Geopolitics
President Trump announced plans for U.S. strikes on Mexican drug cartels to target land-based trafficking, following reported reductions in sea routes by 97%. In a Fox News interview, he stated that the cartels control parts of Mexico and contribute to 250,000-300,000 annual U.S. overdose deaths, urging Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to act or face U.S. intervention. Trump offered U.S. troops but noted her reluctance, describing her as afraid of the syndicates. Mexico has rejected the proposals, with Sheinbaum emphasizing opposition to foreign intervention based on Latin American history. The administration has designated cartels as terrorist organizations, and Trump indicated no formal war declaration is needed, planning actions to target those bringing drugs into the U.S. The announcement follows the recent Venezuela operation capturing Nicolás Maduro on narco-terrorism charges, with warnings issued to other Latin American nations. Mexico has emphasized bilateral cooperation without foreign troops.
Additionally, the Trump administration is reportedly considering lump-sum payments of up to $100,000 per Greenlander to encourage secession from Denmark and alignment with the U.S., as part of discussions on acquiring the territory for national security. With Greenland’s population of 57,000, the proposal could cost nearly $6 billion, similar to annual U.S. aid to Israel and Egypt. Internal discussions have explored options from $10,000 to $100,000 per person, though details on distribution and conditions remain unclear. Alternatives under consideration include military action or a Compact of Free Association providing U.S. services like defense and mail in exchange for operational access. President Trump has reiterated interest in Greenland, citing its strategic minerals and position against Russian or Chinese influence, and stated the U.S. will pursue it “the easy way” or “the hard way.” European leaders, including those from Denmark, have rejected the overtures, stating that decisions rest with Greenland and Copenhagen. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has rejected the overtures, stating “Enough is enough.”
Across the pond, protests in Iran have entered their 13th day, spreading to more than 100 cities and fueled by severe economic grievances, including a sharp currency decline and the impact of U.S.-led sanctions. Demonstrators in Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad, Kermanshah, and elsewhere have chanted anti-government slogans and called for uprising, with limited reported support for exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Clashes have occurred in numerous locations, accompanied by unverified reports of fires in government buildings. Authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout—now in its second day—that began in several cities and has severely disrupted daily life. The outage has halted online transactions, rendered ATMs nonfunctional, triggered cash shortages, and led to panic buying, empty supermarket shelves, and isolated incidents of vandalism as residents rushed to stock up on food and essentials. Shop closures in central Tehran have compounded the challenges.
Independent sources have confirmed at least 21 protester deaths, while unverified reports put the total toll—including both protesters and security personnel—at 45. Iranian officials have reported the arrest of over 2,200 demonstrators, cited attacks on police (including the killing of a lieutenant colonel), and accused foreign operatives from Mossad or the CIA of involvement in the unrest. President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged security forces to exercise restraint and called for dialogue, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the protests on interference by the United States and Israel. On the international front, U.S. President Trump warned of a “very hard” response if protesters are killed, and Vice President J.D. Vance called for renewed nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Energy
Analysts at Goehring & Rozencwajg do not believe Venezuela will be able to add much in the way of oil production without sustained prices of $85 or more per barrel. Although Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at approximately 220 billion barrels, the crude is almost without exception heavy and sour, requiring specialized, capital-intensive production techniques, intricate handling, and essential upgraders similar to those used in Canadian oil sands operations. Current output stands at roughly 800,000 barrels per day according to the most recent IEA data—an approximately 80% decline from levels seen in 2000—following nationalizations of oil assets, contract disputes, a major PDVSA strike, skilled labor exodus, and widespread dismantling or neglect of infrastructure during years of economic hardship. The analysts indicate that a limited brownfield revival adding 200,000–300,000 barrels per day would likely require sustained West Texas Intermediate prices of at least $70 per barrel to generate viable returns (e.g., 15%), while anything more substantial would demand $90–$100 per barrel over several years, alongside extraordinary upfront capital investment on a massive scale.
Furthermore, Venezuela’s oil sector under the Trump administration faces challenges from reported methane leaks in aging infrastructure, wasting about 13 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually—equivalent to $1.4 billion in lost revenue. Satellite data shows plumes from abandoned rigs and corroded pipelines, with a quarter of gas output escaping, the highest rate worldwide and ten times the global average. Decades of neglect and underinvestment have left facilities vulnerable, raising concerns among investors about operational risks and emissions. The White House plans discussions with U.S. oil executives to encourage investment, potentially supported by taxpayer reimbursements, with a goal of boosting production by 50% within a year to lower gasoline prices. Restoring output to near 4 million barrels per day could require $100 billion over a decade, with additional infrastructure issues likely to emerge. Some analysts suggest methane-capturing technologies could address the issue.
That all said, U.S. shale producers have expressed frustration with the administration’s Venezuela strategy, warning it could increase cheap crude supply and reduce domestic output. Independent drillers, many in Texas, described the approach as a betrayal after supporting Trump’s return, with executives criticizing potential government guarantees for Venezuelan investments. Active U.S. rigs have declined 15% to 412 in the past year, and output is forecast to drop in 2026 amid West Texas Intermediate prices below $56 per barrel—under the $60 needed for many to break even. Shares of companies like Diamondback Energy and Devon Energy fell up to 9% this week due to concerns over competition. Smaller operators may pursue investments, as major firms hesitate due to Venezuela’s history of asset seizures and instability, though they lack resources for large-scale modernization and emissions control. Energy Secretary Chris Wright anticipates downward pressure on gasoline prices from increased supply. Wright stated that increased supply could lead to more downward pressure on gasoline prices.
Economy
S&P Global projects that artificial intelligence will drive a 50% increase in global copper demand by 2040, potentially leading to a supply shortfall of 10 million tons. The firm forecasts total demand rising from 28 million tons in 2025 to 42 million tons, driven by electrification trends such as data centers, electric vehicles, and renewable energy infrastructure. AI-related spending on chips and power systems is expected to account for half of U.S. GDP growth in 2025, with data centers projected to consume 14% of U.S. electricity by 2030. Electric vehicles reportedly require nearly three times more copper than conventional cars, and global EV sales in 2025 exceeded new U.S. car sales by 25%. Wind and solar installations are anticipated to increase usage, alongside demand from construction and appliances. However, other reports suggest innovations in recycling and increased mining output from regions like Chile and Australia may help mitigate the shortfall.
Sources
Venezuela’s Vast Reserves Remain Out of Reach: Meaningful Oil Production Revival Unlikely Without $85+ Crude Prices
In short, we do not believe Venezuela will be able to add much in the way of production without oil prices as high as $85 per barrel.
Trump Administration Eyes $100K Per Greenlander to Secede from Denmark
The Trump administration has mulled sending lump sum payments to Greenlanders of up to $100,000 in exchange for their vote to secede from Denmark and join the United States, Reuters reports, citing four sources familiar with the matter.
Source | Submitted by Redneck Engineer
Iran’s Internet Blackout Fuels Nationwide Protests as Trump Warns of Severe Response
Iran Plunged Into Internet Blackout, Protests Spread, As Trump Issues Fresh Warning
AI’s Surge: Copper Demand to Jump 50% by 2040, Fueling Supply Shortage
Artificial intelligence could boost global copper demand by as much as 50% in the years to 2040, which will cause a supply squeeze due to the long lead times on new mines.
Source | Submitted by jhughes1973
Venezuela’s Methane Leaks Cast Shadow Over Trump’s Oil Revival Push
vast methane leaks from crumbling infrastructure that could scare off large international investors
Trump Announces US Strikes on Mexican Drug Cartels
“We are going to start now hitting land with regard with the cartels”
Screwing Us Over Again: Shale Producers Rage at Trump’s Venezuela Oil Push
“We’re talking about this administration screwing us over again,”
Iran’s Internet Blackout Triggers Food Runs, Cash Crisis, and Violent Protests
Iran is two days into a total internet blackout, which has not only impacted news footage from the ground getting out of the country, but the ability of ATMs to function
Trump: We’ll Take Greenland the Easy Way—or the Hard Way
If we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Economic Times, Reuters, BBC Persian, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Euronews.
by desert-survivor 
