FRANK26…3-12-26…..BANK STORIES

KTFA

Thursday Night Video

FRANK26…3-12-26…..BANK STORIES

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie and Omar in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98kVKl7sg1A

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Friday Morning 3-13-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

$14 Billion Taiwan Arms Deal Awaits U.S. Approval as Washington Balances China Diplomacy

Proposed record-breaking weapons package highlights intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China.

Overview

A major U.S. weapons package for Taiwan worth approximately $14 billion is awaiting final approval from Donald Trump and could be announced after his upcoming diplomatic visit to China.  

If approved, the deal would represent the largest U.S. arms sale ever to Taiwan, significantly strengthening the island’s missile defense capabilities as tensions with China continue to rise.

The timing of the potential announcement is sensitive. Trump is scheduled to travel to Beijing from March 31 to April 2 for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where trade negotiations and regional security issues are expected to dominate discussions.

Officials have reportedly delayed announcing the package until after the visit in order to avoid escalating tensions ahead of the summit while maintaining U.S. commitments to Taiwan’s defense.

Key Developments

1. Largest U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan Under Consideration

The proposed package is valued at approximately $14 billion and is currently awaiting final presidential approval.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, most of the approval process has already been completed, meaning the deal could be announced shortly after Trump signs off.

The arms sale would represent the largest defense package ever provided to Taiwan, underscoring Washington’s continued commitment to helping the island maintain a credible defense posture.

The potential sale comes as China continues to increase military pressure around Taiwan through air patrols, naval operations, and large-scale military exercises.

2. Advanced Air Defense Systems Form the Core of the Package

The weapons package is expected to focus primarily on advanced missile defense systems designed to protect Taiwan from aerial and missile attacks.

Key components reportedly include interceptor missiles from the Patriot PAC-3 system developed by Raytheon Technologies as well as the NASAMS air defense system produced by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Both systems are designed to detect, track, and intercept incoming missiles or aircraft, making them critical elements in Taiwan’s layered defense strategy.

Officials also indicated that an additional $6 billion defense package focused on asymmetric warfare capabilities is awaiting approval and could be announced either alongside the larger deal or shortly afterward.

3. U.S. Law Requires Support for Taiwan’s Defense

U.S. policy toward Taiwan is shaped by the Taiwan Relations Act, which obligates Washington to provide the island with the means to defend itself against potential aggression.

Successive U.S. administrations from both political parties have approved arms sales to Taiwan as part of this commitment.

Since returning to office, Trump has already authorized more weapons sales to Taiwan than were approved during the previous administration’s four-year term.

In December, Washington approved an $11 billion arms package that included missiles, drones, artillery systems, and aircraft components.

Taiwan’s parliament has already authorized contracts for several systems within that earlier package in order to accelerate procurement timelines.

4. China Strongly Opposes U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan

China has consistently condemned U.S. weapons transfers to Taiwan, which Beijing considers interference in its internal affairs.

In response to reports of the new package, China’s foreign ministry reiterated that its opposition to arms sales to Taiwan remains “consistent and unequivocal.”

Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory and has warned that external military support for the island could escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Historically, U.S. administrations have often timed arms sale announcements carefully around diplomatic engagements with Beijing to avoid unnecessary escalation during sensitive negotiations.

Why It Matters

The proposed arms package highlights the growing strategic competition between the United States and China, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan sits at the center of this rivalry due to its geographic position, advanced semiconductor industry, and strategic location along major maritime trade routes.

Strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities is viewed by many analysts as a key component of regional deterrence strategy.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan can influence global markets, trade routes, and financial stability.

The Taiwan Strait is a critical corridor for global shipping and technology supply chains, particularly for semiconductor production.

Escalating tensions in the region could trigger:

• Market volatility across global financial markets• Disruptions in semiconductor supply chains• Shifts in capital flows toward safe-haven assets

These developments can influence currency markets, commodity prices, and global investment trends.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Strategic Rivalry Between Major Powers

• Rising military competition between the United States and China is reshaping global geopolitical alliances and security priorities.

• Defense cooperation and arms transfers are becoming central tools of strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Pillar 2: Security of Global Technology and Trade Networks

• Taiwan plays a critical role in global semiconductor production and technology supply chains.

• Stability in the Taiwan Strait is therefore essential to the functioning of the global economy and modern digital infrastructure.

The pending $14 billion arms package highlights how military security, technological dominance, and economic stability are becoming increasingly interconnected in the evolving global order.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — “$14B Taiwan Arms Deal Awaits Trump’s Approval”

• Reuters — “U.S. Considers Record Arms Package for Taiwan Amid Rising China Tensions”

~~~~~~~~~~

Japan Moves Toward U.S. “Golden Dome” Missile Shield: Defense Alliance Expansion Signals Global Strategic Shift

Tokyo’s potential entry into a new U.S. missile defense network reflects deepening military cooperation and growing geopolitical tension in the Indo-Pacific.

Overview

Japan is preparing to inform the United States that it intends to participate in the “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative proposed by Donald Trump, according to reports citing officials familiar with the discussions.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to formally signal Tokyo’s interest during a leaders’ summit in Washington scheduled for March 19.

The proposed defense system comes as conflicts in Europe and the Middle East are placing unprecedented strain on U.S. missile inventories, prompting Washington to strengthen defense partnerships and joint production capabilities with allies.

Japan’s potential involvement marks another step in the transformation of global defense cooperation, particularly in response to rising military competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Developments

1. Japan Signals Intent to Join the “Golden Dome” Defense Network

The Golden Dome initiative is designed to expand U.S. missile defense capabilities through a multilayered system combining ground-based interceptors, advanced sensors, and experimental space-based technologies.

The program aims to create a more comprehensive missile shield capable of detecting, tracking, and potentially intercepting incoming threats from multiple domains, including space.

Although the initiative was unveiled last year, details about how allied nations would participate remain limited, making Japan’s potential involvement one of the first concrete steps toward building the broader network.

Tokyo’s participation would likely involve technical cooperation, sensor integration, and potentially missile production support.

2. Hypersonic Weapons Driving Japan’s Defense Strategy

Japan views the project as a way to strengthen its defenses against next-generation missile threats, particularly hypersonic glide weapons being developed by China and Russia.

Hypersonic weapons travel at extreme speeds and follow unpredictable flight paths, making them far more difficult for conventional missile defense systems to intercept.

As a result, Tokyo has increasingly prioritized advanced missile defense capabilities amid growing regional tensions involving:

• China

• North Korea

• Russia

Participation in the Golden Dome initiative could help Japan integrate more advanced detection and interception technologies into its national defense architecture.

3. U.S. May Request Japanese Missile Production Support

Another major component of the discussions involves potential missile production cooperation between the United States and Japan.

U.S. military stockpiles have been heavily strained by ongoing conflicts, including support for Ukraine and the current war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Washington may therefore request that Tokyo assist with producing or co-developing additional missile systems, helping replenish depleted inventories.

Such cooperation would represent a deeper integration of defense manufacturing between the two allies, potentially expanding Japan’s role in global defense supply chains.

4. Japan Already Shifting Away From Traditional Defense Limits

Japan has already begun loosening its long-standing restrictions on exporting weapons.

Last year, Tokyo transferred Patriot interceptor missiles produced in Japan to the United States under license, marking a historic shift in the country’s defense export policy.

The Patriot missile system—developed by Raytheon Technologies—has been widely used in recent conflicts to intercept missiles and drones.

Ukraine has relied heavily on the system to protect energy infrastructure from Russian attacks, while similar interceptors have been used to defend Gulf states against Iranian missile strikes.

Japan’s willingness to export these interceptors highlights a broader shift toward greater military cooperation with Western allies.

Why It Matters

Japan’s potential participation in the Golden Dome initiative signals a significant expansion of global missile defense networks.

The move reflects growing concern among U.S. allies about advanced missile technologies, rising geopolitical tensions, and the increasing complexity of modern warfare.

It also demonstrates how defense cooperation is evolving beyond simple alliances toward integrated security and industrial networks.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Large defense initiatives often drive significant government spending and industrial investment, influencing global financial markets.

Expanded defense cooperation between the United States and Japan could lead to:

• Increased military technology investment• Expanded defense manufacturing supply chains• Greater cross-border industrial partnerships

These shifts can influence capital flows, government budgets, and long-term economic priorities across major economies.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Expansion of Strategic Defense Alliances

• Global security challenges are driving deeper military integration among allied nations.

• Missile defense cooperation is becoming a central component of modern geopolitical alliances.

• Pillar 2: Defense Manufacturing and Economic Realignment

• Growing missile defense initiatives could reshape defense supply chains and industrial cooperation between major economies.

• Countries participating in these systems may see significant growth in defense technology sectors and strategic industries.

Japan’s potential entry into the Golden Dome initiative highlights a broader transformation in global security architecture, where technological defense networks increasingly shape international alliances.

In an era of rising geopolitical competition, military partnerships are becoming deeply intertwined with economic and technological power.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — “Japan Eyes Role in Trump Missile Shield”

• Reuters — “Japan Plans to Join U.S. Golden Dome Missile Defense Initiative”

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.
You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:    • No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:
• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence
• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.    Verify everything.
Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Friday Morning 3-13-26

Oil Prices Climb Despite US Move To Ease Supply Concerns

2026-03-13    Shafaq News   Oil prices headed for ​weekly gains as of Friday, despite the U.S. trying to ease supply concerns by issuing a ‌30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea.

Brent futures for May rose 10 cents, or 0.1%, to $100.56 a barrel by 0400 GMT, heading for about a 9% weekly increase. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April was down 16 cents, or 0.2% ​at $95.57 a barrel, though also poised for a 7% uptick for the week.

The license was issued in what ​Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said was a step to stabilise global energy markets roiled by ⁠the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, but analysts said this has failed to resolve wider supply constraints.

"ICE Brent futures have already breached $100​per barrel and are still supported today, despite moves to calm the markets with the Russian oil waiver and the ​unprecedented release of emergency stockpiles," said Emril Jamil, senior analyst at LSEG.

"The market sees this as a short-term solution that does not address the crux of the supply disruption. The crude intermonth spreads for future months indicate an unresolved and continued tightness in supply," Jamil said.

Brent is ​more supported than WTI as Europe is more susceptible to energy security issues, while the U.S. is able to stave ​off its exposure due to its domestic output, Jamil said.

Yang An, analyst at Haitong Futures, said: "Issuing the license has eased market concerns, ‌but it ⁠won't resolve the most fundamental issue. The most important thing is the restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

The announcement on Russian oil came a day after the U.S. Energy Department said the U.S. would release 172 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help curb skyrocketing oil prices.

That plan was coordinated with the International Energy Agency, which ​has agreed to release a ​record 400 million barrels of oil ⁠from strategic stockpiles, including the U.S. contribution.

Fleeting relief sparked by the IEA release, however, was shattered by a re-escalation of Middle East risks, IG analyst Tony Sycamore said in a ​note.

Both benchmark prices surged more than 9% on Thursday and hit their highest levels since ​August 2022.

Iran's new ⁠supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran would fight on and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut as leverage against the United States and Israel.

Two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters were struck by explosive-laden Iranian boats, Iraqi security officials said on Thursday. An Iraqi official ⁠told state ​media that the country's oil ports have completely stopped operations.

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury ​Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News in an interview that the U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz ​when it is militarily possible.

(Reuters)   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-prices-climb-despite-US-move-to-ease-supply-concerns

Gold Set For Second Weekly Drop As Oil Surge Dims Rate-Cut Hopes

2026-03-13   Shafaq News   Gold prices were on track for a second consecutive weekly drop, despite edging ‌up on Friday, as surging energy prices due to the Middle East war dimmed prospects for near-term U.S. interest rate cuts.

Spot gold was up 0.3% at $5,095.55 per ounce, as of 0633 GMT on Friday. U.S. gold futures for April​delivery fell 0.1% to $5,100.20.

The U.S. 10‑year Treasury yields eased, increasing the appeal of the non-yielding ​bullion.

Bullion, however, has lost more than 1% so far this week. Since the ⁠war started on February 28, it has dropped over 3% so far.

Fears of inflation and questions ​about the Federal Reserve's ability to cut interest rates if high oil prices persist are somewhat​counteracting gold's appeal, said Tim Waterer, KCM Trade chief market analyst.

"Given the ongoing uncertainty about the duration and scope of the conflict in the Middle East, I expect gold to remain on the radar for investors as a ​safety play."

Heightening geopolitical tensions, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday that Tehran will keep ​the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed as leverage against the U.S. and Israel, which has stoked concerns about global ‌energy supply ⁠and risk assets.

Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel, as attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf and warnings from Iran shattered prospects of quick de-escalation in the Middle East conflict.

As oil prices surged, U.S. President Donald Trump again demanded Fed Chair Jerome Powell cut interest rates.

Traders, however, expect the Fed ​to keep rates steady ​in the current 3.5%-3.75% ⁠range at the end of its two-day meeting on March 18, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool.

While recent inflation data suggest price growth is under control, ​the war and the resulting spike in crude prices have yet to ​filter through ⁠the data.

Investors are awaiting the release of the delayed January Personal Consumption Expenditures Index, expected on Friday.

Gold discounts in India widened this week to their deepest point in nearly a decade as demand stayed subdued ⁠and some ​traders steered clear of paying import duties, while the escalating ​Middle East war boosted safe-haven demand in China.

Spot silver was down 1% at $82.91 per ounce. Spot platinum lost 1% to $2,111.45 ​and palladium fell 1% to $1,603.

(Reuters)   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-set-for-second-weekly-drop-as-oil-surge-dims-rate-cut-hopes

Kirkuk Crude Exports To Turkiye Restart Via Kurdistan Route

2026-03-13     Shafaq News- Kirkuk    Oil exports from Kirkuk fields to Turkiye’s Mediterranean port of Ceyhan resumed on Friday through the Kurdistan Region’s pipeline network after a four-day halt, a source at Iraq’s state-run North Oil Company told Shafaq News.

The source described the restart as gradual, with initial export volumes estimated at about 100,000 barrels per day, expected to rise in the coming days as pumping operations stabilize.

Technical teams at the company monitored the export system during the suspension and coordinated with authorities in the Kurdistan Region, helping restore flows after the temporary stoppage.

Earlier this week, an oil-sector source told our agency that exports from fields in the Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk through the Iraq–Turkiye pipeline had been temporarily suspended after several companies operating in the Region halted production, reducing the crude available for export.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Kirkuk-crude-exports-to-Turkiye-restart-via-Kurdistan-route

Read more: Hormuz lockdown: Iraq’s economic lifeline under threat

The Dollar Is Rising Amid A Lack Of Signs That The War With Iran Is Ending.

Money and Business   Economy News - Follow-up   The dollar rose to its highest level in more than three months on Friday and is on track for its second weekly gain since the start of the war in Iran, as traders shied away from risk and turned to the US currency as a safe haven.

The euro fell to its lowest level since November, while Japan indicated it was prepared to take measures to hedge against the decline of the yen, which reached its lowest level in 20 months.

Amid rising oil prices, the United States allowed the sale of some Russian petroleum products that had been subject to sanctions due to Moscow's military actions in Ukraine. Iran escalated its attacks on oil and transportation facilities in various parts of the Middle East, with the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowing to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed.

 Gavin Friend, senior market analyst at National Australia Bank in London, said in a podcast: "Right now, the market has a new focus. It's not diversification, it's inflation, low growth... It's a combination, a toxic combination, of high inflation and low growth that will occur the longer this crisis lasts."

The dollar index, which measures the performance of the US currency against a basket of major currencies, hit its highest level since November 26, partly due to its appeal as a safe haven, but also because the United States is a net exporter of energy.

The index rose 0.16% to 99.83, on track for a 1% gain this week. The euro fell 0.08% to $1.1501, a level not seen since November 21.

The yen fell to 159.69 against the dollar, its weakest level since July 2024. The pound sterling lost 0.08% to $1.333.

The United States and Israel began airstrikes on Iran about two weeks ago that killed the country’s supreme leader, prompting Tehran to launch attacks that have widened the conflict and halted almost all shipping from the Gulf.

The Financial Times, citing sources, reported that the Trump administration had consumed enough vital munitions to last for years since the start of the war with Iran. Meanwhile, in western Iraq, the United States is conducting rescue efforts following the crash of a military refueling aircraft.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday approved the release of 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, an unprecedented level. The United States on Thursday issued a 30-day waiver allowing countries to purchase Russian petroleum products currently stranded at sea.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said today that Japan is prepared to take any necessary steps against yen movements that affect people's lives, adding that she is in close contact with US authorities regarding foreign currencies.

When the yen fell to a critical level of 160 yen to the dollar in January, the United States conducted so-called "exchange rate checks" that often foreshadow intervention, which helped the Japanese currency to rise.

Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG Markets, said that Japan, as a major energy importer, is facing a double whammy from the Middle East crisis due to rising energy costs and the yen's declining appeal as a safe haven.

Traders are also focusing on central bank meetings next week in the United States, Europe and Japan to assess how policymakers will react to the possibility of a crisis due to energy prices.

The movement in the swap market indicates that traders expect the European Central Bank to raise interest rates, possibly in June, while the Federal Reserve may keep them unchanged until December before taking the step of cutting them, after previous expectations pointed to July.

The Australian dollar fell 0.18% against the US dollar to $0.7061. The New Zealand dollar declined 0.44% to $0.5828.

As for cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin rose 1.90% to $71,527.50, and Ether jumped 2.23% to $2,109.03.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=66692

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-Iran-Iraq, MoF, Maliki Out, Pres/PM & REER-PM

MilitiaMan and Crew: IQD News Update-Iran-Iraq, MoF, Maliki Out, Pres/PM & REER-PM

3-12-2026

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axVehGIcDvQ

FRANK26…3-12-26…CF (Coordination Framework)

KTFA

Thursday Night Video

FRANK26…3-12-26…CF (Coordination Framework)

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie and Omar in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haGV5QHudTc

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Evening 3-12-26

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

Jet Fuel Price Shock Ripples Through Global Aviation Markets

Refining margin surge exposes hidden vulnerabilities in airline fuel strategies as geopolitical conflict drives energy market distortions.

Overview

The aviation industry is facing a major cost shock as jet fuel prices surge dramatically following the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

While crude oil prices have risen roughly one-third since the outbreak of the crisis, jet fuel prices have doubled, creating a widening gap between crude costs and refined fuel prices.

This unexpected divergence has exposed a structural weakness in airline fuel hedging strategies, many of which are tied to crude oil benchmarks rather than the refined jet fuel airlines actually consume.

The result is mounting financial pressure across the global airline industry, forcing carriers to implement fare increases, fuel surcharges, and potential capacity reductions to offset rapidly rising costs.

Key Developments

1. Jet Fuel Prices Surge Far Beyond Crude Oil

Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, jet fuel prices have risen dramatically faster than crude oil prices, creating a major challenge for airlines attempting to manage fuel risk.

Refining margins—the difference between the cost of crude oil and the price of refined fuels—have widened sharply.

In Asian markets, jet fuel was already trading about $21 per barrel above crude oil before the crisis. After the conflict escalated, refining margins surged to as high as $144 per barrel before settling near $65 per barrel, still far above historical norms.

This divergence means that even airlines that hedged crude oil prices remain exposed to higher jet fuel costs, since many hedging contracts track crude benchmarks rather than refined fuel prices.

2. Airline Hedging Strategies Exposed

Fuel hedging is a common strategy used by airlines to protect against volatile energy prices.

Carriers typically use derivatives such as swaps or options linked to crude oil benchmarks like Brent to lock in fuel costs months or even years in advance.

However, the current crisis has revealed the limitations of that approach.

When refining margins spike dramatically, crude-based hedges provide only partial protection.

Rebecca Sharpe, chief financial officer of Cathay Pacific, acknowledged that while the airline hedges crude oil prices, those contracts cannot fully offset sudden spikes in jet fuel refining spreads.

The market for jet-fuel-specific hedging contracts remains relatively small and expensive, limiting the ability of airlines to secure full protection during extreme market conditions.

3. Airlines Face Diverging Financial Impacts

The crisis is revealing sharp differences in how airlines manage fuel risk.

Some major airlines—particularly in the United States and China—do not hedge fuel costs at all, leaving them fully exposed to rising energy prices.

European airlines typically hedge more aggressively, though they are still experiencing profit pressure from unusually high refining margins.

Analysts estimate that Wizz Air could see operating profit fall by as much as 31 percent if jet fuel prices rise another 10 percent.

Other major airline groups including Air France‑KLM, Lufthansa Group, International Airlines Group, and Ryanair could face profit impacts ranging from 3 percent to 10 percent.

Meanwhile, airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia have stronger hedging protections tied more directly to refined fuel prices.

Even so, most carriers are already raising ticket prices to offset the escalating fuel costs.

4. Global Energy Markets Affect Airlines Everywhere

The crisis highlights how globalized aviation economics have become.

Airlines that do not operate routes near the Middle East are still facing rising costs because jet fuel prices are determined by global energy markets.

Carriers such as Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand are being affected despite operating primarily in the Pacific region.

This underscores how geopolitical energy shocks can rapidly cascade through international transportation networks, affecting airlines and passengers worldwide.

Why It Matters

Air travel is one of the most fuel-intensive sectors of the global economy, making airlines highly sensitive to energy price volatility.

Sharp increases in jet fuel costs can trigger:

• Higher airline ticket prices
• Reduced flight capacity
• Lower airline profitability
• Slower travel and tourism growth

Because aviation plays a key role in global trade, tourism, and supply chains, disruptions in airline economics can ripple across broader economic sectors.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Energy price shocks often produce secondary inflation effects across transportation and logistics sectors.

When aviation fuel costs rise dramatically:

• Air freight and logistics prices increase
• Tourism revenues fluctuate between regions
• Trade costs rise for international supply chains

These changes can influence currency flows between energy-exporting and energy-importing nations, potentially affecting exchange rate dynamics.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Energy Market Volatility and Global Inflation

• Energy price shocks frequently trigger broader economic disruptions.

• Rising transportation costs can amplify inflation across multiple industries, forcing central banks to adjust monetary policy.

• Pillar 2: Structural Stress in Global Supply Chains

• Aviation is a critical component of international trade and logistics networks.

• Sustained increases in jet fuel costs could reshape airline routes, trade flows, and global travel demand.

Together, these pressures highlight how energy market disruptions can cascade into financial, transportation, and trade systems simultaneously.

The jet fuel shock illustrates a broader reality: geopolitical energy conflicts increasingly ripple through every layer of the global economy.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — “Jet Fuel Shock Grounds Airline Hedging Strategies”

• Reuters — “Airlines Face Rising Costs as Jet Fuel Prices Outpace Crude Oil”

~~~~~~~~~~

U.S.–Cuba Backchannel Diplomacy? Reports of Quiet Talks Signal Possible Shift in Western Hemisphere Strategy

Speculation over secret negotiations between Washington and figures tied to Cuba’s ruling elite raises new questions about geopolitical realignment in the Americas.

Overview

Reports emerging today suggest the United States may be exploring quiet diplomatic channels with individuals connected to Cuba’s powerful Castro family, potentially signaling a shift in Washington’s long-standing policy toward Havana.

While Donald Trump has stated publicly that discussions are taking place with high-level Cuban representatives, the Cuban government maintains no official negotiations are currently underway.

Despite the denial, U.S. media reports indicate that American officials may have held back-channel meetings with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of longtime Cuban leader Raúl Castro.

The reports come during a period of economic crisis in Cuba and shifting geopolitical dynamics in Latin America, raising questions about whether a new diplomatic opening could be developing between the two nations.

Key Developments

1. Reports Suggest Quiet U.S. Contacts With Castro Family Insider

According to reports cited by multiple outlets, U.S. officials may have engaged in informal discussions with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, a figure closely connected to Cuba’s ruling political and military elite.

Rodriguez Castro reportedly served as a bodyguard and trusted aide to his grandfather Raúl Castro and is believed to hold the rank of lieutenant colonel within Cuban military structures.

Although he maintains a very low public profile, his close ties to the Castro family place him within one of the most influential networks inside the Cuban political system.

Observers say such contacts could allow Washington to explore diplomatic possibilities without formal negotiations with the Cuban government.

2. Economic Crisis in Cuba Increasing Pressure for Policy Change

The speculation over talks comes as Cuba faces one of its worst economic crises in decades, with shortages, declining tourism revenue, and structural economic challenges placing pressure on the island’s leadership.

The Cuban government has denied that negotiations are underway with Washington, but analysts note that economic hardship historically increases incentives for diplomatic engagement.

Even after stepping down from the presidency in 2018 and from party leadership in 2021, Raúl Castro remains a powerful figure within Cuba’s political structure, maintaining influence over major decisions within the ruling Communist Party of Cuba.

Anyone within his inner circle could therefore serve as an important informal conduit for negotiations.

3. Castro Family Networks Continue to Shape Cuban Diplomacy

Rodriguez Castro is not the first member of the Castro family to play a role in discreet diplomacy.

His uncle, Alejandro Castro Espín, reportedly served as a key intermediary in secret negotiations with the United States during the presidency of Barack Obama.

Those talks ultimately led to the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba in 2014, marking one of the most significant diplomatic shifts in decades.

The possible use of family intermediaries again highlights how Cuban political negotiations often operate through trusted personal networks rather than formal diplomatic channels.

Why It Matters

Any movement toward renewed dialogue between the United States and Cuba would carry significant geopolitical implications across the Western Hemisphere.

Cuba has long been a symbolic and strategic focal point in U.S.–Latin American relations, and changes in that relationship could influence:

• Regional trade dynamics
• Sanctions policy across Latin America
• Energy and economic cooperation in the Caribbean

Diplomatic shifts involving Cuba can also signal broader strategic adjustments in U.S. foreign policy toward the region.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Changes in U.S.–Cuba relations can affect regional economic integration and investment flows across Latin America and the Caribbean.

If tensions ease, potential outcomes could include:

• Expanded trade channels in the Caribbean region
• Increased foreign investment opportunities in Cuban sectors such as tourism and infrastructure
• Greater financial connectivity between Caribbean economies and global markets

Such developments could gradually reshape regional currency flows and cross-border financial activity.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Geopolitical Realignment in the Western Hemisphere

• Diplomatic shifts between Washington and Havana could signal a broader recalibration of alliances and economic relationships in the Americas.

• Changes in sanctions or trade policies could reopen economic corridors that have been largely closed for decades.

• Pillar 2: Strategic Use of Informal Diplomacy

• Back-channel negotiations highlight how informal networks often play a key role in major geopolitical transitions.

• Quiet diplomatic engagement frequently precedes formal policy shifts that later reshape international economic relationships.

If discussions eventually evolve into official negotiations, the development could represent one of the most significant geopolitical changes in the Western Hemisphere in years.

Even decades after the Cold War, the Castro family remains deeply intertwined with the political and economic structures that define Cuba’s relationship with the United States.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — “Trump Signals Cuba Talks But Who Is Washington Really Engaging?”

• Reuters — “U.S. Signals Possible Diplomatic Contacts With Cuban Leadership Circles”

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Evening 3-12-26

EXCLUSIVE: Al-Maliki Ties PM Bid Withdrawal To Blocking Al-Sudani Renewal

2026-03-12 / 04:31   Shafaq News- Baghdad   State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki has set conditions for withdrawing his bid for prime minister, a source within the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) revealed on Thursday, as Asaib Ahl al-Haq called for renewing the mandate of caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The source told Shafaq News that al-Maliki relayed his position through a mediator tasked with easing the intra-Shiite dispute over the premiership within the CF, the largest parliamentary bloc.

According to the source, the former Iraqi prime minister Maliki conditioned withdrawing his nomination on not renewing al-Sudani’s mandate and not selecting former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, leader of the Al-Nasr (Victory) Coalition, as a compromise candidate. Instead, he proposed naming “a figure acceptable to all parties,” including himself.

 The source added that the message had reached factions opposing al-Maliki’s candidacy and that discussions had begun among CF leaders through internal meetings and contacts. The alliance may reveal its position after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, due in about a week.

 Meanwhile, Mohammed al-Baldaoui, a lawmaker from the Sadiqoon bloc representing Asaib Ahl al-Haq within the Coordination Framework, told Shafaq News that the alliance must move quickly to resolve the leadership dispute. “The CF leadership should have a clear vision to find solutions, starting with forming a government capable of leading the country during this phase,” he said, arguing that renewing confidence in al-Sudani would help spare the country new internal conflicts and possible sanctions.

 Asaib Ahl al-Haq, he added, would ultimately support whatever decision the Framework leaders agree upon, noting that the alliance is expected to hold a meeting in the coming days to decide the government formation file.

 The Coordination Framework formally nominated al-Maliki on January 24, opening negotiations to form a new government. The process stalled amid disputes over electing a president —an essential constitutional step that precedes tasking the largest parliamentary bloc’s candidate with forming a cabinet. 

l-Maliki’s nomination has faced opposition from some Sunni parties and factions within the Shiite camp itself and drew criticism from Washington, where US President Donald Trump previously warned that the United States could halt assistance to Iraq if al-Maliki returned to the premiership.

 Earlier this week, a source told our agency that most factions within the CF favored renewing al-Sudani’s mandate, but al-Maliki’s insistence on his candidacy and objections from some Shiite figures caused a planned Framework meeting to collapse.   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/EXCLUSIVE-Al-Maliki-ties-PM-bid-withdrawal-to-blocking-Al-Sudani-renewal

Read more: Iraq PM race stuck between largest bloc dispute and US pressure 

PM Al-Sudani Monitors Situation After Deadly Attacks On PMF Positions

2026-03-12 Baghdad- Shafaq News   Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is monitoring the situation after attacks targeted positions of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), killing several members of Iraq’s security forces, military spokesman Sabah Al-Numan said on Thursday.

 Al-Numan said the strikes killed several members of the security forces while they were on duty within their assigned areas of responsibility, warning that such actions seek to create instability and undermine Iraq’s security gains.

 “We will not allow Iraq to become a battleground for settling scores or a stage for violating national dignity.”

 Over the past two weeks, PMF facilities in several Iraqi provinces have come under a series of air and drone strikes, including in al-Anbar, Kirkuk, Babil, and Wasit. Jurf al-Sakhr in Babil province recorded the highest number of strikes during the recent escalation, while the deadliest attack occurred today in al-Anbar province, where airstrikes hit three sites belonging to the PMF’s 19th Brigade (Ansar Allah al-Awfiya) in the Akashat area of al-Qaim district near the Syrian border, leaving more than 120 casualties. The targets included the brigade’s medical unit, the second regiment headquarters, and a logistical support facility.

 Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office     Soropnetsd20t2t108g24a65a1965h28t6ul5a5tg1gh1ci29c4a886hc10u ·

 Official Statement   

Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, continues his close monitoring and assessment of the situation following the blatant attacks that targeted the positions of our forces from the units of the Popular Mobilization Forces, which resulted in the martyrdom of a number of our service members while performing their sacred duty within the missions of our security forces of all branches and within their respective areas of responsibility.

This systematic and repeated aggression, and the targeting of sites and headquarters, is not merely a military violation. It represents a desperate attempt to create confusion, undermine societal stability, and weaken the security achievements secured through the blood of Iraqis and the sacrifices of our martyrs.

We affirm that the blood of our service members is a solemn responsibility upon our shoulders, and we will not allow Iraq to become a battleground for settling scores or a stage for violating national dignity.

Mercy and eternal glory to the righteous martyrs of Iraq, and a swift recovery to our wounded heroes.

Sabah Al-Numan   Spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

March 12, 2026  https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/PM-al-Sudani-monitors-situation-after-deadly-attacks-on-PMF-positions

Airstrike On PMF Site In Al-Anbar Kills Over 20

2026-03-12 Shafaq News- Al-Anbar    At least 20 fighters were killed and dozens wounded when unidentified warplanes struck a military site belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) early Thursday in western Iraq’s al-Anbar province, a security source told Shafaq News.

 The airstrike hit a headquarters of the PMF’s 19th Brigade in the Akashat area of al-Qaim district near the Iraqi-Syrian border, a unit affiliated with Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, an Iran-aligned faction operating within the state-sanctioned coalition.

 The source described the casualty figures as preliminary, noting that the toll could rise.

 No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Iraqi authorities have not yet issued an official statement.

 In 2024, the United States designated Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya —part of what is known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq— as a terrorist organization, accusing the group of attacking US troops stationed in Jordan and Syria and launching strikes toward Israel from areas south of Baghdad during the Gaza war.

 Late Wednesday, an attack targeted a PMF headquarters in Kirkuk, killing one person and wounding seven others.

 Read more: Post-Khamenei Iraq: Factional pressure Vs. state sovereignty

US Envoy Urges Shielding Iraq, Kurdistan From Regional War

2026-03-12   Shafaq News- Erbil   US Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack said Iraq and the Kurdistan Region must be protected from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, warning against attacks targeting the Region by “outlaw PMF groups.”

 “The US views Kurdistan as an important ally and partner and will continue coordination with it,” he said during a phone call with Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, stressing that both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq hold strategic importance for Washington, according to a statement by Barzani’s office.

 Barrack also said Washington is prepared to help address outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad amid the region’s current tensions.

 Barzani stated that the Kurdistan Region remains committed to regional stability. “Kurdistan has always been part of the solution and never part of any problem or tension,” he said, adding that the Region supports democracy, coexistence, and dialogue.   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/US-Envoy-urges-shielding-Iraq-Kurdistan-from-regional-war

A US Refueling Plane Crashed In Western Iraq, And A Rescue Operation Has Begun

 latest news  Thursday, March 12, 2026  Baghdad – One News  3/12/2026  The US Central Command announced the loss of a US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft during military operations in Iraqi airspace.

 The command confirmed that the aircraft crashed in western Iraq during ongoing operations related to the war on Iran, noting that its loss was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

For its part, the US military announced the start of a rescue operation after the plane went missing, without yet revealing additional details about the fate of the crew or the circumstances of the accident.

 https://1news-iq.net/سقوط-طائرة-تزويد-بالوقود-أمريكية-غرب-ا/

Iran’s Denial Vs. Proxy Escalation: Iraq Caught Between Diplomacy And Battlefield Reality

2026-03-12 Shafaq News     As the war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other entered its thirteenth day, Iraq has become the clearest example of the contradiction between Iran’s diplomatic messaging and the operational reality of its allied factions: while Tehran’s diplomats insist Iran has not directly targeted Iraqi territory “so far,” waves of drone and missile attacks attributed to Iran-aligned factions continue to strike sites across the country, particularly in the Kurdistan Region.

 The contradiction between diplomatic messaging and battlefield reality has become increasingly visible. Iran’s consul in Basra, Ali Abedi, told Shafaq News earlier that Tehran was exercising restraint and had not targeted US bases in Iraq “so far,” as long as those bases were not used to launch attacks against Iran.

Yet during the same period, the Iran-aligned Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) announced hundreds of operations against American interests and facilities it claims are linked to the US presence in the country.

According to statements issued by the factions, 291 operations were carried out over 12 days targeting US sites in Iraq and the region. The groups also claimed they had killed 13 Americans and wounded dozens more. The US-led coalition, however, said it intercepted many of the attacks and has not announced any confirmed American casualties.

 The scale of the attacks has been most visible in the Kurdistan Region. Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw said the city had faced 176 aerial attacks in just ten days, most of them involving drones or rockets targeting military sites hosting coalition forces, including Harir Air Base and the vicinity of Erbil International Airport. Similar incidents have also been reported near Baghdad airport, where facilities linked to US logistical support are located.

 Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, regions across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have been hit by repeated drone and missile attacks attributed to Iran-aligned factions. According to a tally cited by Reuters, at least 16 people have been killed in Iraq since the escalation began, including a commander from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq who died in an airstrike on his vehicle earlier this month.

 Baghdad Seeks Distance From The War

 Caught between regional escalation and internal security pressures, the Iraqi government has tried to distance the country from the widening conflict. Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Iraq rejects the war targeting Iran and will not allow its territory to be used as a launch point for attacks, while warning that attacks targeting Iraqi territory represent a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and undermine efforts to contain the conflict and restore diplomatic dialogue.

 Pezeshkian praised Iraq’s efforts to maintain regional stability and reaffirmed Iran’s respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, remarks that came even as attacks attributed to Tehran-aligned factions continued across Iraq.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry also condemned incidents targeting diplomatic and consular missions in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region amid the rising tensions, reaffirming the government’s responsibility to protect foreign facilities operating in the country.

 At the same time, Baghdad has begun preparing for a new phase of security threats linked to drone warfare. The government approved the purchase of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) designed to intercept hostile drones after attacks struck several provinces, including Erbil, Babil, and al-Anbar.

 Strategy Of “Expanding The Fire”

 For some analysts, the intensifying attacks inside Iraq reflect a broader Iranian strategy rather than spontaneous factional actions.

 Ahmed al-Yasiri, head of the Arab Australian Center for Strategic Studies, told Shafaq News that the pattern of operations suggests the presence of a coordinated regional approach often described as a strategy of “expanding the fire.”

“Iran’s defensive doctrine relies on what could be described as ‘distraction fronts,’” al-Yasiri said. “These factions operate as pressure tools within a wider regional strategy, similar to how Hezbollah has been activated in Lebanon during periods of escalation.”

According to al-Yasiri, the Iraqi arena represents an important front in that strategy because it hosts American military facilities and economic interests while remaining politically sensitive for Tehran.

“The Iraqi front is a front of pressure against the Americans,” he explained. “These factions are not acting randomly; they are linked to the broader framework set by the Revolutionary Guard and ideologically connected to the concept of Wilayat al-Faqih.”

 However, al-Yasiri warned that the most dangerous aspect of the escalation may not be the attacks on foreign targets, but strikes that affect Iraqi infrastructure, which could be “the worst scenario. Iran still considers Iraq a friendly arena, but factions may exploit the war to impose a new political and security reality on the Iraqi state and society.”

 Read more: US expert: Kurdish forces alone cannot defeat Iran’s IRGC

 Tehran’s Perspective

 A different interpretation comes from observers closer to Tehran’s political thinking.

 Saleh al-Qazwini, a writer and researcher specializing in Iranian affairs, said Iran generally views attacks on US bases and interests as a legitimate response to what it considers hostile activities in the region.

 “Iran sees the presence of American bases as harmful to the countries that host them,” al-Qazwini told Shafaq News. “From Tehran’s perspective, these bases function as centers of intelligence activity and political influence aimed at destabilizing the region.”

 He argued that US diplomatic and military institutions in Iraq play a role in shaping Iraqi decision-making and security dynamics.

 “The United States does not spend billions of dollars in the region without objectives,” he said. “Therefore, targeting these interests is seen by Iran as contributing to regional security.”

 Why Kurdistan Became The Primary Arena

 The contradiction between Iran’s diplomatic posture and the operational activity of its allied factions is most visible in the Kurdistan Region, which has become the primary arena for drone and missile attacks.

 Iranian affairs expert Mahdi Azizi told Shafaq News that the entry of Iraqi factions into the confrontation happened gradually before reaching its current intensity.

 “The coordination within what is known as the Axis of Resistance under the principle of ‘unity of arenas’ has reached advanced stages,” Azizi said. He noted that despite political assurances from Kurdish leaders, Tehran still perceives the Kurdistan Region as a potential security threat.

“In Iran’s strategic perception, Iraqi Kurdistan remains sensitive because of what it believes is the presence of foreign intelligence networks and Kurdish opposition groups [such as Komala, PJAK, and KDPI],” he explained.

 Reports by CNN indicated that the United States, through the Central Intelligence Agency, has explored plans to arm Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in an effort to spark unrest inside Iran and potentially support ground operations in western parts of the country.

The armed Iranian Kurdish groups, whose fighters are largely stationed along the Iraq–Iran border inside the Kurdistan Region, are estimated to number between 5,000 and 6,000 combatants. Several of these factions have issued statements since the start of the war suggesting possible movements against Iranian forces.

Kurdish officials in Iraq, however, have downplayed such scenarios. In an interview with Fox News, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Bafel Talabani denied reports that Iranian Kurdish fighters had crossed into Iran from Iraqi territory, warning that external involvement in Iran’s internal conflict could provoke nationalist backlash and ultimately strengthen support for the Iranian state rather than weaken it.

 Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani said the region is not part of the war and remains committed to stability and dialogue.

 Despite those assurances, Erbil has increasingly become the main arena for drone and missile activity linked to the wider regional escalation.

 Iran’s Dual Strategy in Iraq

 For Iraqi politician Mithal al-Alusi, the contradiction between Iranian diplomatic statements and factional actions reflects a deeper structural reality within Iran’s political system.

 “The Iranian regime has two faces,” al-Alusi told Shafaq News. “One is the government and foreign ministry, which present a diplomatic image to the world. The other is the real power structure represented by the Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guard, which manages the files of militias and the export of the revolution.”

 According to al-Alusi, Iran has built extensive political and security influence in Iraq, allowing it to use the American presence as a bargaining tool in regional politics. He described attacks on the Kurdistan Region and economic and military facilities as part of a broader attempt to entrench Iranian leverage within Iraq’s political system while pressuring Washington.

A Fragile Balance

 The growing wave of drone and missile attacks illustrates how Iraq has become one of the most active arenas in the broader confrontation between Iran and its adversaries. Tehran’s official rhetoric emphasizes restraint and respect for Iraqi sovereignty; however, the operational landscape inside the country tells a more complicated story shaped by armed factions, strategic rivalries, and regional power competition.

 The war continues, and Iraq also continues to face a difficult balancing act: preserving its sovereignty and internal stability while navigating a regional conflict in which key actors inside its borders are deeply connected to the wider geopolitical struggle.

 Read more: Caught between war and neutrality: Kurdistan navigates escalating US-Iran confrontation

 Written and edited by Shafaq News staff.

 https://www.shafaq.com/en/Report/Iran-s-denial-vs-proxy-escalation-Iraq-caught-between-diplomacy-and-battlefield-reality

Special Report for IQD Investors, the Truth is Coming out

Special Report for IQD Investors, the Truth is Coming out

Edu Matrix:  3-12-2025

The Middle East, a region already fraught with geopolitical tensions, has been further complicated by ongoing conflicts and their far-reaching impacts on both traditional currency markets and the burgeoning world of cryptocurrency.

In a recent special report, we delved into the intricate dynamics at play, shedding light on the relative stability and vulnerabilities of regional currencies amidst the chaos, and the unexpected twists in the cryptocurrency market.

At the heart of the issue is the effect of war and sanctions on national currencies. Iran’s currency, for instance, is on the brink of collapse, a stark illustration of the devastating economic consequences of prolonged conflict and international sanctions.

Iraq, heavily reliant on oil exports, finds itself in a fragile position, vulnerable to any disruptions in the oil sector. Conversely, Gulf currencies that are pegged to the US dollar have shown a surprising level of stability, a testament to the economic strategies employed by these nations.

One of the key takeaways from our analysis is that, contrary to expectations, the Middle East conflict has not led to the widespread disruption in traditional currency markets that many had anticipated.

However, the impact on Iran’s cryptocurrency ecosystem has been severe. The country’s significant investment in state-backed Bitcoin mining and crypto trading networks, used as a means to circumvent international sanctions, has resulted in a multibillion-dollar shadow economy.

Military strikes affecting power grids and internet access have disrupted this ecosystem, leading to a sharp drop in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices and causing substantial losses for American crypto investors.

The situation in Iraq underscores the urgent need for economic diversification beyond oil. The country’s slow but necessary efforts towards this goal, such as the development road project, are steps in the right direction.

It’s theorized that the regional conflict may be part of a broader strategy to reduce Western influence over natural resources and destabilize Western economies, alongside Israel. In the midst of this turmoil, leadership decisions will be critical in shaping economic outcomes, with figures like President Trump potentially playing a pivotal role in handling the crisis.

The cryptocurrency market, currently characterized by its quiet but unstable nature, warrants close attention. The disruptions in Iran’s crypto infrastructure have not only affected local markets but have also had a ripple effect on global digital asset prices.

While the current situation may seem bleak, with the right insights, the coming rebound could present significant wealth-building opportunities.

Beyond the immediate impacts on currency and cryptocurrency markets, there are emerging topics that are worth exploring.

The role of undersea internet cables, the importance of precious metals in military technology, and innovative plans such as SpaceX’s proposal to power AI data centers via satellites in space are just a few areas that could shape the future of global economics and technology.

As we navigate these complex and changing landscapes, it’s crucial to stay informed and be prepared for the financial shifts ahead. My personal experience, having witnessed the importance of being attentive to global economic trends, reinforces the need for vigilance and strategic planning.

For those looking to dive deeper into this subject, I recommend watching the full video from Edu Matrix, which provides further insights and information on the matters touched upon in this report.

https://youtu.be/aR0YfnYSghk

$40 TRILLION Debt Faces an Oil Shock the Fed Can't Fix

$40 TRILLION Debt Faces an Oil Shock the Fed Can't Fix

Taylor Kenny:  3-12-2026

The last time war in the Middle East collided with a fragile monetary system, Americans paid the price for a decade.

That is why stagflation and gold are back in the conversation today.

With oil volatility surging, inflation still elevated, and economic growth weakening, the warning signs look disturbingly familiar.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 War, Oil, and the Return of Stagflation

01:25 What Is Stagflation?

02:22 The 1970s Crisis Americans Never Forgot

03:18 Why Today’s Dollar Crisis Is More Dangerous

04:13 Three Major Signs the Economy Is Breaking Down

05:35 The Fed Has No Easy Way Out

07:29 How Inflation Destroyed Stocks and Savings

08:27 Why Gold Won in the 1970s

09:15 How to Protect Your Wealth Now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDtdJQeaQ1M

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Afternoon 3-12-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Payment System Fragmentation Accelerates: Digital Currency and Cross-Border Settlement Reforms Gain Urgency

Warnings from global financial regulators highlight growing pressure to modernize the world’s aging payment infrastructure.

Overview

A major warning issued today by global financial regulators has drawn renewed attention to structural weaknesses in the international payment system.

Officials say progress on modernizing cross-border payments remains too slow and inconsistent, raising concerns that the global financial system could become fragmented by competing payment networks, digital currencies, and alternative settlement platforms.

At the same time, several countries and financial blocs are accelerating efforts to build faster, cheaper, and more independent payment systems, potentially reshaping how international trade and currency flows operate.

These developments signal a growing transition away from the legacy financial infrastructure that has dominated global commerce for decades.

Key Developments

1. Global Regulators Warn Cross-Border Payment Reform Is Falling Behind

The chair of the Financial Stability Board, Andrew Bailey, called for urgent international cooperation to overhaul cross-border payment systems.

Bailey warned that despite ongoing efforts by the Group of Twenty, progress on modernizing global payments has been uneven and slower than expected.

Current international payment systems still suffer from:

• High transaction costs
• Slow settlement speeds
• Limited transparency across borders

Global regulators previously set targets to reduce the average cost of international payments to 1 percent by 2027 and ensure that 75 percent of cross-border transactions settle within one hour.

Officials now say those goals may be at risk of being missed, highlighting growing strain in the infrastructure that supports global trade.

2. Rising Stablecoin Use Raises Financial Stability Concerns

At the same time, regulators are increasingly focused on the rapid growth of stablecoins and digital payment alternatives.

These digital assets, typically pegged to national currencies, are being used in some markets as faster and cheaper alternatives to traditional banking rails.

However, financial authorities warn that without coordinated global oversight, stablecoins could undermine monetary sovereignty and introduce new systemic risks into the financial system.

Regulators say the challenge is to modernize payments while maintaining financial stability, a balance that will likely shape future policy decisions.

3. New Digital Payment Networks Are Expanding Internationally

While regulators debate reforms, several countries are already deploying new payment technologies that bypass traditional systems.

Brazil’s central bank–developed Pix instant payment system is now expanding internationally, allowing Brazilian consumers to make purchases abroad through real-time QR code payments that automatically convert currencies.

The cross-border rollout shows how national payment networks are evolving into international settlement platforms, potentially competing with traditional banking channels.

Pix already has over 170 million users and support from nearly 900 financial institutions, demonstrating how quickly digital payment infrastructure can scale.

Why It Matters

The global financial system still relies heavily on decades-old infrastructure for international payments.

These systems were designed in an era when:

• Cross-border transactions were slower and less frequent
• Digital financial technology did not exist
• Global trade volumes were far smaller

Today, the system is struggling to keep pace with instant digital finance, real-time settlement expectations, and rising geopolitical tensions.

As a result, countries and financial blocs are increasingly experimenting with independent payment networks and digital currency systems.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Changes in global payment infrastructure can significantly impact how currencies move through the international financial system.

When new payment networks emerge, they can:

• Reduce reliance on traditional settlement systems
• Increase the use of local currencies in trade
• Shift liquidity flows between financial centers

Digital settlement systems and faster payment networks are already influencing how international trade is financed and settled, particularly among emerging economies.

These changes could gradually reshape global currency dynamics over the coming decade.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Transformation of Global Financial Plumbing

• Cross-border payment systems form the backbone of global trade and finance.

• Modernization efforts signal that the existing infrastructure is reaching the limits of its efficiency and scalability.

• Pillar 2: Emergence of Parallel Financial Networks

• As nations develop independent digital payment systems, the global financial system may evolve into multiple interconnected networks rather than a single dominant structure.

• This shift could gradually reduce reliance on legacy settlement systems and traditional banking channels.

Together, these developments highlight a key reality: the architecture of global finance is being quietly rebuilt beneath the surface.

The transformation may unfold gradually, but the direction is clear — the world is moving toward a faster, more digital, and more decentralized financial system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — “FSB’s Bailey Calls for International Action on Payment Reforms”

• Reuters — “Banco do Brasil Launches Pix Payment Feature in Argentina, Eyes Expansion”
  
  ~~~~~~~~~~

Oil Shock and Payment System Warnings: New Stress Signals Emerging in the Global Financial System

Energy disruption and urgent calls for cross-border payment reform highlight growing strain inside the global financial architecture.

Overview

Two developments today are drawing attention across financial markets and central banking circles.

First, the escalating Middle East conflict has triggered one of the largest oil supply disruptions in modern history, pushing crude prices back above $100 and raising fears of global inflation and stagflation.

At the same time, global regulators are warning that inefficiencies and fragmentation in international payment systems could threaten financial stability, accelerating pressure to modernize cross-border settlement infrastructure.

Together, these developments highlight structural vulnerabilities in the current global monetary system—particularly around energy markets, payments infrastructure, and international liquidity flows.

Key Developments

1. Oil Supply Shock Sends Energy Markets Into Turmoil

The ongoing regional conflict involving Iran has created what analysts describe as the largest supply disruption in oil markets in history, with millions of barrels of daily production affected.

Brent crude prices have surged back above $100 per barrel, with some forecasts warning prices could rise to $160 or higher if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted for several months.

More than 85 oil tankers are reportedly stranded in the Persian Gulf, raising concerns about shipping bottlenecks, environmental risks, and long-term supply interruptions.

The energy shock is already rippling through global markets, triggering:

• Stock market volatility
• Rising transportation and airline costs
• Increasing fuel prices worldwide

Economists warn the situation could produce stagflation — the dangerous combination of rising inflation and slowing economic growth.

Historically, major oil shocks have preceded global financial restructurings and shifts in monetary policy, making energy markets a key indicator of systemic stress.

2. Global Regulators Warn Payment System Reform Is Falling Behind

At a major financial summit, Andrew Bailey, head of the Financial Stability Board, called for urgent international action to modernize cross-border payment systems.

Bailey warned that global progress on payment reforms is inconsistent and falling behind schedule, despite a major initiative led by the Group of Twenty.

Current cross-border payment systems remain plagued by:

• High transaction costs
• Slow settlement times
• Limited transparency

The goal of reducing average global payment costs to 1 percent by 2027 and enabling 75 percent of international payments to settle within one hour is now considered at risk of being missed.

At the same time, regulators are increasingly concerned about the rapid rise of stablecoins and alternative digital payment networks, which are being used in some regions as faster and cheaper alternatives to traditional banking systems.

Officials warn that without coordinated oversight, these systems could challenge monetary sovereignty and destabilize financial markets.

Why It Matters

The combination of energy market instability and payment system reform pressures highlights two structural weaknesses in the current financial architecture.

The global economy still relies heavily on:

• A few key energy transportation chokepoints
• A legacy international payments system built decades ago

When either of these systems experiences stress, the ripple effects can spread rapidly through trade, currency markets, and sovereign debt markets.

Today’s developments suggest both systems are facing simultaneous pressure.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Large global shifts in energy markets and payment infrastructure often coincide with major currency realignments.

Periods of energy-driven inflation historically lead to:

• Central bank policy shifts

• Rising interest rates or delayed rate cuts

• Currency volatility across emerging markets

At the same time, the push to modernize payment systems is accelerating the development of:

• Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)

• regional payment networks

• alternative settlement systems outside traditional Western banking rails

These trends are increasingly shaping the future structure of international trade and currency flows.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Energy as a Monetary Shock Trigger

• Major oil disruptions historically trigger global economic realignments.

• Sustained energy inflation could force central banks worldwide to rethink interest rate policies and liquidity management.

• Pillar 2: Transformation of Global Payment Infrastructure

• Calls for urgent payment reform highlight growing dissatisfaction with the current international financial plumbing.

• The emergence of digital settlement systems and new cross-border payment rails may gradually reshape how global trade is financed and settled.

Together, these forces are creating mounting pressure on the existing financial architecture.

The coming years may see the coexistence of multiple financial networks, payment systems, and reserve strategies, gradually redefining how the global monetary system operates.

This is not simply a geopolitical moment — it is a structural shift in the foundations of global finance.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

1. Reuters — “FSB’s Bailey Calls for International Action on Payment Reforms

• The Guardian — “Middle East War Creating Largest Supply Disruption in Oil Markets”

~~~~~~~~~~

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Why I have doubts about the supposed “next Global Financial Crisis”

Why I have doubts about the supposed “next Global Financial Crisis”

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)   March 11, 2026

It was the early 2000s, and poor Monty was down on his luck.

 An aging, out-of-work game hunter and security guard, Monty had been unemployed for quite some time. Fortunately, he was getting by, but living off the generosity of a family in southern California who had taken him in. Without them Monty would have almost certainly been living on the street.

 But things started to change for Monty on a fateful day when his host family received a letter in the mail from a local bank-- addressed to Monty. They eagerly ripped open the letter to find that the bank had pre-approved old Monty for a substantial line of credit!

They all found this extraordinary… and not just because Monty had no job, no income, no assets (i.e. a classic “NINJA loan” from the early 2000s). What was particularly unique about this case is that Monty was a dog.

 We’ve talked about this a lot over the years-- but in case you’re too young to remember, the early 2000s was a decade in which anyone and everyone was able to borrow money.

 The Federal Reserve had slashed interest rates to zero-- which made borrowing look cheap… even free. And government policy was prompting banks to ignore all common sense and underwrite loans to anyone with a pulse… and occasionally some people without a pulse.

 The stories covered in books like Michael Lewis’s The Big Short are hilarious-- dead people, homeless people, unemployed people, prison inmates, canines and cats… they were wall approved for mortgages despite having no ability to make monthly payments.

 There were so many loans being issued that the US mortgage market quickly ballooned to $11 trillion.  Investment banks packaged up these dubious loans and dressed them up as special investment-grade bonds… and then the big Wall Street ratings agencies (like S&P, Fitch, etc.) slapped the highest quality “AAA” rating on them as if they were risk-free.

 The whole system blew up in 2008, causing multiple financial institutions to collapse-- triggering the Global Financial Crisis.

 The warning signs were there all along. But very few people paid attention.

 My friend and partner Peter Schiff was one of the few voices of reason who accurately predicted this crisis years before it actually happened; Peter used to go on live television and get laughed at by CNBC’s panel of ‘experts’. But in the end, Peter was right… and the whole system blew up.

 It turns out that lending money to broke, unemployed people who cannot pay is a pretty stupid lending policy.

 Now, you may have heard about new trouble emerging in the financial sector. And gee what else is new. Finance guys almost invariably find ways to generate short-term profits while creating long-term risk.

 And the latest brewing financial crisis of the day is the so-called ‘private credit market’.

 Private credit is what it sounds like-- funds and investors (i.e. NOT banks) underwrite private loans to companies. This isn’t particularly controversial; private lending is one of the cornerstones of capitalism.

 And usually these loans are asset-backed-- just like a real estate mortgage-- so the lender has collateral.

 Private lending was initially brought on by the ultra-low interest rates of the pandemic era (when companies could borrow for 3%); and it also ballooned-- estimated at roughly $3 trillion. That’s a pretty chunky number, even in the $30+ trillion US economy.

 But, just like the subprime market in the years before the GFC kicked off, there are starting to be warning signs that private credit is cracking.

 One of those-- most notably-- is that a major private lending fund (run by Blackstone, one of the world’s largest asset managers) has capped redemptions, i.e. they have limited the amount of money that investors can withdraw.

 This is a pretty clear sign of strain. Perhaps not the proverbial canary in the coalmine… but it’s a big deal that an investment firm with the size and reputation of Blackstone isn’t letting its investors out of their fund.

 (In fairness, the fund documents do stipulate redemption limits. But it’s pretty unusual for an asset manager to have to exercise this clause.)

 Another sign of strain is that default rates are up dramatically. Fitch (the same guys who slapped AAA ratings on NINJA loans 20 years ago) estimated that roughly 10% of US private loans are in default. That’s a big number, and it could go a lot higher.

 A key reason is that interest rates are MUCH higher today than when many of these loans were originally underwritten. So, any borrower that needs to refinance (which is likely the vast majority) will see a massive spike in monthly payments.

 That will be unaffordable for a lot of borrowers, resulting in even higher defaults. Plus, general economic malaise could contribute to higher default rates too.

 A chief concern about private credit is that many loans were like subprime “NINJA loans”, i.e. private loans that were way too big, issued to borrowers who were not creditworthy.

 I doubt anyone will shed any tears that Blackstone might lose money in a bad deal. But there could be knock-on effects-- specifically to banks.

 I know the whole point of ‘private’ credit is that the loans are NOT issued by banks. But in a rather peculiar twist, banks often loan money to private credit funds, who in turn loan that same bank money to the final borrower. Strange, right?

 Bottom line, banks are exposed.

 A few prominent voices lately have been warning that this private credit fiasco has all the hallmarks of the early 2000s subprime bubble… and that the next GFC is upon us.

 And there are definitely similarities. But a LOT of major differences too-- most notably size. The private credit market is MUCH smaller than subprime was, and it’s difficult to see how those losses would take down the US financial system again, let alone the entire global economy.

 But there are also significant existing risks in the banking sector-- like rising defaults in traditional office and commercial loans, and mark-to-market losses in banks’ bond portfolios.

 We’ve talked about this before-- US financial institutions are collectively sitting on hundreds of billions of dollars in unrealized losses, and most of those losses ironically come from Treasury bonds. So, another ~$100+ billion hit from private credit could definitely hurt banks.

I’ve been looking at this pretty hard, but at the moment I don’t see some epic crisis emerging from private credit.

 That said, one EASY Plan B option to safeguard your capital is to hold funds at Treasury Direct.

 Through Treasury Direct, any US citizen is able to set up an account and hold virtually any amount of money through ultra-short-term T-bills; it’s like keeping your money in a 4-week certificate of deposit, but without any bank counterparty risk.

 As we’ve discussed many times before, the US government is in pretty dire financial straits. But even I don’t think they’re going to default in the next four weeks.

 So, this is a safer alternative to hold cash--and you can quickly link your Treasury Direct account to your bank for easy back & forth transfers

To your freedom,   James Hickman    Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/why-i-have-doubts-about-the-supposed-next-global-financial-crisis-154498/?inf_contact_key=f96c323f9cc8163cafd9dc76d0a66125df50326a1e561daba0ba774a8ec98964