The United States says it has issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil already at sea, aiming to stabilize global energy markets during escalating tensions in West Asia. At the same time, the Kremlin has refused to disclose how much crude it is exporting to India, citing security concerns and “too many ill wishers.” Russian officials say Moscow is ready to increase oil shipments to India and China as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten global supply routes.  

The shadow war just went public. In a move that has stunned the Pentagon, Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision has leaked high-resolution imagery exposing the massive U.S. Air Force buildup surrounding Iran. From the Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia to Ovda Airbase in Israel, the element of surprise has been stripped away. While Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi claims "good progress" in Geneva talks, the satellite imagery suggests the U.S. is preparing for the largest air operation since the Gulf War. Is China trying to prevent a war by exposing it, or are they handing Iran a target list?