الوسم: Energy

Trump claims US is partially controlling Venezuela’s large oil reserves
US President Donald Trump addresses the crowd during a Congressional Space Medal of Honor ceremony honoring the Artemis II crew at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on August 28, 2026. — Reuters
- Rubio states the deal guarantees stable, low-priced oil for America.
- Agreement to attract $100 billion in investments to Venezuela: Rubio.
- Experts raise questions about the legal standing and feasibility of the deal.
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented effort by the U.S. to gain control over one-fifth of Venezuela’s extensive oil reserves, betting that American companies can rejuvenate the Venezuelan energy sector damaged over years of neglect, sanctions, and mismanagement. The move aims to provide a new source of crude oil to help lower fuel prices in the U.S.

Trump offered few specifics about the deal, only mentioning that the U.S. had secured majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela’s proven oil reserves through a partnership with private sector businesses.

Venezuela’s government welcomed the agreement, stating it would boost the country’s economy and increase government revenue.

This deal would mark a significant expansion of U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry as the Trump administration works to revive production and secure more crude for American refineries.

While Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, its production remains around 1.25 million barrels per day—far below its potential—due to years of underinvestment, poor management, and sanctions.

Rubio calls the deal a mutual benefit

“Under my directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, working closely with Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, have secured majority U.S. control over more than 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in Venezuela—at no expense to American taxpayers,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The announcement follows weeks of negotiations between the U.S. and Venezuela over a deal granting American companies long-term access to certain oil fields, ensuring a steady crude supply to the U.S.

Venezuelan officials are preparing to sign agreements next week that will give rights to explore and produce oil, especially to U.S. companies.

Sources told Reuters that a leasing model is under consideration, which could involve auctioning off fields to U.S. firms. However, such arrangements might face legal and constitutional challenges in Venezuela, where the state maintains control over core oil operations.

Trump did not specify the structural details of the agreement, including which fields or companies are involved or how the U.S. will exercise control over the reserves. A list viewed by Reuters indicates the targeted fields are located in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo regions.

Rubio described the deal as a win-win, asserting on X that it would provide the U.S. with stable, affordable oil and help lower gasoline prices.

For Venezuela, Rubio said this would attract nearly $100 billion in private investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and aid in reviving the country’s economy.

Rodriguez, who has led interim authorities since the U.S. detained President Nicolas Maduro in January, stated late Friday that the deal would enable substantial growth through the development of 17 strategic oil fields, generating approximately $209 billion in tax revenue for Venezuela.

“These investments will facilitate the recovery and modernization of our industry, support our economic growth, enhance energy security across our hemisphere, and promote greater market stability worldwide,” she said in a statement.

Legal and financial details remain unclear

Analysts emphasize the need for more information regarding the legal framework and financial structure of the deal before assessing its potential for attracting significant investment.

It is also uncertain whether the deal will have an immediate impact on fuel prices, as developing infrastructure to produce, transport, and refine Venezuela’s heavy crude could take years.

David Goldwyn, president of Goldwyn Global Strategies, questioned whether a lease agreement from the U.S. government would be legally sound under Venezuela’s constitution and hydrocarbon laws. He noted that there’s no precedent for the U.S. government entering into such lease agreements to operate foreign oil fields.

Goldwyn further pointed out that the deal might not address long-standing obstacles like political instability, inadequate power infrastructure, export limitations, and government control that have deterred investment in Venezuela for years.

Since ousting Maduro, the U.S. has aimed to secure a steady flow of Venezuelan crude for American refineries while encouraging investment in Venezuela’s oil sector.

With upcoming midterm elections, the Biden administration faces pressure to mitigate rising gasoline prices. Increasing oil supplies and output could help ease concerns among consumers.

The U.S. is also exploring options to replenish its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, potentially through crude exchanges with domestic producers.

Venezuela nationalized its oil industry back in the 1970s, establishing state-owned PDVSA as the main operator. Under Hugo Chavez, the government intensified control, establishing joint ventures with foreign firms and expropriating assets, including projects formerly operated by ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips.

Under Maduro’s leadership, Venezuelan oil production has drastically declined.
أغسطس 29, 2026
Iran and Qatar Discuss Hormuz Amid US Oil Blockade

Iran’s top diplomat visited Tehran on Thursday for discussions with the Qatari foreign minister about the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as the U.S. navy’s blockade tightens oil supplies to Iran amid a domestic fuel shortage.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani’s visit followed a week of intensive diplomacy involving separate meetings with Omani officials and high-level Pakistani representatives, all aimed at ending the U.S. conflict against Iran and reopening shipping through Hormuz.

The trip also coincides with U.S. warnings of broader secondary sanctions targeting countries, banks, and companies continuing to do business with Iran—a strategy Washington dubs “economic asphyxiation.”

Iranian state TV reported that Al Thani, who also serves as Qatar’s prime minister, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, but did not release further details.

Qatar’s foreign ministry stated that the officials discussed de-escalation efforts and the proposed framework for Hormuz involving Iran and Oman.

Al Thani highlighted the importance of respecting neighboring countries’ sovereignty and freedom of navigation, and emphasized the need for dialogue, according to the ministry.

Qatar, along with Pakistan as a mediator, previously played a significant role in securing a ceasefire in April and a subsequent June accord between Iran and the U.S., though those agreements have since fallen apart.

### Fuel Shortage
Since hostilities with the U.S. began on February 28, Iran has maintained strict control over Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, with Washington implementing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

On Wednesday, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah stated that the blockade has prevented Iran from importing enough gasoline to meet domestic demand.

“Gasoline production isn’t sufficient, and because of the U.S. naval blockade, we can’t import it,” he told state news agency IRNA.

In recent days, many Iranians have been seen waiting in lines at fuel stations. President’s chief of staff Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei indicated that gasoline rationing policies would be reviewed but did not elaborate further.

Iran, a major oil producer with some of the world’s cheapest fuel, has long subsidized gasoline heavily, making fuel price changes politically sensitive.

Despite U.S. efforts to strangulate Iran’s economy, officials dismiss these measures as “failed policies” that won’t sway Tehran.

Iran’s lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, declared, “The country is in an all-out economic war,” adding, “Our government will overcome this challenge as well.”

Prior to the conflict, Iran’s economy was already battered by decades of sanctions, chronic inflation, and a weakening currency.

### Hormuz Negotiations
Iran has been engaged in talks with Oman for weeks over a temporary framework to allow shipping through Hormuz and to clear mines Iran claims were laid during the war.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that Oman and Iran had agreed on territorial shares within the waterway and how revenues from its management would be divided.

However, Tehran insists that the Strait will remain closed until the U.S. lifts its naval blockade, unfreezes Iranian assets held abroad, and removes sanctions on its oil exports.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, Iran has required ships to seek permission before passing through and has targeted vessels that do not comply.

Tehran also aims to impose fees for transit through the Strait—a move strongly opposed by the U.S. and regional allies.

On Thursday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that an unidentified projectile hit a tanker in Hormuz earlier this week, causing a fire that was later extinguished.

أغسطس 27, 2026
US Army Plans Deployment of Small Nuclear Reactors at Remote Bases

The US Army announced on Wednesday that it is allocating up to $2.2 billion to five companies for the development and operation of small-scale nuclear reactors intended for military bases. These compact reactors aim to provide reliable energy sources for remote facilities.

Microreactors, which are miniature factory-assembled nuclear plants, are designed to be easily transportable and capable of generating up to 20 megawatts of electricity each. The Army’s initiative, called the Janus program, envisions deploying the first of these reactors by September 2028. Such technology could supply power to isolated sites in places like Alaska or remote islands.

The selected companies and locations are: Antares Nuclear Inc at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems at Fort Hood, Texas; Radiant Industries Inc at Fort Benning, Georgia; and Westinghouse Government Services at Fort Drum, New York. While the Army has not specified individual funding amounts for each firm, Radiant Industries stated it could receive up to $750 million to develop and deploy 15 Kaleidos reactors as part of this program.

An Army official emphasized that these reactors will adhere to all environmental and safety standards applicable to commercial reactors but will be regulated by the Army rather than the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which oversees commercial nuclear facilities. “Our goal is to develop a commercial product at the end of this process,” said Jeff Waksman, the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment.

Radiant’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mike Starrett, explained in an interview that securing the Janus award is crucial for scaling up their business to meet the needs of commercial users, such as data centers, around 2030.

Critics argue that microreactors might be more costly than traditional nuclear reactors. Waksman acknowledged that cost competitiveness is not expected to favor microreactors initially but highlighted that the Janus program aims to identify ways to reduce prices over time. Currently, the military pays approximately 40 cents per kilowatt-hour to energize Arctic installations, a cost target the new technology hopes to lower.

Additionally, the Army anticipates increased private sector investment in reactor development, beyond what federal funding provides. The program is designed to attract capital from private sources. Starrett noted that because Radiant’s containerized reactors can be brought directly to the customer, bypassing transmission costs, the delivered price could be between 20 and 30 cents per kilowatt-hour.

أغسطس 27, 2026
Sources: Proposed Hormuz Deal Could Grant Iran Control of Incoming Traffic

Vessels can be seen navigating the Strait of Hormuz from Musandam, Oman, on August 3, 2026. — Reuters

– Gaining control over this strait would be a significant concession to Iran.
– President Trump claims discussions with Iran are progressing smoothly.
– Regional sources caution against assuming a deal is close at hand.

A senior Iranian source and two regional officials informed Reuters on Wednesday that a proposed agreement between Iran and Oman would grant Tehran authority over ships entering the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. This marks one of the most substantial concessions made to Iran to date.

Despite what appears to be a move towards accommodating Iranian demands, the sources dismissed claims by Donald Trump that a deal to reopen the strait was imminent, clarifying that key details remain unsettled.

“The concession has already been made regarding some level of control over Hormuz,” one regional official stated.

The other regional source indicated that specifics on how “control” would be defined are still under discussion, with Gulf negotiators pushing for regional oversight of ship inspections and insisting that any fees be voluntary.

The Iranian senior official mentioned that the draft agreement on the table envisions Iran holding control over ships heading into the Gulf through the strait. A major point of contention is the extent of Iran’s authority over vessels traveling in the opposite direction.

There has been no immediate response from U.S. officials regarding these revelations about the potential agreement.

U.S. representatives have repeatedly stated they would never accept any arrangement that allows Iran dominance over the world’s crucial energy trade route.

However, in recent days, Trump and high-ranking officials in his administration have suggested a deal is near, aiming to end the conflict he initiated in February, which polls indicate most Americans oppose.

—

Oil prices increased slightly Wednesday following news that Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed responsibility for firing on a Saudi-flagged tanker in the Red Sea, amid ongoing disruptions to global energy supplies caused by attacks in the region.

Despite the uptick, global crude prices remain near their lowest levels since early July, having sharply declined over the past two days after Trump announced a halt to upcoming attacks on Iran, citing new negotiations that could bring an end to the conflict.

While direct negotiations between Tehran and Washington have not resumed, Iran has been in talks with Oman, which controls the opposite side of the strait. Iran rejected an earlier Omani proposal last week, deeming it too limited in its influence.

—

Trump stated in an interview with Fox News overnight that negotiations were “progressing well” and that significant talks took place Tuesday.

He added, “The Strait of Hormuz will be open very soon. If they back out again, they’ll face severe consequences.”

Over the weekend, Trump explained the decision to halt plans for large-scale strikes on Iran by citing ongoing negotiations, a pattern he’s repeated multiple times during the ongoing conflict.

The Iranian official downplayed the notion of an imminent agreement, noting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was currently on holiday.

“Talks are ongoing, but it’s premature to say a deal with Oman is finalized,” they said.

Another Iranian source warned that “the devil is in the details,” noting that “a single tweet from Trump could cause everything to fall apart.”

If Iran secures control over access to the strait, it would signify a major shift favoring Tehran, effectively altering the regional power balance. Prior to the war, the strait was open to all ships without fees.

Trump, who initially proclaimed “Operation Epic Fury” would force Iran into unconditional surrender, is now under pressure to exit a conflict that most U.S. voters oppose by a two-to-one margin.

Iran is reportedly demanding between 5% and 7% in cargo fees from ships passing through the strait, while Oman is proposing lower fees around 3%. The U.S. opposes any fees.

A voluntary fee system, at least in name, might serve as a compromise, although threats of Iranian attacks could deter shippers from risking transit without paying.

Despite months of U.S. military operations—including a two-week bombing campaign in July—Iran maintains control over the strait. U.S. military officials admitted in July that supplies of certain munitions were running low, and Reuters reported Tuesday that the Army had used nearly all its long-range precision missiles.

Periodic U.S. escalation responses have prompted stronger retaliations from Iran and its proxies, such as the Houthis in Yemen and the petro-chemical chokepoint at the Red Sea.

On Wednesday, the Houthis announced they had again targeted a Saudi tanker in the Red Sea, enforcing what they describe as a blockade on Saudi oil shipments through the key route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, on Tuesday, an attack near Yemen sank an Indian-flagged vessel; all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued. Yemeni government factions opposed to the Houthis accused them of orchestrating that attack.

أغسطس 5, 2026
US and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic Civil Nuclear Agreement

The United States and Saudi Arabia have established a historic agreement on civilian nuclear energy, according to the US Energy Department on Wednesday. This deal permits the Kingdom to construct nuclear reactors with American technology and to enrich uranium.

Efforts to create a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia have been ongoing for several years, spanning both President Donald Trump’s first term and President Joe Biden’s administration. However, a deal had not materialized until now, largely due to concerns raised by non-proliferation advocates who warn that it could enable Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons.

Unlike the Biden administration’s plan, this agreement does not include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Additional Protocol, which allows for unannounced inspections. The pact also authorizes Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and reprocess nuclear waste—activities that could be used to develop nuclear weapons. For comparison, the United Arab Emirates agreed to forgo both activities when it signed a similar deal with the US in 2009.

The pact, known as a 123 Agreement, was signed by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, alongside a bilateral safeguards agreement, as stated by the US Energy Department. The agreement also complies with US non-proliferation standards outlined in the Atomic Energy Act, which are among the strictest in the world. Saudi officials have indicated that if US partnership is not available, they might partner with China or Russia, who have different proliferation standards.

The deal now moves to Congress for approval. If Congress does not object within 90 legislative days, the agreement automatically takes effect. However, to block it, lawmakers would need to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority.

Some nuclear experts are urging Congress to reject the deal, citing proliferation risks. Kelsey Davenport, director of non-proliferation policy at the Arms Control Association, stated, “We urge all members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to recognize the risks and exercise their authority to reject or amend the proposed nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, to prevent further nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.”

The three-decade-long agreement, valued in the tens of billions of dollars, involves the construction of AP1000 reactors and is expected to benefit Westinghouse, a joint venture between Canada’s Cameco and Brookfield Asset Management.

Industry insiders note that a feasibility study is required to assess the use of US technology in Saudi Arabia. The lengthy process of establishing nuclear infrastructure, including power plants and uranium enrichment facilities, means it could take many years to become fully operational.

While Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman repeatedly expressed that Saudi Arabia has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, he indicated the kingdom would do so if Iran did—raising proliferation concerns. Several Democratic lawmakers have warned that the deal could ignite an arms race in the region as tensions with Iran persist.

Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) criticized the agreement, saying, “Allowing Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons technology while engaging in conflict with Iran under the guise of non-proliferation makes us all less safe.” Conversely, Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) agreed with the Crown Prince’s view that the deal benefits both nations.

يوليو 23, 2026
US to Reveal Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia: Reports

The U.S. is gearing up to announce a new agreement with Saudi Arabia, granting Riyadh access to a civilian nuclear program, according to reports. This development comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Gulf nation and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Sources told the New York Times that the Trump administration plans to sign and reveal the deal this Wednesday. Officials say it will bring billions of dollars into the U.S. nuclear sector.

In the coming days, the administration intends to submit a pact with Saudi Arabia to Congress. However, this agreement lacks certain safeguards that the U.S. insists would prevent the materials from being used in nuclear weapons programs. The deal involves a 30-year plan, under which American firms could build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint study finds it justified.

Many U.S. lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials oppose the project, fearing it could be converted to develop nuclear weapons down the line. Although the deal is scheduled for submission, congressional approval isn’t mandatory for it to proceed, according to AFP.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated this week as Houthis threatened to broaden the conflict by blocking Saudi ports. Last week marked the first exchange of fire between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in years, threatening a ceasefire expected in 2022. However, since Israel and the U.S. launched strikes against Iran in late February, the Houthis have largely stayed on the sidelines.

يوليو 22, 2026
Iran hits Bahrain and Kuwait with attacks on power and water plants

Kuwait reports that Iran attacked a power and water plant Sunday, sparking a fire. This follows a series of strikes on energy facilities in the Gulf nation, with authorities stating it’s the third attack in three days; a water and power plant was hit on Saturday as well. Kuwait has urged residents to reduce their electricity use to help manage the added pressure on its power grid due to ongoing Iranian assaults.

Earlier, Iran acknowledged launching attacks on U.S. assets in Kuwait amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz that have persisted for over a week. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy confirmed the attack via X (formerly Twitter), noting it caused damage to multiple power generators and prompted an emergency response. Firefighters are actively working to extinguish the blaze.

Both Kuwait and Bahrain’s militaries have reported responding to Iranian aerial strikes. Air raid sirens sounded across both countries as Tehran intensified its regional retaliations. An AFP journalist in Kuwait observed warning sirens, while in Bahrain, blasts were reported in the northern areas, and a siren was heard in the capital, Manama.

Bahrain, home to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, accused Iran of targeting civilian sites in these attacks. Alongside this, Iran announced early Sunday that its military had targeted two U.S. bases in Kuwait with drones, responding to U.S. strikes on Iranian territory. Iran’s state media detailed large-scale attacks involving kamikaze drones against Camp Udairi’s ammunition depot and radar systems at Ali Al Salem Air Base.

Since renewed hostilities commenced earlier this month, Kuwait and Bahrain, both hosting U.S. military installations, have endured the brunt of Iran’s strikes on Gulf neighbors, despite a formal ceasefire and agreements between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. Central Command reported that two service members were killed on Friday during defensive operations against Iranian missile and drone attacks, with one service member still listed as missing.

يوليو 19, 2026
Trump’s Push for Hormuz Fees Mirrors Iran’s, But Is It Legal?

Vessels are seen at the Strait of Hormuz from Musandam, Oman, on June 18, 2026, as captured by Reuters.

On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. plans to impose a 20% charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire with Iran disintegrated amidst ongoing tensions over Iran’s attempts to maintain control of this critical waterway.

Iran had previously shut down the 21-mile-wide strait, which serves as the main conduit for 20% of global oil exports and other essential commodities, including fertilizers, when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on February 28, resulting in a severe energy crisis worldwide.

The significance of this issue lies in differences between Trump’s and Iran’s positions, and how these stances impact global stability:

Has the U.S. Changed Its Approach on Charging Tolls in Hormuz?
In late June, Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted during talks with Gulf nations that “no country has the right to charge for the use of international waterways” and emphasized that shipping costs would not be subject to fees in any agreements.

However, Trump had previously floated the idea of collecting tolls if negotiations with Iran failed.
In a social media statement on June 20, he wrote, “There will be NO TOLLS in the Hormuz Strait for 60 days during the Cease Fire Period, and there will be NO TOLLS after that unless imposed by the United States, in compensation for services as the Guardian Angel to Middle East nations, covering past, present, and future costs.”

Now that the ceasefire has collapsed, he appears to be reverting to his earlier stance.
On Monday, he tweeted, “The USA will be, from now on, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ and as such, shall be reimbursed at a rate of 20% on all cargo shipped.”

Trump has not clarified how such tolls would be enforced or by what legal authority passage could be demanded under these charges.

How does Trump’s proposed toll differ from Iran’s planned fees?
Iran regards maintaining control over the Strait—shared with Oman—as its strategic shield and a secure guarantee against future attacks. It considers this control its strongest negotiating point with the outside world.

Iran believes that last month’s interim deal implied it would facilitate safe passage without fees for 60 days, as the language suggested.
Meanwhile, the U.S. sees it as an obligation for Iran to ensure vessels can pass safely without restriction, not to impose force-backed restrictions or fees.

During the war, Iran established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, claiming that all vessels must coordinate with it and transit near Iranian shores. It has targeted ships attempting to pass along the Omani coast without permission.
Iran has indicated it might eventually charge transit fees but has yet to specify the amounts.

What was the situation before the conflict, and is charging for passing through the strait legally permissible?
The Strait encompasses territorial waters of Iran and Oman, divided by a maritime boundary along its center.

As per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)—which governs international maritime law—coastal states cannot demand payment simply for the privilege of passing through straits.
They may, however, levy limited fees for certain services like piloting, towing, or port facilities, provided these charges are not discriminatory.

Neither Iran nor the U.S. has ratified UNCLOS, but it’s widely accepted as the standard for maritime conduct; the Strait of Hormuz is considered internationally recognized.

In 1968, Iran and Oman agreed on a traffic scheme with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stipulating that major vessels should use designated sea lanes along the strait’s center. War-related mine-laying has rendered some passages unsafe, complicating transit safety further.

Would other nations accept tolls or fees for crossing Hormuz?
According to shipping officials, no recent instance of a country unilaterally demanding transit fees through a strait has occurred in modern history.

Oman has engaged in talks with Iran on this issue, issuing guidance last month allowing vessels to traverse the Strait without fees through its waters.

Countries in the Gulf region, heavily reliant on the Strait for energy exports, are particularly wary of such fees.
Major buyers of Gulf energy and fertilizers might also be concerned, notably because Trump’s proposal for a 20% surcharge on cargo could significantly elevate global oil prices.

يوليو 14, 2026
Scientists find tiny devices can lose energy remotely

Scientists have found that tiny vibrating devices known as nanomechanical resonators can lose energy even when they never physically touch anything else. This unexpected discovery could help engineers improve sensors, communication tools, and emerging quantum technologies. The study was conducted by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and published in Nature Physics.

These nanomechanical resonators are incredibly small structures built onto computer chips. Despite their tiny size, they vibrate at astonishing speeds—ranging from thousands to billions of vibrations per second. Their high sensitivity makes them capable of detecting minuscule changes in mass, force, pressure, and temperature. They are commonly used in radio-frequency filters, timing devices, and advanced quantum physics experiments.

In many applications, these resonators need to be placed very close to other materials to measure their movements or interface with electronic or optical systems. While it was known that physical contact could impair their performance, this new research reveals that just being in close proximity can also cause issues. The team discovered that when a resonator vibrates near certain insulating materials, it can gradually lose energy without any contact. This energy loss reduces what scientists call the “quality factor,” a measure of how long the device can keep vibrating before slowing down.

The root of this hidden energy drain lies in tiny static electric charges embedded inside the resonator. As it vibrates, it creates a fluctuating electric field around it. If a nearby insulating material like silicon dioxide or silicon nitride has even minimal electrical losses, it absorbs some of this energy. Essentially, energy silently leaks from the resonator into the surrounding material, despite the two never touching. This phenomenon is related to noncontact friction, which has been observed in certain scientific instruments before.

To understand this effect better, the researchers developed a mathematical model predicting that slower vibrations would lose more energy than faster ones. They tested this by fabricating small silicon nitride resonators suspended roughly 500 nanometers (that’s half a micrometer) above an insulator. Their measurements confirmed the predictions: vibrations with lower frequencies experienced greater energy loss.

Further experiments involved more sophisticated resonators placed between tiny optical structures separated by gaps just a few hundred nanometers wide. As the gaps narrowed, device performance deteriorated significantly, with some quality factors dropping by up to tenfold.

This breakthrough offers valuable insight for designing future nanoscale devices. It highlights a practical limit to how closely components can be positioned without degrading performance. Interestingly, the researchers suggest that this effect could also serve as a new tool. By analyzing the hidden energy loss, scientists might be able to study electrical properties of extremely thin materials or develop novel ways to connect mechanical devices with electronic systems.

As nanotechnology advances, understanding these invisible energy losses becomes crucial. It will be fundamental for creating smaller, more sensitive, and more dependable devices for scientific research, medical applications, and the development of quantum technologies.

يوليو 8, 2026
Scientists find easier method to produce rare silicon for next-gen batteries

Scientists have identified a simpler method to produce a rare form of silicon that could enhance batteries and electronic devices while cutting manufacturing expenses. This breakthrough has the potential to save significant amounts of energy during production, making it appealing for future industrial applications. The research was conducted by an international team, including scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and their findings appeared in the journal Materials Today.

Silicon, second only to oxygen in abundance on Earth, is already widely used in electronics and batteries due to its low cost and excellent electrical conductivity. However, researchers have been particularly interested in a rare silicon allotrope called R8, which could further increase the efficiency of batteries and electronic components. The challenge has been that R8 silicon does not naturally occur. Previously, producing it involved crushing regular crystalline silicon under extremely high pressure—an expensive, complex, and energy-intensive process unsuitable for large-scale manufacturing.

To address this, the team explored an alternative approach. Instead of starting with crystalline silicon, they used amorphous silicon, a more disorganized form with a glass-like structure. Because its atoms are arranged randomly rather than in a regular pattern, amorphous silicon is much more adaptable when pressure is applied. The researchers discovered that compressing amorphous silicon at room temperature, using about 25% less pressure than traditional methods, naturally caused it to transform into the R8 crystal structure.

This process, described as “density matching,” involves increasing the material’s density until its atoms spontaneously align into the R8 structure—similar to pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly without forcing. To observe this transformation, the team used advanced instruments that direct neutrons and X-rays at the material, enabling them to monitor atomic changes in real time during compression. Complementary computer simulations confirmed their experimental results, modeling atomic behavior under different pressures and showing consistency with observed transformations.

The simulations explained why this method is so effective. The flexible, amorphous structure of silicon allows its atoms to directly rearrange into the R8 form, bypassing multiple complicated intermediate steps that crystalline silicon must go through. The researchers also applied this technique to germanium, another semiconductor used in fiber-optic systems and electronics, and found that the density-matching approach worked there too. This indicates the method might extend beyond silicon, potentially enabling more efficient production of various advanced materials.

If scalable, this process could lower manufacturing costs, reduce energy consumption, and enable wider access to high-performance materials for next-generation batteries and electronics, paving the way for more sustainable and affordable technological advancements.

يوليو 3, 2026
US and Iran Negotiators Travel to Doha Amid Uncertain Talks

Iran’s foreign ministry announced they will not be meeting with the U.S. team in the upcoming days. The country maintains strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, including all demining activities. Meanwhile, Tehran is set to receive some of its previously frozen assets, prompting concern among Democrats.

Negotiations between Iranian and U.S. delegations were scheduled to take place in Doha this week, but Iran stated on Monday that no meetings had been arranged. Over the weekend, missile exchanges from both sides tested the fragile ceasefire that aims to end the ongoing four-month conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump is dispatching his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the U.S. negotiating efforts, according to his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.

Iran is sending a technical team to Qatar, but Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that this visit is unrelated to any planned talks with the Americans. “We will not hold any negotiations at any level with the U.S. side in the coming days,” he stated.

The uncertainty over whether the sides will meet highlights the delicate state of a June 17 agreement aimed at halting hostilities that have disrupted global oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, creating political challenges for Trump ahead of November’s congressional elections. The U.S. and Iran agreed to give at least 60 days to implement a 14-point memorandum of understanding focused on extending an April ceasefire, addressing Iran’s nuclear program, and negotiating a lasting truce. Progress has been slow, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms.

Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz came to a near halt. This narrow waterway previously accounted for about 20% of global oil trade. Israel has distanced itself from the U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, and tensions have complicated efforts to resolve conflicts in Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah’s ally, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, expressed doubts about a separate U.S.-brokered agreement between Lebanon and Israel designed to stop ongoing hostilities.

The closure of the crucial waterway caused oil prices to exceed $100 per barrel, fueling global inflation and adding pressure on Trump during the midterm election cycle. Some Republican critics have accused the president of initiating conflicts without Congressional approval.

An Iranian official indicated there would be a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, focusing specifically on managing the Strait and de-escalating tensions. Separate technical discussions between the U.S. and Iran are also expected to occur with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan on Wednesday.

In Washington, President Trump remarked on the upcoming Doha talks, saying, “The meeting could be important, or it might not. We’ll find out.” He also affirmed that the U.S. is “winning militarily” and reiterated the goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran is asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, planning to charge fees for ships passing through and obstructing vessels that deviate from designated transit routes. Recent days have seen Iran allegedly attack at least two commercial ships with missiles or drones, prompting U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets. Conversely, Iran launched missiles and drones at U.S. military positions in Kuwait and Bahrain early Sunday.

Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Congress via phone on Iran Monday. While lawmakers from both parties described the discussion as brief, some Republicans deemed it “constructive,” whereas top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer criticized it as “deficient and lacking detail,” accusing the Trump administration of gaining little from the confrontation and allowing Iran to benefit financially from oil revenues while maintaining leverage over the Strait.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that $6 billion of the $12 billion in assets frozen in Qatar would be released back to Iran. He called the agreement, which includes U.S. waivers on sanctions for Iran’s oil and petrochemical sectors, “a significant victory for the Iranian people.” Oil prices increased by over 1% following recent hostilities, reflecting ongoing vulnerability in U.S.-Iran relations.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated he is working with Oman to reduce tensions and coordinate efforts to de-mine the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded via social media that Iran intends to handle demining alone, in accordance with the 14-point plan, warning France not to complicate the situation further.

يونيو 30, 2026
US Seeks Iran Deal, But Not at Any Cost

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with reporters before leaving Bahrain International Airport after visiting the Middle East to discuss the interim deal between the U.S. and Iran with Arab Gulf allies in Manama on June 25, 2026. — AFP

– The United States opposes any future fees on the Strait of Hormuz.
– Washington aims for an agreement that does not jeopardize regional stability.
– Technical discussions between Iran and the U.S. are set to resume in the coming days.

Top U.S. diplomat Marco Rubio emphasized Thursday that any deal with Iran wouldn’t come at any cost and reassured Gulf allies that their security wouldn’t be compromised. Rubio visited Bahrain as part of a regional tour, speaking to Gulf partners severely impacted by Iran during ongoing Middle East conflict—a campaign launched on February 28 involving significant U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.

The U.S. and Iran have preliminarily agreed to begin negotiations addressing complex issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and energy transport through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio stated at a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Bahrain, “While we want a deal, we don’t want a deal at any price. We need to ensure that no part of this agreement threatens the security, stability, or prosperity of our Gulf partners.”

Rubio also reassured the Gulf nations that the Strait of Hormuz, vital for their oil and natural gas exports for decades, will remain free of tolls. Iran previously blockaded Hormuz as retaliation during the war, which caused a global economic shock. Iran has indicated plans to introduce maritime service fees and warned that unauthorized crossings will be dealt with harshly. The U.S. and allies have rejected such tolls outright, with Rubio reaffirming that Hormuz must be recognized as an international waterway, a principle essential to global order.

Oman’s top diplomat, Badr Albusaidi, confirmed that plans for Hormuz do not include transit fees, despite Iran and Oman mentioning discussions of possible charges for services in the strait. Oman recently released a map of a temporary shipping route that runs close to its coast, coordinated with the International Maritime Organization. Iran, through its Revolutionary Guards, later criticized the new route without specifically mentioning Oman.

An agreement signed last week by Iran and the U.S. allows commercial ships to transit the strait free of charge for 60 days, but future arrangements remain unclear.

Iran, feeling emboldened since the conflict intensified, refuses to relinquish control over Hormuz and has called its initial deal with Washington a “declaration of America’s defeat.” President Donald Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday, touting the negotiations as successful. Meanwhile, Trump requested nearly $88 billion in emergency funding to cover war expenses, just after Congress urged him to end the conflict unless explicitly authorized for further military action.

Iran criticized NATO’s support for the U.S., with Foreign Minister spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accusing the transatlantic alliance of participating in an “illegal war.” Technical talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to resume soon after a first round held in Switzerland. Additionally, separate reconciliation discussions between Gulf countries and Iran are anticipated to be held in Saudi Arabia, though no specific date has been provided.

يونيو 26, 2026
13 Dead, Dozens Injured in Explosion at Qatar LNG Plant Restart

Thirteen individuals lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries following a blast at Qatar’s extensive Ras Laffan LNG facility, which occurred while workers were reinstituting operations suspended due to an Iranian attack in March.
Authorities described the incident as a “technical accident” at the Barzan local gas supply plant on Sunday evening.

Qatar, home to a significant U.S. military base, has endured repeated missile and drone assaults from Iran amid ongoing conflict, which has temporarily restricted about 20% of the world’s LNG supply through the Gulf—though some shipments are gradually resuming.

The Energy Ministry in Qatar confirmed that 13 people died and 66 were hurt but assured that the plant’s export capacity remained intact and that no environmental threats were posed.

While specifics about the explosion’s location within the facility or the extent of damage have not been disclosed by QatarEnergy, CEO and Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi announced that an investigation into the incident has commenced.

The blast was powerful enough to shake windows and was felt throughout central Doha, causing panic among residents over 70 kilometers from Ras Laffan.

This event underscores the difficulties faced by Gulf oil and gas producers in ramping up production after facilities were shut down during the Iran conflict.
Qatar has been particularly affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as it lacks alternative routes for LNG export.

Restarting LNG operations is intricate, requiring a slow cooldown process to prevent thermal shock. Each LNG train must be restarted in sequence, not all at once. Cooling the gas into a liquid—around minus 162°C (minus 260°F)—is critical in maintaining safety and equipment integrity.

Ras Laffan Industrial City hosts QatarEnergy’s primary LNG production and export operations with an annual capacity of 77 million metric tons. An attack in March targeted two significant gas-processing units, reducing Qatar’s LNG export ability by roughly 17%, with repairs expected to take three to five years according to QatarEnergy’s CEO.

The conflict also compelled the evacuation of about 10,000 offshore and onshore workers, although no injuries were reported during the missile attack in March.

يونيو 22, 2026
UAE Oil Pipeline Nears Halfway Mark, Skipping Hormuz by 2027

The UAE has announced that its new crude oil pipeline, designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, is approximately 50% complete. ADNOC’s leader indicated that it could take at least four months for global oil flows to resume to 80% of pre-conflict levels once the Iran war concludes. Tehran has kept the critical waterway largely shut to all ships except its own since U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, causing energy prices and inflation to spike and raising fears of an economic downturn.

Last week, the Abu Dhabi Media Office disclosed details of the West-East Pipeline project, revealing that Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed instructed ADNOC to expedite building the pipeline. The goal is to double export capacity through the Fujairah port by 2027. Sultan Al Jaber, ADNOC’s CEO, stated during a live stream with the Atlantic Council that the project is nearly halfway finished and that momentum is accelerating toward the 2027 target.

Al Jaber emphasized that a significant amount of the world’s energy currently passes through too few choke points, which motivated the UAE’s decision over a decade ago to invest in infrastructure that circumvents the Strait of Hormuz. The existing Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), capable of transporting up to 1.8 million barrels daily, has been vital for maximizing exports from the Gulf of Oman outside the Strait.

Iran has extended its control over the waterway, attacking vessels and asserting authority over the UAE’s Gulf of Oman coastline. Meanwhile, the U.S. has placed its own blockade on Iranian ports and attempted, but failed, to reopen the chokepoint.

UAE and other Gulf Arab nations, hosting U.S. military bases, have faced attacks during the ongoing conflict, even after a fragile ceasefire began on April 8. The UAE was targeted by over 3,000 missiles and drones aimed at civilian infrastructure, including ADNOC facilities. Damage assessments are ongoing, and returning full operational capacity could take weeks or even months, according to Al Jaber. He described the attacks as retaliation for the UAE’s development model.

Even if the conflict ends immediately, Al Jaber warned that oil flow through the Strait likely won’t fully recover until sometime in 2027’s first or second quarter. He expressed concern that if a single country can hold the waterway hostage, the principle of free navigation is compromised, potentially leading to a decade of heightened efforts to defend it and avoid economic fallout.

Following its withdrawal from OPEC on May 1, the UAE is no longer bound by production quotas. Al Jaber characterized the decision as a strategic move driven by global energy needs, stressing it was not directed against any specific party nor intended to damage relationships. He highlighted that the energy sector remains dangerously underfunded, with current upstream investments around $400 billion annually barely offsetting natural declines. He pointed out that global spare crude capacity, currently approximately 3 million barrels per day, should be closer to 5 million barrels.

Looking ahead, Al Jaber warned that artificial intelligence (AI) will intensify demands on the energy grid, and the world is underestimating the energy-intensive aspects of this technological revolution. He likened the AI race to an “electron race,” where rapid decision-making can mean the difference between stability and disruption during crises.

The UAE remains committed to deepening its investments in the United States. ADNOC, along with its international arm XRG and renewable energy investor Masdar (where Al Jaber is chairman), has already committed $85 billion across 19 states. Al Jaber concluded that the UAE and the U.S. are not just trade partners but co-investors shaping the economy of the coming century.

مايو 21, 2026
Xi to welcome Putin as China promotes stable global leadership post-Trump visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to host Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Chinese leader’s private residence in Beijing, Zhongnanhai, on September 2, 2025. This visit comes less than a week after Donald Trump’s prominent trip, as Beijing aims to present itself as a steady and predictable global power amid ongoing trade disputes, conflicts, and energy shortages.

This marks Putin’s 25th trip to China, a visit that China and Russia emphasize as a sign of their “permanent” partnership, despite Western calls for Beijing to pressure Moscow to end its Ukraine war. Putin affirms that China and Russia support each other’s core interests and is looking to enhance energy cooperation with the world’s second-largest economy despite Western sanctions.

Analysts suggest the Xi-Putin summit signals to the world that the China-Russia strategic alliance remains central to their foreign policies and that U.S. efforts to divide them are likely to fail. The visit follows Trump’s recent trip, which garnered positive global optics but yielded few significant business agreements. Xi described U.S.-China relations as one of “strategic stability,” contrasting this with the notion of “strategic competition” typical of the Biden administration.

By hosting international leaders, China seeks to reinforce its image as a source of global stability, contrasting with Western difficulties in resolving the Ukraine conflict and addressing other regional tensions such as Iran, which have disrupted energy markets.

In foreign diplomacy, China aims to assure its trading partners, including the U.S., of its peaceful rise as an economic and technological leader, often downplaying concerns about its strategic ambitions. The U.S. State Department noted after Trump’s visit that there was a consensus on issues fostering stability for global markets and consumers.

At the same time, Beijing’s engagement with Russia and other partners signals a consistent diplomatic stance, even under Western pressure. Experts note that Xi does not have the influence to compel Putin to end Ukraine’s conflict and recognizes that a Russian defeat would weaken Putin’s position domestically. Therefore, China continues to provide diplomatic cover at the UN, supports Russia with economic aid, and supplies dual-use technologies for Moscow’s military efforts.

Although China has publicly denied supplying lethal weapons to either side in the Ukraine war and maintains strict control over exports of sensitive items, it continues to explore energy cooperation. During Putin’s last visit in September 2025, Russia and China agreed to develop the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, although pricing negotiations are still pending. With energy shortages stemming from conflicts elsewhere in the Middle East, Russia is positioning the pipeline as a crucial long-term supply source, but Beijing remains committed to diversifying its energy imports, engaging with Turkmenistan and Russia separately. The potential deal may set broad supply terms without finalizing prices, which could take years to resolve.

China is also the largest purchaser of Russian oil, buying both pipeline and sea shipments. Despite Western sanctions, Chinese refiners continue to import Russian oil, often paid for in yuan. Russia has agreed to boost exports to China by an additional 2.5 million metric tons annually via Kazakhstan. Putin expressed optimism about ongoing cooperation advancements and hopes to finalize substantial energy deals during the current visit.

مايو 19, 2026
UAE Expedites Oil Route Amid Hormuz Closure Disruptions

The UAE is planning to speed up the development of a new oil pipeline to double its export capacity through Fujairah by 2027. This move will significantly enhance the country’s ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced that Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed directed ADNOC to expedite the West-East Pipeline project during a recent executive meeting. Construction is underway, with operations projected to begin in 2027, though no details were given about the original schedule.

Currently, the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), also called the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, can transport up to 1.8 million barrels daily. It has proven essential for increasing direct exports from the Gulf of Oman region. Among Gulf nations, only the UAE and Saudi Arabia have pipelines for exporting crude outside the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman’s long coastline borders the Gulf of Oman.

Iran’s closure of the narrow waterway separating it from Oman—initially a response to US-Israeli air and naval operations launched on February 28—has cut off about 20% of global oil supplies heading to Asia and other areas. Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain depend heavily on the Strait for their shipment routes. This disruption has driven up energy prices, prompting government rationing of fuel and stoking fears of economic slowdown amid rising inflation.

مايو 15, 2026
EU Bans Airlines from Charging Fuel Fees After Ticket Sale

Airlines are prohibited from charging customers extra fuel fees after tickets have been purchased, the European Union announced on Friday, amid challenges faced by the aviation industry due to high energy costs stemming from the Middle East conflict.

“Airlines can adjust their published fares to reflect the current situation, but adding a fuel surcharge after a ticket is bought isn’t justifiable,” EU spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen emphasized during a press briefing in Brussels.

She also noted that any post-booking modifications could potentially violate the EU’s unfair commercial practices regulations.

In an official statement published Friday addressing the energy crisis impact on aviation, the EU clarified that “any retrospective change in the ticket price is not permitted.”

“The European Commission states that airlines cannot incorporate terms allowing them to increase ticket prices beyond the amount initially advertised at purchase due solely to higher fuel prices,” it said.

The only exception applies to package holidays, where the seller explicitly states in the contract that fuel-related cost fluctuations may occur. In such cases, a price increase of up to 8% is permitted; any higher increase grants consumers the right to accept or cancel their reservation.

In France, low-cost carrier Volotea has faced scrutiny and is under investigation after demanding fuel surcharges from passengers, citing the energy shock caused by the war. Gilles Gosselin, the company’s director for France, defended the practice.

“Our system’s legality has been confirmed by three independent legal firms that specialize in airline and consumer law. The process is transparent, temporary, and symmetrical—allowing for adjustments both upward and downward,” Gosselin told AFP in France.

مايو 8, 2026

الوسم: Energy

Rubio calls the deal a mutual benefit

Legal and financial details remain unclear