International

Japan Announces Largest Oil Reserve Release as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Published

5 months ago

March 24, 2026

Japan Announces Largest Oil Reserve Release as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Japan is set to begin its largest-ever release of oil from strategic reserves, as the government moves to shield its economy from potential supply shocks linked to the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that Tokyo will start releasing state-owned crude reserves later this week, expanding earlier measures that tapped private-sector stockpiles. The decision reflects growing concern that instability in the Middle East could disrupt tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy supplies.

Japan had already approved the release of oil equivalent to about 15 days of private-sector reserves. The latest move will significantly scale up that intervention, with a total of roughly 80 million barrels—about 45 days of domestic demand—to be made available to refiners. Officials say this is 1.8 times larger than the emergency release carried out after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

The decision comes as global markets remain volatile due to fears that the ongoing conflict could choke off a major share of the world’s oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial portion of global crude exports, and any prolonged disruption could trigger severe price spikes and supply shortages worldwide.

Japan remains particularly vulnerable. The country imports over 90 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East, making it highly exposed to geopolitical shocks in the region. As of late last year, Japan held an estimated 470 million barrels in total reserves, equivalent to about 254 days of domestic consumption, providing a critical buffer against supply disruptions.

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In addition to drawing down reserves, Tokyo is coordinating closely with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and other partner countries, which have discussed coordinated releases to stabilize global oil markets amid the crisis.

Despite pressure from Donald Trump for Japan to take a more active security role in the region, including deploying maritime forces, Takaichi declined, citing constitutional limitations. Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution restricts overseas military operations, particularly in high-risk zones such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Takaichi emphasized that stability in the Middle East is critical not only for Japan but for the global economy, adding that Tokyo will continue to pursue diplomatic engagement with international partners to reduce tensions and ensure the safety of key shipping routes.

To cushion the domestic impact of rising energy costs, the Japanese government has also introduced fuel subsidies, aiming to cap gasoline prices at around ¥170 per litre (approximately $1.10). This follows a surge in retail fuel prices to a record ¥190.8 per litre, driven by global supply concerns.

Meanwhile, authorities are working to calm public anxiety after reports of panic buying, particularly of household essentials like toilet paper. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has urged consumers to avoid hoarding, warning that misinformation on social media could trigger unnecessary shortages.

Officials stressed that nearly all toilet paper sold in Japan is domestically produced using recycled materials, making it largely independent of Middle Eastern imports. Industry groups have also reassured the public that production capacity remains stable and can be ramped up if needed.

The government’s warning echoes past crises—including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 1973 oil shock—when panic buying disrupted supply chains despite adequate production levels.

While the record oil release is expected to provide short-term relief, analysts caution that sustained stability will depend on developments in the Middle East, particularly the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the trajectory of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Japan Announces Largest Oil Reserve Release as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

International

Trump Signs New Executive Orders Targeting Birthright Citizenship, ‘Birth Tourism’

Published

1 day ago

August 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Trump Signs New Executive Orders Targeting Birthright Citizenship, ‘Birth Tourism’

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on August 6, 2026, aimed at narrowing birthright citizenship and blocking the practice of “birth tourism” — just weeks after the Supreme Court struck down his broader attempt to end automatic citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. The new orders represent a more targeted approach to restricting who qualifies for U.S. citizenship at birth, focusing on specific categories of foreign nationals rather than attempting a blanket ban.

The first executive order targets birth tourism, which the White House defines as foreign nationals entering the United States on nonimmigrant visas with the primary purpose of giving birth on U.S. soil. The order directs the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to deny or revoke visas and travel authorizations for individuals suspected of engaging in birth tourism, block entry or authorize deportation of foreign nationals participating in or planning birth tourism, and take action against operators — both in the U.S. and abroad — who organize or facilitate birth tourism schemes. The White House accused birth tourism operators of deceiving foreign nationals through advertisements encouraging them to travel to the U.S. to give birth, arguing that these schemes “undermine” the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. Exceptions apply for foreign nationals entering on humanitarian grounds or when their entry serves the national interest.

The second executive order expands the definitions of individuals whose U.S.-born children would not qualify for automatic citizenship. Under the new order, children are ineligible if their parents fall into any of several expanded categories. These include foreign government employees such as diplomats, consular officers, and employees of foreign governments or international organizations with immunity; designated Foreign Terrorist Organization members as well as “specially designated global terrorists”; individuals who engaged in fraudulent acts to obtain U.S. citizenship; “alien enemies” considered enemy aliens under U.S. law; and children born through commercial surrogacy arrangements or commercial transactions. The order also clarifies that children born in U.S. territories or territorial waters where federal law does not grant birthright citizenship are excluded from automatic recognition. Federal agencies including the State Department, Justice Department, Homeland Security, and Social Security Administration must issue implementation guidance within 30 days.

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These executive orders come after a major legal setback for the administration. On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 to reject Trump’s earlier executive order — signed on his first day back in office in January 2025 — which sought to deny birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants or temporary residents. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the majority opinion, stating that “Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights — to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every free-born person in this land’ … We keep that promise today.” The Court upheld the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” The ruling reaffirmed the precedent set by the 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which established that virtually all children born on U.S. soil are citizens — with only narrow exceptions such as children of foreign diplomats or enemy occupying forces.

Speaking from the Oval Office as he signed the new orders, Trump described the Supreme Court decision as “very unfortunate.” He stated, “We had a very unfortunate decision in the Supreme Court concerning birthright. It was close, but a very, very unfortunate decision. So we’re making adjustments because it’s very unfair.” Trump also called the previous situation “a disgrace,” arguing that wealthy individuals are building businesses around birthright citizenship and exploiting the system. He remarked that “Wealthy people are building businesses around birthright citizenship. That’s not the way it was supposed to work.” Following the Supreme Court defeat, Trump had announced he would seek to address birthright citizenship through Congress. The new executive orders represent a shift to a more targeted administrative strategy.

There are no official government statistics on birth tourism. However, a 2020 analysis by the Center for Immigration Studies — which supports lower levels of immigration — estimated that between 20,000 and 25,000 women entered the U.S. for birth tourism between 2016 and 2017. Trump has claimed the number could be much higher, stating that “hundreds of thousands” of children may be obtaining citizenship through birth tourism annually.

The new executive orders are expected to face legal challenges, similar to the previous effort. Constitutional scholars have noted that the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause has long been interpreted broadly, and any attempt to narrow its application — even in specific categories — is likely to be tested in court. The administration argues that the new orders are more narrowly tailored and therefore constitutional, focusing on specific scenarios rather than attempting a blanket denial of citizenship.

In summary, two new executive orders were signed August 6, 2026, following a Supreme Court defeat on a broader birthright citizenship ban. Birth tourism is targeted, with foreign nationals entering on nonimmigrant visas to give birth facing possible visa denials, entry blocks, or deportation. Expanded ineligibility now includes children of foreign government employees, terrorist organization members, and those who committed citizenship fraud. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against the administration’s earlier order on June 30, 2026, and legal challenges are expected as the new orders test the limits of the 14th Amendment.

Trump Signs New Executive Orders Targeting Birthright Citizenship, ‘Birth Tourism’

International

Trump rejects US munitions shortage reports, threatens alleged leakers

Published

1 day ago

August 7, 2026

Trends Admin

US President Donald Trump

Trump rejects US munitions shortage reports, threatens alleged leakers

US President Donald Trump has rejected reports that the United States is facing a broad military munitions shortage, insisting that the country retains substantial supplies while warning that officials responsible for leaking classified information about US weapons inventories could face severe punishment.

Trump made the remarks on Thursday as his administration faced renewed scrutiny over the condition of US weapons stockpiles following months of military operations against Iran.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States had “massive amounts” of munitions, particularly certain types, and added that large quantities were being manufactured and shipped to the country as needed.

The President also warned officials accused of leaking information about US military capabilities, saying those responsible were being pursued and could face lengthy prison sentences.

Trump’s comments came after reports raised concerns about the depletion of some US long-range missiles and air-defence interceptors during the Iran conflict. Reuters reported that US forces had used virtually all of their stockpiles of some long-range precision missiles, including Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), during the five-month war. (Reuters)

However, the reports do not indicate that the United States has run out of weapons generally. Instead, they point to significant pressure on particular categories of high-demand munitions, raising questions about how quickly depleted stocks can be rebuilt.

Trump himself acknowledged on Thursday that the availability of some types of weapons was tighter, while maintaining that the US had an almost unlimited supply of certain other powerful munitions. He also said American defence companies were expanding production capacity, including facilities producing Patriot and Tomahawk missiles. (Reuters)

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The issue has become particularly important because the United States is balancing its military requirements in the Middle East with commitments to allies, including Ukraine, which relies heavily on Western air-defence systems to protect against Russian missile and drone attacks.

Independent assessments have also highlighted pressure on US air-defence inventories. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said in July that US stocks of Patriot interceptors had fallen below 1,000, while THAAD interceptor inventories stood at about 250. The organisation warned that continued combat could further reduce stocks and create challenges for US readiness. (CSIS)

CSIS has also assessed that rebuilding some depleted US missile inventories could take several years. Its analysis found that replenishing systems such as THAAD, Patriot and Tomahawk to pre-war levels could take three years or more under existing production projections, while some other missile systems could be replenished more quickly. (CSIS)

The pressure has prompted Washington to accelerate efforts to expand its defence-industrial capacity. Reuters reported that the United States recently reached an agreement worth more than $3 billion with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to increase production of components for Patriot and THAAD interceptors. The arrangement is designed to significantly increase production capacity as the Pentagon seeks to rebuild depleted stocks. (Reuters)

The situation has also renewed concerns about the United States’ ability to respond simultaneously to multiple major security crises. CSIS has warned that reduced stocks of long-range offensive missiles and air-defence interceptors could create a strategic vulnerability if the US were required to fight another major conflict while continuing to support its allies. (CSIS)

Despite the concerns, the Trump administration maintains that US military readiness has not been fundamentally compromised. The administration has emphasised the size of America’s overall arsenal and the rapid expansion of domestic weapons production.

The disagreement therefore centres largely on the condition of specific weapons inventories rather than whether the United States has weapons available at all. While Trump insists that the country has substantial munitions reserves, independent assessments indicate that several important missile and interceptor stocks have been significantly reduced by sustained combat operations.

The debate is expected to continue as Washington weighs the demands of the Iran war, support for Ukraine and the longer-term need to rebuild American military stockpiles.

Trump rejects US munitions shortage reports, threatens alleged leakers

International

Trump Warns Iran: Open Hormuz or Get ‘Hit Very Hard’ as 48-Hour Deadline Looms

Published

3 days ago

August 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Trump Warns Iran: Open Hormuz or Get ‘Hit Very Hard’ as 48-Hour Deadline Looms

United States President Donald Trump has warned Iran it will be “hit very hard” unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened “very soon,” while insisting that talks between the two sides were ongoing despite Tehran flatly denying any direct negotiations were taking place. Speaking in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday during a visit to California, Trump said he preferred a diplomatic resolution but left no doubt about the consequences of failure. “The strait is going to be open very soon, or they are going to get hit very hard, and then the strait’s going to be open,” he said. “If they back out again, they are going to get hit really hard. They know that. They understand that. I have no choice.” The president also described the planned military operation as extensive and still on the table despite his decision to pause it over the weekend. “It’s very tough to do what we have planned, still planned. We’ll see what happens,” he said, adding that he was “very proud” of giving Iran a chance to negotiate before launching what he suggested would be a large-scale assault. “We hit them very, very hard. But the hard hit is yet to come, and hopefully we won’t have to use it.” Trump simultaneously accused Iran of duplicity for publicly denying it was in talks with Washington. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous! They ask for a meeting, some would say ‘beg,’ talks begin, with more scheduled in the immediate future, and they say, openly and proudly, that they’re not having any discussions, that nothing is being talked about, and they’re only dealing with ‘Oman’.” He added that “nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a Deal, or Total Surrender, is accomplished.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry flatly rejected Trump’s characterisation. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was not holding direct discussions with the United States and was only engaged in talks with Oman regarding a temporary safe route through the strait. “Discussions are currently focused on a possible navigation corridor for two-way vessel traffic. That initiative is unrelated to negotiations on fully reopening the strait. It is a separate issue,” Baghaei said. Baghaei added that all Iranian negotiators were currently in the country, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on a religious pilgrimage in Iraq and unavailable for negotiations at least until the end of the week. The only exception, he said, was the ongoing bilateral discussions with Oman as the two coastal states responsible for the waterway.

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According to Axios, which cited unnamed regional and US officials, the United States, Iran, and Oman are nearing an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington hoping to announce the deal as early as Wednesday. The proposed arrangement would be a 60-day agreement for safe passage in the strait between Iran and Oman, with negotiators working on final details. Under the reported framework, ships entering the Persian Gulf would travel north through Iranian territorial waters, while outbound vessels would travel south through Omani waters in coordination with Tehran. The agreement would not involve the collection of transit fees or tolls, and the parties would clear mines from the central shipping lane within 30 days. A US official and one regional source told Axios that Iranian leadership had completed the approval process for the agreement on Tuesday. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that progress had been made in discussions with Iran, he noted that talks had not yet been finalized but that the White House was “hoping” for an agreement “in the very near future.”

Iran’s senior officials have taken a defiant stance, warning the United States against any adventurous actions. The Iranian Foreign Ministry reiterated that Tehran views Hormuz as a crucial source of strategic leverage that it cannot afford to surrender, while Washington insists that Iran must not be allowed to control an international waterway. Iran continues to insist that any agreement must leave it in control of the Strait of Hormuz. Regional officials told The Associated Press that any agreement to reopen Hormuz would also require the removal of the current US blockade on Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iranian military sources have denied Trump’s claim that Tehran asked Washington to call off its strikes, calling his remarks “a new lie,” according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.

The diplomatic confusion was underscored when another cargo vessel was attacked near the strait’s Omani coast on Tuesday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported receiving multiple reports that a tanker had been struck by an unknown projectile approximately eight nautical miles east of Oman’s Limah. The tanker’s crew abandoned the vessel and boarded a lifeboat, with the vessel’s main engine disabled and a bunker tank on fire. The UKMTO did not identify the ship or its owner, and authorities are investigating. Separately, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday that two oil tankers had caught fire after explosions while attempting to transit the southern route of the strait, though Reuters could not independently verify the Guards’ statement.

The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil prices soaring and placed heavy pressure on Trump to stop the fighting, partly because of the effect rising energy prices could have on American voters ahead of the November congressional midterm elections. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier told CNBC that a deal to reopen the strait could come as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, saying there were “hundreds if not 1,000 ships sitting in there waiting to go out,” including tankers carrying oil, fertiliser, refined products and industrial gases. Trump has vowed that Iran will not be permitted to collect transit fees in the strait, declaring, “If anyone is allowed to collect fees, it will be us. We have complete control.” The president had previously said he expected to know by Tuesday how the talks were going, “one way or the other,” but insisted that the path forward is clear. As the 48-hour window unfolds, the world watches to see whether the negotiations will yield a breakthrough or whether Trump will follow through on his threat to unleash a devastating military campaign. “If they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be too bad. And we have much more on Iran coming up,” Trump said. All parties remain on high alert, with the potential for a catastrophic escalation in West Asia now greater than at any point since the conflict began.