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Tag: Israel
June 17, 2025
News
War

Here’s What VP Vance Had to Say About Trump and Iran…

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Vice President J.D. Vance defended President Donald J. Trump’s position on Iran, emphasizing Trump’s consistent stance against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Vice President Vance, President Trump, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Iranian leadership.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Statements were made on Monday and Tuesday, with Trump addressing the issue on Truth Social and during a Situation Room meeting in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The President has shown remarkable restraint in keeping our military’s focus on protecting our troops and protecting our citizens.” – J.D. Vance

🎯IMPACT: The U.S. and Israel have aerial superiority over Iran, with the Trump administration underscoring its commitment to thwarting Iranian nuclear ambitions

IN FULL

Vice President J.D. Vance on Monday defended President Donald J. Trump’s position on Iran in response to “crazy” accusations circulating on social media. Writing on X, Vance stated, “Look, I’m seeing this from the inside, and am admittedly biased towards our president (and my friend), but there’s a lot of crazy stuff on social media, so I wanted to address some things directly on the Iran issue.”

Vance noted Trump “has been amazingly consistent, over 10 years, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” adding that Trump has encouraged his foreign policy team to reach a deal with Iran to achieve this goal, emphasizing that “Iran cannot have uranium enrichment” and that the America First leader has made it clear this would happen “one of two ways—the easy way or the ‘other’ way.”

Addressing confusion over “civilian nuclear power” and “uranium enrichment,” Vance explained that these are distinct issues. He noted that Iran could pursue civilian nuclear power without enrichment, but has rejected this option. “Meanwhile, they’ve enriched uranium far above the level necessary for any civilian purpose,” he stressed, pointing to violations of non-proliferation obligations as identified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Trump, on Tuesday, called for an “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” from Iran on Truth Social, following Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Trump wrote, referring to Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”

The United States has been deploying assets to the Middle East and reportedly assisted Israel in shooting down incoming Iranian missiles. Trump has emphasized that the U.S. and Israel maintain “complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”

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June 17, 2025
War

ICYMI: Israel Eliminated Iran’s Top Military Leader, Again.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Israel claims to have killed Irian’s top military commander, Maj. Gen. Ali Shadmani, after eliminating his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, just days ago.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Iranian military, and Maj. Gen. Ali Shadmani.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Shadmani was reportedly killed in a strike on an Iranian military command center in Tehran late Monday night.

💬KEY QUOTE: Shadmani’s death “adds to a series of eliminations of Iran’s most senior military leadership and degrades the chain of command of the Iranian armed forces,” the IDF said in a statement.

🎯IMPACT: Maj. Gen. Shadmani is believed to have been a close military advisor to Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, commanding both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian army.

IN FULL

The Israel-Iran conflict, now in its fifth day, has seen extensive military operations by both sides. Overnight, Israeli forces conducted targeted strikes on key Iranian military sites, including a command center in Tehran, where Maj. Gen. Ali Shadmani, Iran’s wartime chief of staff, was killed. Shadmani had been appointed just days earlier, following the death of his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, in another Israeli strike on Friday.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strike that killed Shadmani occurred “in the heart of Tehran” late Monday, with the target presenting a “sudden opportunity.” In a statement, the IDF declared that Maj. Gen. Shadmani’s death “adds to a series of eliminations of Iran’s most senior military leadership and degrades the chain of command of the Iranian armed forces.”

Shadmani was believed to be one of the closest military advisors to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, commanding both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian army. Since the start of the conflict at the end of last week, the IDF has moved to systematically eliminate Iran’s top military leaders, along with a number of scientists believed to be integral to the country’s nuclear weapons program.

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June 17, 2025
News
War

Trump: ‘We’ Control Iran’s Skies, ‘Easy Target’ Ayatollah Must Surrender.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump issued a warning to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying “we” control the Islamic Republic’s skies, describing the theocrat as an “easy target,” and demanding Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. President Donald Trump, Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Trump made the statements on June 17, 2025, aboard Air Force One and on Truth Social, following his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.” – President Trump.

🎯IMPACT: The comments raise tensions in the already volatile conflict and signal that the Trump administration is increasingly considering direct intervention.

IN FULL

President Donald Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One after leaving the G7 summit early to return to Washington on June 17, 2025. During the flight, Trump issued a stark warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling him an “easy target” and demanding Tehran’s “unconditional surrender” in its conflict with Israel.

Trump elaborated on his stance via Truth Social, stating, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”

In a subsequent post, Trump added, “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Previously, the President had published a post stating that “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” signalling he is ready to intervene directly in the conflict, rather than only supporting Israel defensively and logistically.

The strong language on Khamenei follows reports that Trump recently vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate the 86-year-old mullah. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the reports of disagreement with Trump over the Ayatollah, stated on Monday, “I wouldn’t rush to conclusions.”

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Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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June 17, 2025
War

‘Emmanuel Always Gets It Wrong’ — Here’s What Trump Said About Macron, Iran, and a Possible Ceasefire.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump called for Iran to completely give up in its conflict with Israel, rejecting French President Emmanuel Macron’s claims that he reached out to Iran for a ceasefire.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Israel, Iran, and President Macron.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Statements were made on Air Force One and via Truth Social early Tuesday morning, June 17.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I’m not asking for a ceasefire, we’re looking at better than a ceasefire.” – President Trump.

🎯IMPACT: The remarks come as Israel continues its operations against Iran’s military leadership, with Iran launching ballistic missiles in response.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has called for Iran to completely give up in its conflict with Israel, rejecting claims he reached out to the Iranians for a ceasefire. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I’m not asking for a ceasefire, we’re looking at better than a ceasefire.”

He added that he wants “a real end” to the conflict and for a “complete give-up” on the part of Iran. Early Tuesday morning, Trump took to Truth Social to deny reports that he had reached out to Iran for peace negotiations, stating, “I have not reached out to Iran for ‘Peace Talks’ in any way, shape, or form. This is just more HIGHLY FABRICATED, FAKE NEWS! If they want to talk, they know how to reach me. They should have taken the deal that was on the table – Would have saved a lot of lives!!!”

The statement followed claims by French President Emmanuel Macron that Trump had contacted Iran to broker a deal. Trump dismissed these claims, instead reiterating his position that Iran should have accepted a previous agreement. “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

In a separate post addressing Macron’s claims directly, the America First leader said, “Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a ‘cease fire’ between Israel and Iran. Wrong!”

He stressed that Macron had “no idea” why he was returning to D.C., and that what he was working on was “much bigger” than a ceasefire. “Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong,” he added.

The remarks come as Israel continues its operations against Iran’s military leadership, successfully targeting several top officials in recent strikes. In retaliation, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel, though most have been intercepted by its anti-missile defense systems. Reports indicate that around two dozen Israeli casualties have occurred as a result of the strikes.

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June 16, 2025
News
War

Trump Declines to Sign G7 Statement on Israel-Iran Deescalation, Weighs U.S. Intervention.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump plans to withhold his signature from a G7 statement calling for de-escalation between Israel and Iran.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, G7 leaders, Israeli and Iranian officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, as reported on Monday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Under the strong leadership of President Trump, the United States is back to leading the effort to restore peace around the world.” – White House source.

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s decision reflects a tougher stance on Iran and reinforces U.S. support for Israel.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has decided not to sign a joint G7 statement urging de-escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran. The draft statement, which affirms Israel’s right to self-defense and opposes Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, was expected to be signed at the summit in Alberta, Canada.

A White House source stated, “Under the strong leadership of President Trump, the United States is back to leading the effort to restore peace around the world. President Trump will continue to work towards ensuring Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.”

The decision comes as hostilities escalate between Israel and Iran, with Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian counterstrikes. Trump told the media on Sunday, June 15, that while the U.S. is not currently involved militarily, he has not ruled out intervention. “We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved,” Trump said.

Further media reports on Sunday indicated that Trump recently vetoed an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demonstrating a desire to avoid further escalation. However, Israeli officials have disputed the accuracy of these reports.

While the U.S. has not directly intervened, it has provided intelligence and assisted Israel in shooting down incoming Iranian missiles. However, many of these missiles have still breached Israel’s multi-layered missile defense systems in recent days. Trump has expressed hope that Iran will come to the negotiation table to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Iran has reportedly reached out to the United States through intermediaries and expressed a desire to reach a ceasefire agreement. However, as of June 16, the hostilities between the two countries remain ongoing, with reports of Israeli attacks on an Iranian media building in Tehran and further attempted missile strikes from Iran toward Israel.

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June 16, 2025
War

Here’s What America is Sending to the Middle East Now.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A U.S. aircraft carrier strike group is heading to the Middle East amid escalating tensions involving Iran and Israel.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The USS Nimitz strike group, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump, and Iran’s leadership.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The USS Nimitz is en route from the South China Sea to the Middle East, with a canceled stop in Vietnam, as of Sunday.

💬KEY QUOTE:  “We will have a second Holocaust—a nuclear Holocaust,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, justifying his country’s attacks on Iran. He added: “The Jewish state is not going to have the Holocaust on the Jewish people. Never again is now, and we have to act now.”

🎯IMPACT: The repositioning of U.S. military assets highlights ongoing regional tensions and the potential for further escalation.

IN FULL

The United States is diverting a large number of military assets to positions in Europe and the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group is heading to the Middle East from the South China Sea. The strike group includes nine squadrons flying F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds, and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.

Additionally, on Sunday, social media accounts tracked the flight paths of multiple KC-135 and KC-46 refueling aircraft heading to Europe. While the refueling tankers traveled with their flight transponders on, it is possible they towed other aircraft as part of the airlift, which did not have activated transponders. These could include B-2 bombers, capable of delivering the GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator)—a 30,000lb bunker buster bomb capable of destroying Iran’s Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), which is located an estimated half-mile inside a mountain just outside the city of Qom.

Two anonymous American officials have stated that the aircraft were being repositioned to provide President Donald J. Trump with additional options. The Nimitz, set to be decommissioned next year, was initially scheduled to replace the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea but is now arriving ahead of schedule.

The deployment coincides with Israel’s ongoing offensive against Iran, aimed at destroying the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. “Once they go that route, it’s too late. We will have a second Holocaust—a nuclear Holocaust,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, justifying his country’s attacks on Iran. He added: “The Jewish state is not going to have the Holocaust on the Jewish people. Never again is now, and we have to act now.”

Netanyahu said Iran had been given an opportunity to reach a nuclear deal with President Trump, but it became evident that Iran was not serious. “They basically strung everyone along and it was clear to us that the talks were going nowhere,” he added. The Israeli Defense Forces announced that one-third of Iranian missile launchers have been destroyed, with Netanyahu confirming that the Israeli Air Force “controls the skies over Tehran.”

The National Pulse reported on Monday that Iran has signaled to neighboring Arab governments that it is willing to return to negotiations, on the condition that the United States remain on the sidelines and not directly involve itself with Israel’s air campaign. “The Iranians know the U.S. is supporting Israel in its defense, and they are sure the U.S. is supporting Israel logistically,” anonymous Arab officials stated. “But they want guarantees the U.S. won’t join the attacks.”

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June 16, 2025
News
War

Iranian Missile Blast Damages U.S. Embassy Branch.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Tel Aviv branch of the U.S. Embassy in Israel was lightly damaged by the shockwave from a nearby Iranian missile.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Iranian forces, the U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tel Aviv, Israel; reported on Monday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “No U.S. facility has yet been directly attacked by Iran, though American citizens in Israel are in danger.” – Mike Huckabee

🎯IMPACT: The attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by Iran, though Israel’s air defenses intercepted roughly 90 percent of incoming missiles.

IN FULL

The Tel Aviv branch of the U.S. Embassy in Israel sustained damage from the shockwave of an Iranian missile strike nearby, Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed on Monday. No injuries were reported in the incident. “No U.S. facility has yet been directly attacked by Iran, though American citizens in Israel are in danger,” Huckabee said.

Previously serving as the main U.S. Embassy in Israel, the Tel Aviv branch now functions as a consular services location after President Donald J. Trump moved the embassy to Jerusalem during his first term.

According to the Israel Government Press Office, as of Monday, over 370 ballistic missiles had been launched by Iran, with 30 missile impact sites identified. Casualty reports include 24 fatalities and 592 injuries, with 10 in serious condition and 36 in moderate condition. Iran’s missile attacks have been largely mitigated by Israel’s air defenses, which intercepted approximately 90 percent of the incoming missiles.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that it had destroyed 120 missile launchers, which it estimates to be one-third of Iran’s total. However, Iranian forces are believed to still possess thousands of ballistic missiles, even if their ability to fire them may be diminishing.

Iran has not yet targeted any U.S. facility directly, and no successful drone strikes have been recorded. However, the threat to American citizens in Israel remains significant, according to Ambassador Huckabee.

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June 16, 2025
War
World

Iran Signals Openness to Ending Conflict with Israel, With Conditions on U.S. Non-Involvement.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Iranian officials reportedly signaled to Arab states that they are open to negotiations with the U.S. if it avoids joining the Israeli assault.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Iran, Arab states, U.S., Israel, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Israel and Iran, amid ongoing air strikes and missile assaults between the two countries.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The current regime is at stake in this conflict.” – Vladimir Putin

🎯IMPACT: The situation raises concerns about U.S. involvement and the possibility of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

IN FULL

Iranian officials have reportedly signaled to Arab states that they would be willing to negotiate with the U.S. if it refrains from joining the Israeli assault. The Islamic Republic is believed to be using the Arab states to pass along the message to the U.S. and Middle Eastern officials amid ongoing air strikes and missile assaults between Iran and Israel.

“The Iranians know the U.S. is supporting Israel in its defense, and they are sure the U.S. is supporting Israel logistically,” an anonymous Arab official told the Wall Street Journal on Monday, June 15. They added: “But they want guarantees the U.S. won’t join the attacks.”

Israel, last week, launched an air campaign against the Iranian nuclear program and key regime officials, leading to the current hostilities. Subsequently, Iran has responded with several waves of ballistic missile barrages, targeting predominantly residential areas and causing a number of casualties. Several of the missiles are believed to have struck critical energy infrastructure in Israel.

Following a conversation with U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly warned the Iranians that “the current regime is at stake in this conflict.” Putin appeared to heavily imply that unless Iran comes back to the negotiating table, the air campaign against their nuclear program would continue to escalate.

President Trump has repeatedly urged Tehran to resume negotiations, while hinting that the U.S. could become involved in the hostilities. The prospect of U.S. intervention, however, appears unpopular with Trump’s own supporters, many of whom backed him on his promise to end regime change wars in the Middle East.

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June 16, 2025
News
War

Car Bombs Took Out Iranian Nuclear Scientists in Tehran.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Iran has blamed Israel for multiple car bombs, which reportedly killed several Iranian nuclear scientists..

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iranian nuclear scientists.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The bombings were reported on Sunday, June 15, by Iranian media.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons that make the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima look tiny in comparison. We could not remain passive. This is truly an existential war.” – Benjamin Netanyahu

🎯IMPACT: The killings suggest that Israel still has agents operating covertly in Iran, adding another layer to the ongoing conflict.

IN FULL

Iranian authorities have blamed Israel for at least five car bombings that took place on June 15, with Iranian media additionally claiming that several nuclear scientists were killed as a result. The apparent killings come after Israel has specifically targeted nuclear scientists and senior Iranian military officials in recent days.

Since Friday, June 13, around 15 nuclear scientists have reportedly been killed in Israeli attacks as both Israel and Iran continue to trade blows. Israeli officials have denied being behind the car bombs in Tehran, however.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained why he gave the green light for strikes on Iran, which began last week, saying, “Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons that make the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima look tiny in comparison. We could not remain passive. This is truly an existential war.”

The death toll on both sides has continued to rise since Friday, with reports in Iran claiming at least 224 deaths and 1,200 injured, while Israel has reported 24 people killed since the conflict between the two countries began. However, some activists claim as many as 406 people in Iran may have been killed in Israeli strikes.

Israel now claims to have air superiority over Tehran, Iran’s capital, with Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin stating that Israel has struck over 120 launch pads for missiles, destroying a third of them overall. Despite this, Iran has been able to attack Israeli targets and at times penetrate Israel’s multi-layered drone and missile defence systems.

So far, the United States is not offensively involved in the conflict, but President Donald J. Trump has warned Iran that the U.S. could become involved if Iran strikes U.S. targets in the region. President Trump said, “[If] we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.” Additionally, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and its carrier strike force are en route to the region.

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Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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June 13, 2025
Economy
War

Oil Prices Spike, Stocks Fall After Israeli Strikes on Iran.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Oil prices surged while global stocks fell after Israel conducted strikes on Iran’s military officials and nuclear facilities.

👥 Who’s Involved: Israel, Iran, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, and global financial markets.

📍 Where & When: Strikes occurred early Friday local time in Iran; market reactions followed globally.

💬 Key Quote: “The IEA is actively monitoring the impact on oil markets from the Israel-Iran situation. Markets are well supplied today, but we’re ready to act if needed,” said Fatih Birol, director of the IEA.

⚠️ Impact: Brent crude oil prices rose over eight percent, stocks dropped by more than one percent in premarket trading, and gold reached its highest price in a month.

IN FULL:

Oil prices surged on Friday following Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military officials and nuclear facilities. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped over eight percent, reaching nearly $74 per barrel, its highest level since early April.

Global stock markets reacted sharply, with major indexes falling over one percent in premarket trading before recovering slightly as investors gauged the broader implications of the conflict. Gold prices also climbed more than one percent, hitting a monthly high of $3,440 an ounce, while Bitcoin slipped nearly one percent to below $105,000. U.S. bond prices showed minimal movement.

The strikes, which occurred early Friday local time in Iran, were described by Israeli officials as part of a “lengthy operation.” President Donald J. Trump warned there was “much more to come” and urged Iran to negotiate a deal. Iran responded by launching drones toward Israel and issuing threats against U.S. assets in the region.

The sudden spike in oil prices has raised concerns about potential impacts on consumer gasoline costs, especially given the possibility of a broader Middle East conflict, which could disrupt global energy supplies. However, the International Energy Agency (IEA)—created to counteract global oil supply disruptions—stated on Friday that it has over 1.2 billion barrels in its emergency stocks.

“The IEA is actively monitoring the impact on oil markets from the Israel-Iran situation. Markets are well supplied today, but we’re ready to act if needed,” said Fatih Birol, director of the IEA, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Image via Chatham House.

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