activity from hacktivists, cybercriminals and state-sponsored groups", the FT said. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The draft document, due to be published next week and still subject to change, says there is "limited common understanding of which essential goods are needed for crisis preparedness against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving risk landscape", the newspaper reported. In March, the European Commission unveiled its EU Preparedness Union Strategy, urging member states to strengthen stockpiles of critical equipment and encouraging citizens to keep at least 72 hours' worth of essential supplies in case of emergencies. The strategy was designed to prepare the bloc for risks such as natural disasters, cyberattacks and geopolitical crises, including the possibility of armed aggression against EU countries.
Reuters
05-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
EU to stockpile critical minerals amid geopolitical risks, FT says
July 5 (Reuters) - The European Union plans to stockpile critical minerals as a precaution against potential supply disruptions due to geopolitical tension, the Financial Times reported on Saturday, citing a draft document by the European Commission. "The EU faces an increasingly complex and deteriorating risk landscape marked by rising geopolitical tensions, including conflict, the mounting impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and hybrid and cyber threats," the newspaper quoted the draft as saying. The document warns that the higher-risk environment was driven by "increased activity from hacktivists, cybercriminals and state-sponsored groups", the FT said. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The draft document, due to be published next week and still subject to change, says there is "limited common understanding of which essential goods are needed for crisis preparedness against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving risk landscape", the newspaper reported. In March, the European Commission unveiled its EU Preparedness Union Strategy, urging member states to strengthen stockpiles of critical equipment and encouraging citizens to keep at least 72 hours' worth of essential supplies in case of emergencies. The strategy was designed to prepare the bloc for risks such as natural disasters, cyberattacks and geopolitical crises, including the possibility of armed aggression against EU countries.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lennar (NYSE:LEN) Reports US$477M Q2 Net Income With US$517M Share Buyback Completion
Lennar recently announced a share buyback update and released second-quarter earnings, highlighting a fall in net income and EPS despite an increase in sales figures. Over the past week, the company's stock remained flat. The broader market experienced slight declines amidst geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices due to the Israel-Iran conflict. Lennar's focus on returning value to shareholders via buybacks could counteract some market pressure from these global events, aligning it closely with the market's broader movements rather than diverging significantly. Be aware that Lennar is showing 1 possible red flag in our investment analysis. Uncover 16 companies that survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. Lennar's recent share buyback update and earnings report underscore its focus on returning value to shareholders, especially during a period of geopolitical tension. Despite hopes that share buybacks could mitigate global pressures, Lennar's stock has remained flat over the past week, while showing a 107.39% total return over the past five years through dividends and price appreciation. In comparison, Lennar underperformed both the US Consumer Durables industry and the broader US market over the past year, highlighting a challenging near-term environment. The company's transition to an asset-light model and acquisition strategy aims to bolster long-term revenue growth. However, higher mortgage rates and diminished consumer confidence could challenge immediate revenue and earnings, as Lennar navigates a constrained housing supply and increased sales incentives. Analysts project a 4.1% annual revenue growth over the next three years, with earnings expected to decline to US$2.7 billion by May 2028 from the current US$3.70 billion. This contrasts with the current US$136.90 price target, which suggests potential for a 22.4% increase from the present share price of US$106.20. Thus, investors are encouraged to assess whether Lennar's strategic shifts and market dynamics are aligned with their expectations of future performance. Our valuation report here indicates Lennar may be undervalued. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:LEN. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
