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RBC's geopolitical expert Helima Croft and the global research team decode the evolving power dynamics around critical energy, commodities, security and climate issues. Read more
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Insights\ \ UAE shows resilience amid Middle East energy crisis \ \ Dr. Sultan Al Jaber outlines the global impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and lessons for building energy security with...\ \ 3 min read 39 min watch 39 min listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Magical thinking won't reopen the Strait of Hormuz \ \ Widespread expectations for a June reopening overlook the geopolitical dynamics and barriers that will likely keep the waterway...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Oil prices fall on Iran ceasefire headlines despite Strait shutdown \ \ The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked with no clear path to reopening, creating an unprecedented supply outage as markets digest...\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Diplomatic stalemate deepens as Iran war threatens summer energy shock \ \ As geopolitical tensions persist and physical energy markets tighten, summer demand season looms with significant economic...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Strait blockade threat raises stakes as U.S.-Iran talks collapse \ \ Failed negotiations over uranium enrichment set stage for escalation and prolonged energy supply disruptions ahead of summer...\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Tenuous U.S.-Iran ceasefire creates complexity for oil markets \ \ Surprise ceasefire announcement triggers sharp oil selloff, but questions persist about deal durability and Strait of Hormuz...\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ U.S.-Iran war enters second month with no clear exit strategy \ \ As the conflict drags on, Washington faces difficult policy choices with the IRGC intact and energy markets severely disrupted.\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran diplomatic signals clash with military realities \ \ President Trump signals a quick deal, but IRGC’s grip on Strait of Hormuz remains firm amid regional escalation.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Energy infrastructure attacks deepen Middle East conflict \ \ Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Qatar and UAE facilities extend outages, while Houthi factor remains critical wild card.\ \ 6 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Beyond the headlines: Oil, inflation and market risk \ \ Helima Croft, Lori Calvasina and Frances Donald examine how conflict in the Middle East could ripple through oil, inflation,...\ \ 5 min read 24 min watch 24 min listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran war duration divergence may push oil prices sharply higher \ \ Washington officials may be extending war aims as Tehran prepares for prolonged conflict, risking oil price surges beyond...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Strait of Hormuz crisis constrains commodity recovery potential \ \ As the Strait closure reaches a critical juncture with zero loading capability, strategic reserves release may offer limited...\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Regional energy faces consequences as Iran conflict presses on \ \ Iran still retains ability to disrupt exports despite U.S. potentially meeting campaign objectives.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Energy markets face unprecedented disruption as Iran war drags on \ \ Oil market faces worst supply shock since 1970s as Middle East conflict escalates and insurance and security solutions remain...\ \ 5 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Tanker insurance backstop faces challenges amid Middle East supply shock \ \ Trump administration’s DFC and naval escort proposals face complications as regional production halts accelerate.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Middle East energy crisis: stranded assets and $100 oil \ \ OPEC production increases may be unable to offset disruption as energy facilities are under direct attack and the Strait of...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran conflict sends regional shocks through oil markets \ \ U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran trigger widespread retaliation and minimal OPEC spare capacity to cushion prices.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran nuclear talks at impasse as U.S. military momentum grows \ \ Zero-sum dynamics in Iran negotiations leave little room for compromise as geopolitical risks mount for oil markets.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Thin spare capacity leaves oil market vulnerable to Iran conflict \ \ Failed U.S.-Iran negotiations and military escalation threaten supply amid dangerously low OPEC reserves.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Intelligence insights: Energy in a changing world \ \ Former MI6 chief Sir John Scarlett discusses geopolitical risks shaping energy markets, from continuing Russia/Ukraine tensions...\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran update: Tehran on the clock \ \ The U.S. pressures Tehran to make nuclear concessions or risk escalation that could disrupt Middle East oil supplies.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran protests escalate as Trump faces multiple global crises \ \ Iranian unrest intensifies with merchant participation as White House juggles Venezuela transition and Russia sanctions.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Venezuela: U.S. back in the nation building business? \ \ Oil in focus as the U.S. captures Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ 2026 Geopolitics: manifest destiny \ \ Analysis on the special situations impacting energy markets in 2026.\ \ 6 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Russia and Venezuela in focus as OPEC+ reaffirms production pause \ \ OPEC+ maintains Q1 '26 production pause amid escalating attacks on energy infrastructure.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Washington strategy: EU trade deal and Russia energy threats \ \ Russian energy in focus amidst EU tariff diplomacy and secondary tariff threats.\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ OPEC quick take: with a twist... \ \ Analysis as OPEC+ accelerates taper schedule.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Post Card from DC: Brinkmanship \ \ Israel-Iran conflict and highlights from the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Israel/Iran QuickTake: Endgame \ \ Analysis as Israel carries out attacks against Iran.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Middle East quick take: Homecoming \ \ Analysis as President Trump makes a triumphant return to Riyadh.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Post card from Dubai: Most favored nations \ \ IMF REO takeaways and analysis ahead of the OPEC voluntary eight meeting\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ OPEC wrap-up: Rules-based order \ \ OPEC’s voluntary eight to add 411 thousand barrels per day (kb/d) of production in June.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Post card from Houston: Pushing towards pragmatism \ \ Brian Leisen, Commodities Strategist, provides his key takeaways from CERAWeek 2025, the annual energy conference hosted in...\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Post Card from Washington: Closing Time \ \ Takeaways from DC as the election and Israeli retaliation loom.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Uncharted Waters \ \ Analysis of Hassan Nasrallah’s death and our conversations from UNGA Week.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Lebanon Quick Take: Fast and Furious \ \ Analysis as Cross-Border Attacks in Israel and Lebanon intensify.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Middle East Update: Last-Ditch Diplomacy \ \ US Seeks Iran/Hezbollah Retaliation Containment\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Energy and Foreign Policy Issues in Focus \ \ In this issue of Beyond the Ballot, we delve more deeply into some of the energy policy differences between President Trump and...\ \ 5 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Lebanon – Catching Fire? \ \ Analysis as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to rise.\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Factors, Risks of a Lebanon War \ \ Analyzing factors playing into the risks of a Lebanon war.\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Beyond the Ballot: Overtaken by Events \ \ Unforeseen challenges and key personnel changes may lead to unanticipated policy outcomes in a second Biden or Trump...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Energy Issues in Focus: Iran, LNG, IRA Repeal \ \ Each month, we highlight key energy issues and people to watch ahead of the 2024 US Presidential Election. This month, we focus...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Russia/Ukraine: Target Rich Environment \ \ Updates and Analysis on Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Energy Facilities\ \ 1 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Geopolitical Update: Everything Everywhere All at Once \ \ Analysis on OPEC+ Cuts, Russia, and the Ongoing Middle East Conflict\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Critical conversations from COP28 \ \ Geopolitics, Oil, Natural Gas, Gold, Clean Energy, and MENA Research\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ OPEC+ Wrap Up: Wait for It… \ \ Analysis of November 2023 OPEC+ Ministerial Meeting\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ OPEC Preview: Background Noise \ \ Analysis Ahead of this Weekend’s OPEC+ Meeting in Vienna\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ The Future of Energy: MENA Forum 2023 \ \ Watch Helima Croft examine the ways in which the Middle East can work with the international community to develop sustainable,...\ \ 43 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Russia Update: He’s Back \ \ Helima Croft analysis the recent events surrounding Russia’s Ban on Diesel and Gasoline Exports\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Post Card from Calgary: The Jury is Still Out \ \ Takeaways from the Opening Session of the 24th World Petroleum Congress\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Washington Update: Shake on It \ \ Takeaways from Conversations in Washington and G20 Discussions\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Post Card from Vienna: Seeing is Believing \ \ Takeaways and Analysis from OPEC’s 8th International Seminar\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Barron’s: What’s Ahead for Shale and the Energy Transition \ \ Helima Croft participated in a Barron’s roundtable to discuss predictions for crude prices, what’s ahead for shale and the energy...\ \ 23 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ OPEC+ Wrap-Up: Ticking Multiple Boxes \ \ Takeaways and Analysis from this Weekend’s OPEC+ meeting in Vienna\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ OPEC+ Update: Call the Midwife, as Iran Renews Confrontations in Gulf \ \ An update on OPEC as Iran Renews Maritime Confrontations in the Gulf\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ New Threats Emerge One Year Into the Russia-Ukraine War \ \ A multi-year war brings further headaches for energy markets and the wider economy, while risks of a wider conflict grow.\ \ 3 min read 3 min watch 3 min listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Magical thinking won't reopen the Strait of Hormuz \ \ Widespread expectations for a June reopening overlook the geopolitical dynamics and barriers that will likely keep the waterway...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Oil prices fall on Iran ceasefire headlines despite Strait shutdown \ \ The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked with no clear path to reopening, creating an unprecedented supply outage as markets digest...\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Diplomatic stalemate deepens as Iran war threatens summer energy shock \ \ As geopolitical tensions persist and physical energy markets tighten, summer demand season looms with significant economic...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Strait blockade threat raises stakes as U.S.-Iran talks collapse \ \ Failed negotiations over uranium enrichment set stage for escalation and prolonged energy supply disruptions ahead of summer...\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Tenuous U.S.-Iran ceasefire creates complexity for oil markets \ \ Surprise ceasefire announcement triggers sharp oil selloff, but questions persist about deal durability and Strait of Hormuz...\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ U.S.-Iran war enters second month with no clear exit strategy \ \ As the conflict drags on, Washington faces difficult policy choices with the IRGC intact and energy markets severely disrupted.\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran diplomatic signals clash with military realities \ \ President Trump signals a quick deal, but IRGC’s grip on Strait of Hormuz remains firm amid regional escalation.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Energy infrastructure attacks deepen Middle East conflict \ \ Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Qatar and UAE facilities extend outages, while Houthi factor remains critical wild card.\ \ 6 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Beyond the headlines: Oil, inflation and market risk \ \ Helima Croft, Lori Calvasina and Frances Donald examine how conflict in the Middle East could ripple through oil, inflation,...\ \ 5 min read 24 min watch 24 min listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran war duration divergence may push oil prices sharply higher \ \ Washington officials may be extending war aims as Tehran prepares for prolonged conflict, risking oil price surges beyond...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Strait of Hormuz crisis constrains commodity recovery potential \ \ As the Strait closure reaches a critical juncture with zero loading capability, strategic reserves release may offer limited...\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Regional energy faces consequences as Iran conflict presses on \ \ Iran still retains ability to disrupt exports despite U.S. potentially meeting campaign objectives.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Energy markets face unprecedented disruption as Iran war drags on \ \ Oil market faces worst supply shock since 1970s as Middle East conflict escalates and insurance and security solutions remain...\ \ 5 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Tanker insurance backstop faces challenges amid Middle East supply shock \ \ Trump administration’s DFC and naval escort proposals face complications as regional production halts accelerate.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Middle East energy crisis: stranded assets and $100 oil \ \ OPEC production increases may be unable to offset disruption as energy facilities are under direct attack and the Strait of...\ \ 4 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran conflict sends regional shocks through oil markets \ \ U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran trigger widespread retaliation and minimal OPEC spare capacity to cushion prices.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Iran nuclear talks at impasse as U.S. military momentum grows \ \ Zero-sum dynamics in Iran negotiations leave little room for compromise as geopolitical risks mount for oil markets.\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Thin spare capacity leaves oil market vulnerable to Iran conflict \ \ Failed U.S.-Iran negotiations and military escalation threaten supply amid dangerously low OPEC reserves.\ \ 3 min read watch listen Learn more
Insights\ \ Intelligence insights: Energy in a changing world \ \ Former MI6 chief Sir John Scarlett discusses geopolitical risks shaping energy markets, from continuing Russia/Ukraine tensions...\ \ 2 min read watch listen Learn more
[Insights\ \ Iran update: Tehran on the clock \
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