Topic: Saudis

A news report details record-high diesel prices driven by a 20% loss in global refining capacity due to drone strikes in Russia, the Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea. Analysts warn that diesel is an "untethered market" that could see "stupid numbers" regardless of crude oil prices. The shortage is expected to drive up grocery costs, home heating bills, and airfares as the winter season approaches.

Houthi fighters in Yemen have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabian airbases and seized islands near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Despite Saudi requests for military support, President Trump has reportedly engaged in direct discussions with the Houthis, who claim they do not want to fight the U.S.

Saudi Arabia has pursued a mutual defense treaty with the U.S. while also forming a NATO-like pact with Turkey and Pakistan. Pakistan's Defense Minister warned that any attack on Saudi soil would prompt a reaction, as the region monitors whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the Houthi-Iran alliance.

Former CIA officer John Kiriaku discusses evidence of high-level Saudi involvement in the 9-11 attacks, citing names found in Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's diary. He suggests that while Mossad may have had prior knowledge, factions within Saudi Arabia were likely involved in the planning and financing.

Terry Strada, a 9/11 widow, criticizes the U.S. government for protecting Saudi Arabia despite alleged links to the hijackers. The discussion explores the "28 pages" of the joint congressional inquiry that were classified for years. These pages reportedly detailed meetings between Saudi officials and the terrorists who arrived in the United States prior to the attacks.

FIFA has introduced mandatory water breaks and later kickoff times for the North American World Cup to address extreme heat and humidity. Climate activists are using the event to protest fossil fuel sponsorships, specifically targeting the Saudi state-owned oil company Aramco. Former players are joining the campaign to demand that sporting organizations cut ties with the oil and gas industry.

Senator Lindsey Graham reversed his opposition to the Iran deal after a four-hour meeting with President Trump, now supporting a plan for Sunni Arab nations to invest $300 billion in Iran. Graham suggests that if Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE invest in Iran, it would signal a fundamental change in the Iranian theocracy. This strategy is viewed as an extension of the Abraham Accords, aiming to integrate Iran into a regional business partnership.

Lindsey Graham detailed a contingency plan where the United States would take control of the Strait of Hormuz by force if the current Iran deal fails. Under this plan, the U.S. would charge transit fees to pay for the military operation while simultaneously expanding the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. Graham emphasized that the new policy would involve direct attacks on Iran if Hezbollah continues to strike Israel.

Lindsey Graham revealed that a framework for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords was nearly finalized in October 2023, just days before the October 7th attacks. He suggested the attack may have been intended to disrupt this normalization, which would require Israel to make accommodations for a Palestinian state. Graham expressed confidence that Trump would "jumpstart" these negotiations in 2026 to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The administration is "requesting strongly" that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait join the Abraham Accords. Trump suggests that these countries "owe it" to the U.S. to sign the historic peace agreements. The hosts reflect on the overall positive nature of the manufacturing and economic reports presented during the cabinet meeting, which they feel are obscured by negative media algorithms.

Donald Trump appeared on Megyn Kelly's program alongside Glenn Greenwald to discuss Middle East strategy and the potential for war with Iran. Trump explicitly stated that military and diplomatic actions in the region are intended to assist Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Greenwald criticized this "America First" departure, characterizing Trump's relationship with Gulf dictators as ostentatious and financially motivated. The discussion highlights the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil markets and China's interests.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright outlined a strategy to bypass the Strait of Hormuz by increasing pipeline capacity through Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. The United States is positioning itself as a net energy supplier, with plans to send American oil from Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska to China via Chinese tankers. This shift aims to reduce the strategic leverage of Iran. The discussion also touches on the "ARC" model (America, Russia, China) for global energy distribution and the potential for a back-channel agreement with Iranian leadership.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Saudi Arabia to coordinate international actions following the Iran ceasefire. Starmer emphasized the importance of making the truce permanent and reopening the Strait of Hormuz for UK interests. The hosts criticize Starmer's involvement as opportunistic, noting that the UK previously refused to allow the use of its bases for strikes against Iran.

The USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have arrived in the Middle East, bringing the total U.S. troop presence to approximately 50,000. Iran launched a significant attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia using missiles and drones, which resulted in damage to U.S. refueling tankers. In response, GCC states have filed with the United Nations under Article 51 to reaffirm their right to self-defense.

At a Saudi investors summit, Donald Trump claimed that Iran is "begging to make a deal" and has sent ten ships of oil as a gesture of negotiation. However, shipping analysts report zero evidence of these tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting potential GPS spoofing or misinformation. Trump also jokingly referred to the waterway as the "Strait of Trump" during his remarks.

The United States received strong support for its Middle Eastern operations from Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Adam Curry argues that the US Navy's protection of global shipping lanes is essential for maintaining domestic gas supplies and the technology industry. Israel is highlighted as a primary partner in the regional military effort.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has reportedly issued warnings to ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for 20% of the world's crude oil. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarifies that the United Kingdom played no role in the strikes, citing domestic concerns and threats to UK soil. The historical context of British Petroleum and the installation of the Shah is briefly revisited.

Lindsey Graham mentions discussions with the Iranian Crown Prince regarding a potential leadership transition, though the hosts question if this is official policy or Graham "freelancing." Graham also claims credit for normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Israel, confusingly mentioning Joe Biden's role. The segment highlights the confusion surrounding the U.S. plan for a post-Khamenei Iran.

The 1971 petrodollar agreement with Saudi Arabia has reportedly ended, leading to a shift toward trading in local currencies and stablecoins. Meanwhile, thousands of Starlink terminals have been smuggled into Iran to provide internet access during government blackouts, following Elon Musk's decision to reactivate the service in the region.

Industry experts warn that U.S. shale drilling in the Permian Basin has gone negative, with production falling below internal forecasts. The ongoing U.S. blockade of Venezuela is forcing South American countries to shut down wells, further tightening global supply. Analysts suggest that unless Russian or Venezuelan oil returns to the market, the U.S. will remain increasingly vulnerable to Saudi Arabian market influence.