Top US Lobby Firm Had Hidden Ties to Iran, Russia Oil Tycoons


 Summarize ​ Qorvis worked for companies that authorities say are overseen by sanctioned kingpins. The firm says it doesn’t take sanctioned money. Ben BartensteinSeptember 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT In early March, as the war in Iran sent oil prices soaring above $100 per barrel, executives at a Washington-based lobbying firm called Qorvis made an unusual suggestion to senior US officials, according to people familiar with the matter: The Trump administration should relax some sanctions on Iran and Russia to help stabilize the market. Within days, the Treasury Department issued short-term waivers allowing the sale and offloading of Iranian … Continue reading Top US Lobby Firm Had Hidden Ties to Iran, Russia Oil Tycoons

Weekend Read: On China and Middle East – Saudi Arabia and Iran


Iran and Saudi Arabia just agreed to restore relations, with support from China but importantly no direct action by them. I am watching China a lot these days because there are economic and political influences that impact Banks, western markets and economic valuations. China just by its size creates impact just with small movements – literally the elephant in the room. It is the more significant with one single authoritarian leader. I am in the camp that says US policy impressing China to become more authoritarian to balance US rhetoric making this a western problem if its own making. So … Continue reading Weekend Read: On China and Middle East – Saudi Arabia and Iran