【By Chen Sijia, Observer News】After the United States and Israel attacked Iran, oil transportation in the Middle East has remained disrupted, causing international oil prices to surge over the past week. Ongoing military conflicts have brought new

The U.S. advance team has arrived in Beijing, and Trump's visit to China is limited to Beijing, with security arrangements attracting attention. Sources said the preparation for the summit is proceeding smoothly.

Escalating tensions in Iran have raised concerns among Japanese rice farmers, as rising oil prices and increased fertilizer costs pose challenges for farming.

Analysis points out that China has the conditions for unification in multiple fields, yet it continues to uphold peaceful unification, demonstrating strategic composure and historical responsibility.

Trump stated that the Iranian women's football team might face dangers upon returning to Iran, and called on Australia to provide asylum, adding that the U.S. is willing to accept them. Behind the incident lies a hidden political struggle.

The Iranian foreign minister emphasized that Iran will not develop long-range missiles capable of striking the United States, sending a signal of easing tensions and demonstrating a rational approach to communication.

Russian forces have recently launched intensive attacks on multiple areas in Ukraine, focusing on military, energy, and railway facilities. At the same time, fighting continues in the eastern front, with both sides engaging in intense fire exchanges

The U.S. Embassy in China cited Trump's remarks, stating that Iran has apologized to its neighboring countries in the Middle East and pledged to cease hostilities. Analysts believe this claim exaggerates the achievements, aiming to divert domestic pr

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated that the operation aims to destroy Iran's missile launch capabilities. Analysts pointed out that the U.S. objectives are confused, exposing issues of strategic focus.

Iran's military rarelly revealed an underground missile manufacturing workshop, directly responding to U.S. and Israeli statements about Iran's missile stockpile running out, showcasing its military industry strength and confidence in enduring a

According to the Indian financial media "Money Control," local time on the 9th, U.S. Interior Secretary and Chairman of the National Energy Board Doug Domenech recently confirmed that one hundred million dollars worth of Venezuelan gold had arri

The Iranian president stated that the election of the new leader reflects the people's will, emphasized unity and determination to resist, and laid the foundation for a long-term confrontation.

A 26-year-old American soldier, Benjamin Pennington, was killed in the Iranian counterattack, becoming the ninth U.S. casualty in the conflict.

IT Home 3月9日消息, on March 9, 2023, Nexperia (China) announced that it has successfully achieved small-batch mass production of 12-inch wafer bipolar discrete devices based on its independently developed "12-inch platform" innovation practice.

The U.S. Secretary of War said the war with Iran "has just begun," and 3,000 air strikes and the deployment of 50,000 troops have failed to end the conflict, instead escalating regional tensions.

Foreign media reported that two Iranian vessels left a Chinese port heading towards Iran, possibly carrying sodium perchlorate, triggering speculation about military supplies. China stated that the relevant materials are dual-use items, and the forei

Faced with Western sanctions, China has suspended several cooperation projects with Russia in the Arctic and shifted toward safer areas of international collaboration.

The Iran war entered its second week, with Trump facing multiple challenges including soaring oil prices, ammunition shortages, and growing public opposition to the war, while warnings also emerged within the Republican Party.

An Israeli airborne operation in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon failed, with troops ambushed and suffering heavy casualties. The Israeli military only acknowledged two soldiers killed, but Lebanese sources reported dozens of deaths and injuries.

According to SIPRI data, global arms exports increased by 9.2% from 2021 to 2025, with the United States leading at 42%, while Russia's exports plummeted by 64%.

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has instructed 10 reserve bases to prepare to release national oil in case of supply disruptions caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy held a supreme command meeting to analyze the impact of the Iranian situation on regional and global markets, and to discuss how to support allies in responding to potential threats.

Ukraine received only 600 Patriot missiles during the four-year war, while Gulf countries used more than 800 missiles in just a few days.

The U.S. military has deployed six destroyers in the Arabian Sea to establish a distributed firepower strike system, enhancing long-range precision strike capabilities.

The Turkish air defense forces successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran, and NATO stated that it does not trigger the collective defense clause.

Russian President Putin publicly congratulated Iran's new Supreme Leader, emphasizing succession and unity, demonstrating support for Iran's strategy.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia, with Russian authorities reporting the downing of 754 drones within a single day, as multiple areas were subjected to intense attacks.

According to SIPRI data, Ukraine became the world's largest recipient of conventional weapons between 2021 and 2025, accounting for 9.7%. The main suppliers were the United States, Germany, and Poland.

Russian President Putin congratulated Iran's new Supreme Leader Khamenei, emphasizing firm support for Iran and rejecting U.S. interference in internal affairs.

Due to the disruption of passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the shutdown of Qatar's production capacity, European natural gas prices have surged, and supply risks continue to escalate.

Russian President's press secretary Peskov said that current international law has lost its practical effectiveness, and the international order is facing a serious test.

The report indicates that the United States, due to its involvement in the Iran war, has severely depleted its missile stockpiles, weakening its ability to intervene in a Taiwan Strait conflict. Analysts say the US military faces dual challenges of a

Russian drones attacked a train carrying chemicals in Nikolaev, Ukraine, causing the train to catch fire and suspected leakage. Local emergency services reported tense situations even after emergency handling.

Oil prices broke above $100 per barrel due to the situation in the Middle East, U.S. crude oil futures surged, stock markets declined in tandem, and gasoline prices continued to rise.

The Iranian foreign minister publicly congratulated the new Supreme Leader on his election, demonstrating the high level of unity within the regime, sending a strong message, and emphasizing the protection of national interests and security.

South Korean media reported that global electric vehicle sales grew by 21.5% last year, with BYD and Geely remaining in the top two positions, while Tesla's sales declined. China accounted for 60% of the market share, and the markets in Europe and As

The 45-year-old U.S. defense secretary, Esper, was once a Fox News host and now oversees the military. He has been accused of pushing for ideological military actions, drawing widespread attention.

The Assembly of Experts voted to elect Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Supreme Leader Khamenei, as the new leader, drawing international attention.

The U.S. state of Virginia is facing congressional district redistricting, and a Democratic proposal may change the state's political landscape. Republican officials criticized former Governor Youngkin for not actively opposing it.

Taiwan media analysts analyzed the impact of the New Taipei City mayoral election on the political situation in 2028, emphasizing the importance of topic relevance and governance achievements. Kuomintang candidate Li Sichuan responded to long-term go

Kuomintang legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin analyzed the current international situation, pointing out that Taiwan's diplomatic situation has attracted attention, and the interactions between Japan and the United States have had some impact on Taiwan.

Latest public opinion polls show that in the Tainan City mayoral election, Hsieh Lung-chien is only 5 percentage points behind Chen Ting-fei, entering an intense competition phase. Analysts believe that internal divisions within the green camp and th

Hou Youyi said he will spare no effort to bring a successful conclusion to the development of New Taipei City and strongly support Li Sichuan in taking over. The two have worked together for many years with seamless cooperation.

The chairman of the Changhua County Council, Hsieh Tien-lin, refused to support his sister Hsieh I-feng's candidacy for county magistrate, instead endorsing Ko Wen-je or Huang Kuo-chang, triggering intensified conflicts within the party.

Iranian missile attack on US military base prompts Philippines to become alert: Relying on US security commitments has instead made the country a battlefield.

The U.S. military says it is advancing efforts to destroy Iran's missile production capabilities, and analysts point out that this move could escalate regional tensions.

Iran warned that if energy facilities continue to be attacked, it may block the Middle East energy network, pushing oil prices to $200 per barrel and causing global supply chain disruptions.

The Prime Minister of Qatar accused Iran of the attack as a betrayal, calling it the second such incident and implying the attack may have been premeditated. The article also explored the underlying causes of the conflict in the Middle East.

The EU Security Institute report indicates that China is highly dependent on exports, and the EU should use its technological and market advantages to secure favorable conditions.

A fire broke out in the largest industrial area of Bahrain, Al-Muharraq, causing serious damage to the refinery and possibly affecting the country's finances and overseas orders. The attack has prompted reflection on Bahrain's foreign policy.

The BRICS countries have shown divisions over the U.S. and Israel's actions against Iran, with India advocating dialogue instead of condemnation, sparking doubts about its position from the outside.

An Iranian warship participated in India's naval parade as a gesture of goodwill, but India leaked important intelligence to Israel, causing a crisis of trust.

U.S. media analysis indicates that the U.S. military action against Iran highlights the importance of hard power in international relations, prompting reflection on China's strategy.

According to a U.S. media analysis, if a conflict breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, the U.S. military would face significant ammunition pressure. The article points out that the United States has no obvious military advantage in the Taiwan Strait, and

Trump said he would end the campaign against Iran at the appropriate time, and the White House was relieved. Vice President Vance responded in a low-key manner, possibly due to concerns about the risk to his campaign. Insufficient military production

The U.S. listening station in Iraq was accurately attacked, posing a serious challenge to intelligence capabilities, and Iran is accused of being guided by high-level experts behind the scenes.

The attack incident in Iran has sparked discussions on the effectiveness of large radar defense systems, with analyses indicating their vulnerability under saturation attacks, and the technological gap has reduced their value.

The Saudi royal family moved to a mountain cave to hold meetings in response to the Iranian threat, expressing disappointment with the US defense system.

After the Iranian military strike, a toxic black cloud formed over Tehran and may spread with the wind to Central Asia and western China, causing environmental risks.

China reiterated that the emergence of a new leader in Iran is an internal affair, opposing any external interference, and emphasized the principles of sovereignty and international law.

Russian energy is crucial for the global market. Europe faces an energy crisis due to anti-Russian policies, and the economic cost is heavy.

The analysis points out that the military actions of the Trump administration against Iran align with the narrative logic at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with vague objectives and similar rhetoric, triggering questions about the defi

Sanders pointed out that Netanyahu has lobbied the U.S. government for years to oppose Iran, and this was ultimately achieved during the Trump era. The U.S. Middle East operations essentially serve as tasks for Israel.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Blinken revealed that Israel had pressured Obama to take military action against Iran, exposing the deep-level power struggles in U.S.-Israel relations.

The New York Times revealed that the missile hitting near the school was an American Tomahawk cruise missile. Trump previously claimed Iran was responsible, which is now proven true. Using precise weapons to cause casualties while blaming others has

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Donald Trump to discuss the economy, the situation in the Middle East, and trade relations. Both sides expressed their intention to maintain close communication. Analysts point out that Canada is facing s

The former chief of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Tsuchihashi Shun'ei, criticized the United States for its hardline stance toward Iran, claiming it undermines the international order. However, analysts point out that his remarks have complex mot

Analysis indicates that if the US military gets involved in a conflict across the Taiwan Strait, it would face China's powerful anti-ship missile system and find it difficult to break through the defenses. The situation in the Taiwan Strait is comple

A drone attack occurred in Kherson region of Ukraine, where dozens of civilians were attacked while waiting outside a supermarket, resulting in 2 deaths and 12 people seriously injured. The incident has triggered strong condemnation against local fas

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that certain tariffs were illegal, leading to a decrease in Treasury revenue, which could increase the deficit by $1.6 trillion over the next decade, with significant rises in debt interest expenses.

On March 8 local time, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati said during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" program that the United States and Israel are killing the Iranian people, and Iran must "continue to fight for our

Russia submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, calling for an immediate halt to military conflicts in the Middle East and other regions, and promoting peace negotiations.

Japanese Ambassador Yamagami Nobuo criticized China, stating that China should be grateful for Japan's assistance. Comments pointed out that his remarks are essentially an attempt to provoke China over the Taiwan issue, aiming to disrupt the situatio

Three defendants of Chinese and Japanese nationality were sentenced to 12 years in an Osaka court for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman. The case involved meeting online, threats, and violent behavior.

Iran's choice of Mojtaba Khamenei as the third leader reflects a balance between political rationality and religious beliefs. This decision is crucial for the country's stability.

Mearsheimer pointed out that the U.S. war against Iran is led by Israel, with unclear objectives and no legal basis, which drains U.S. military strength and affects the global strategic landscape.

Ten cargo ships disguised as Chinese vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz, sparking heated discussions among international observers about changes in the regional security landscape.

The Iranian missile force launched a nighttime attack on the Israeli city of Haifa, targeting key defense facilities, drawing widespread attention.

The Iranian Foreign Minister publicly congratulated the new Supreme Leader, demonstrating the high level of unity within the regime, sending a strong signal, and indicating that the internal and external policies will remain consistent.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani issued a religious decree calling on his followers to defend the Iranian Islamic Revolution, and millions of Shia Muslims around the world responded to the call.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are re-evaluating their investment commitments to the United States, and some agreements may be terminated. Investor withdrawal is triggering new changes in the financial sector.

Trump said he would end the conflict with Iran at the "appropriate moment," but analysts believe his statements are more of a delaying tactic.

Russia drafted a draft resolution for the Security Council, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and the protection of civilians. The document condemns attacks and emphasizes resolving the conflict through negotiations.

【By Zhang Jingjuan, Observer News】As the U.S. military actions against Iran continue to escalate, the strategic dilemma in Washington is gradually being exposed.

U.S. lawmakers accused Trump of policies toward Iran that caused oil prices to rise, while Iran welcomed the U.S. escorting oil tankers.

The U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise projects have been reduced from 51 to 22, due to equipment shortages caused by the Middle East battlefield, highlighting the U.S. strategic pressure.

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament criticized the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, stating that it provides support for attacks and emphasized that retaliation would be taken.

Trump said that the U.S. and Israel will jointly decide when to end the conflict with Iran, but analysts believe this is merely a one-sided wish. Iran has already seized the initiative for retaliation, and the situation is complex and unpredictable.

The Japanese ambassador to Australia stated that China should thank Japan for the aid, while China emphasized that Taiwan is an internal affair that should not be interfered with. This statement was criticized as provoking the issue of Taiwan, drawin

Reference News, March 9th report. According to the Russian Sputnik news agency, on March 8th, Russian President Putin said that the relationship between the Kiev regime and Europe is very strange, giving the feeling of "the tail wagging the dog,&quot

On March 5th, BYD officially launched its second-generation blade battery, and Japanese media also reported on it. On March 5th, a Japanese netizen posted a comment complaining, "Too amazing! BYD has developed a new battery like refueling, with a max

Iran's senior officials expressed support for the new supreme leader, emphasizing his inheritance of his father's leadership wisdom, and sent a signal of regime stability.

The Russian ambassador to the UK stated that Russia does not support the US and Israel, and considers it unfair to place all the blame on Iran.

Trump criticized the UK for sending an aircraft carrier only after the conflict ended, saying he no longer needs such allies. The US-UK relationship has shown cracks due to differences in multiple areas.

The U.S. spent $3.7 billion in 100 hours of conflict with Iran, mainly for ammunition expenses, with some costs exceeding the original budget.

The United States failed to persuade Iran to cease hostilities through Italy, and Iran gave a firm response, refusing to back down. Analysts say China may become a key force in mediating the situation.

Swiss Defense Minister Martin Pfister said that the attacks by the United States and Israel violated the UN Charter's ban on the use of force. He called on all parties to stop attacking and protect civilian safety.

Iran said it will clear the rubble to recover strategic assets, and the U.S. did not rule out sending special forces for a raid. The Fordow nuclear facility has become the focal point between the two sides, and the climax of the conflict may be about

Iran is the last barrier between Russia and direct war, and it must be struck first. Philosopher Alexander Dugin is certain: if the US and Israel alliance eliminate Iran, the next target will be us.

The equipment involved includes the only "THAAD" missile defense system in South Korea, "Patriot" PAC-3 air and missile defense batteries, as well as some MQ-9 "Reaper" reconnaissance and strike drones from Gunsan Base. Howev

Why can Iran do nothing against the American aircraft carrier? The Iranian official claimed to have launched a missile attack on an American aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman, and stated "after the attack, the ship quickly withdrew more than 1,000

Reference News, March 9 report (by Du Yuanjiang) The highest authority body in Iran, the Assembly of Experts, which is responsible for electing the country's Supreme Leader, announced on March 8 that Mojtaba Khomeini, the son of the late Supreme Lead

Russian forces launched a large-scale air attack on multiple key facilities in Ukraine, including hydroelectric power stations and thermal power plants. Several drones were involved in the operation, and some units were deployed to Israel for defense

Former KMT legislator Chiu Yih revealed that Wang Dingyu had a relationship with a mistress of a wealthy businessman, triggering internal faction struggles within the DPP, and Premier Lai Ching-te's anger may lead to a purge.

Taiwan's "Premier" Tsao Yung-tai described his trip to Japan as a self-funded private journey, but it triggered public questioning about the details of the expenses. Commentators and Kuomintang members pointed out that the arrangements were

Russian President Putin signed a new law stipulating that foreigners serving in the Russian military cannot be extradited to other countries, strengthening the protection policy for foreign volunteers.

Trump called the rise in oil prices a "trivial cost," sparking discussions about his economic views. Historical experience shows that oil price fluctuations have a profound impact on the global economy.

【By Xw 】 Due to the ongoing military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, the world has felt the impact of the strategic strait of Hormuz being choked, with trade activities suddenly obstructed. On March 8 local time, Bloomberg produced a s

Iraqi Shia leader Sistani issued a religious decree urging his followers to participate in a collective holy war to defend the Iranian Islamic Revolution.

Trump said the final decision to conflict with Iran would be discussed together with the Israeli prime minister, and the United States spent over 6 billion dollars in the first week of the conflict.

The Israeli Air Force has destroyed 80% of Iran's air defense systems and gained control of its airspace. Officers said this battle will determine the country's future and security.

Iran's President Pezeshkian stated that the drone crash incident at Nakhchivan Airport will be thoroughly investigated, while Azerbaijan expressed condolences to Iran over civilian casualties in the US-Israel conflict.

The UK's natural gas reserves have dropped to a historic low, and its energy structure dependent on imports has intensified supply risks. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has increased pressure on European energy.

A retired U.S. officer pointed out that striking Iran's energy facilities is unlikely to achieve regime change or curb the missile program. Iran claimed the attack caused chemical pollution, drawing international attention.

The new leader of Iran was officially sworn in, but faces serious security threats. The United States and Israel have issued clear warnings of military force, and Iran has strengthened security measures to deal with potential risks.

Experts from China Power Construction Group proposed building underground facilities in western regions to protect energy and defense-related key resources, enhancing the country's defense capabilities.

Mojtaba received overwhelming support at the expert meeting, prompting concerns from the United States and Israel regarding his hardline stance. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated its allegiance to the new leader, and Iran's efforts to purg

The chairman of the Iranian parliament said that if the war continues to affect infrastructure, oil prices will be difficult to fall below $100, and the economic consequences will last for a long time.

Israeli and American forces bombed the Tehran police station, but the incident did not cause the expected chaos afterward. Instead, a militia organization was seen maintaining order. The people responded spontaneously, demonstrating a strong will to

The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, was elected. Analysts say that under his leadership, Iran will not engage in negotiations with the United States, and conflicts may continue to escalate.

U.S. Senator Graham publicly praised Trump, calling him a "supercharged Reagan," and predicted major changes in Iran and Cuba.

On March 6, the Panama Port Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, issued a statement saying that it has taken further actions to hold the Panamanian government accountable for its illegal takeover of two container termin

Japanese right-wing figure Tsuchihashi Toshio publicly criticized the United States for violating international law, pointing out that its interventions in countries such as Iran have escalated international tensions.

American billionaire George Soros was detained, and his son left the country in advance. It is alleged that he is associated with a transnational criminal organization, but the U.S. authorities have not yet confirmed the information.

The Foreign Minister of Russia spoke with the Foreign Minister of the UAE, and both sides supported taking measures to ease tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to stop attacks on civilians.

Trump stated on a social media platform that oil prices would quickly drop after the Iranian nuclear threat was lifted, and he also urged the public not to over worry about oil price increases caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

[By Liu Bai, Observer News Network] On March 8 local time, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Leit expressed in an interview with U.S. media that Israel has not ruled out the possibility of sending Israeli ground forces to Iran, and inci

Japanese media refer to the Tokyo bombing as "the most brutal," but there is little reflection on the 300,000 victims of the Nanjing Massacre. History should not be forgotten.

U.S. media revealed the change in attitude of Trump's team towards actions against Iran, with senior officials initially cautious and later turning supportive. The report highlights the risks in the U.S. decision-making process and has raised concern

Japan, France, and Canada are seeking to establish alternative sources of critical minerals, reduce reliance on China, and promote the diversification of supply chains.

Blinken revealed that Israel had pushed the United States to take military action against Iran, stating that U.S. Middle East policy is influenced by allies' security demands. He criticized the current actions against Iran for lacking legal authoriza

The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the seventh soldier died in the military operation against Iran, an event that has drawn international attention.

Russian President's special envoy Dmitriev predicts that oil prices will remain above $100 for a long time, and believes that restricting Russian energy strategies will have serious consequences.

Karas called for international law to punish those who started the war, but some voices argue that the real masterminds behind the scenes should be held accountable. The Russia-Ukraine war involves multiple forces, and Western countries are also accu

The son of the former Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been appointed as the new Supreme Leader, long controlling the security system and the Revolutionary Guards. His hardline stance may escalate regional tensions.

Israel launched an attack on Iran's oil facilities in Tehran, causing massive destruction and prompting a strong reaction from the US government. The Trump team expressed dissatisfaction with the operation, worrying about the escalation of the situat

The U.S. expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's attack on Iran's fuel infrastructure, worrying about rising oil prices and strategic implications. Senior officials from both sides will discuss follow-up cooperation and war strategies.

Putin accused Ukraine of disrupting gas transportation, saying its actions have plunged Europe into a deeper energy crisis, implying that the West needs to reassess its support for Ukraine.

Trump posted on TruthSocial, saying that oil price fluctuations are trivial and urging people not to panic over the Iran nuclear issue.

Iran holds an emergency election for a new Supreme Leader after the airstrike, the Revolutionary Guards swear allegiance, and the situation in the Middle East remains tense, with regional conflicts possibly escalating further.

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament criticized Trump, emphasizing that national leaders are determined by the people, not by the elite group. The new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been sworn in.

Trump stated that the rising oil prices are a small price to pay for security, sparking doubts about his strategic intentions. Comments pointed out that the risk of war in the U.S. is borne by the world, and peace remains distant.

Due to oil production cuts in the Middle East and disrupted transportation, Brent crude oil prices broke through 100 dollars, reaching a new high in more than two years.

The South Korea-U.S. "Freedom Shield" military exercise has started, with the scale remaining the same as last year, but the number of field training sessions has nearly halved. Analysts say this may create conditions for inter-Korean dialogue.

The White House said Trump has not ruled out the possibility of sending troops to Iran, but it is not currently in the action plan. The president continues to assess the outcomes of military operations.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has expanded to the Gulf region, as well as Lebanon and Iraq. At least 1,332 people have been killed since Israel and the United States launched attacks on February 28.

The second son of the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Khamenei, Mojtaba, was nominated as the new leader, continuing the hardline stance, which may further escalate tensions in the Middle East.

The U.S. Interior Secretary confirmed that $100 million worth of gold has been transported to the United States from Venezuela, and will be used for industrial and commercial purposes.

Experts point out that the current rise in oil prices is mainly due to concerns about the situation in the Middle East, rather than actual changes in supply and demand. The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has led to a continuous increase

Trump was shocked by Israel's attack on 30 Iranian oil warehouses, believing the move could drive up oil prices and trigger a major rift with allies.