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This week, we follow the guns, the oil and the alliances.
Is Iraq disarming militias — or just moving their weapons? Baghdad wants armed factions to surrender their weapons, but a proposed deal would put them under the Popular Mobilization Forces. With Iran-aligned figures holding key PMF posts, would that move mean strengthening state control — or preserving Tehran’s influence?
How is Iran still getting its oil out?
Sanctions and a naval blockade have slashed Iran’s oil exports, but satellite images show how Tehran’s “shadow fleet” is still moving crude while obscuring its origins.
Can China offer Iran the economic help it needs?
At the SCO summit in Bishkek, Xi Jinping promised closer economic and technology ties with Iran. But Beijing’s political backing may not translate into the economic relief Tehran needs.
Could Venezuela help America weather the next oil shock?
Washington sees Venezuela’s vast reserves as a hedge against disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The catch: Significantly boosting production could take years and billions of dollars.
Who will join the Mecca Defense Alliance?
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are building a formal collective-defense bloc. Now the question is which regional power might join them next.
This Week on MBN
Iraq: Disarming Militias or Just Moving Guns?
Supporters of Iraqi Shi’ite armed groups gather after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Baghdad
Iraq wants armed factions to surrender their weapons, but a proposed deal would transfer them to the Popular Mobilization Forces rather than directly to the government. Ghassan Taqi explains that Iran-aligned figures dominate key PMF positions, raising doubts about who would really control those weapons. Washington opposes the arrangement and wants the factions disarmed and their weapons handed to Iraq’s central government. With a Sept. 30 deadline approaching, the key question is whether the plan will strengthen state control — or simply preserve Iran’s influence under the PMF umbrella.
Read the article here
Iran’s Oil Disappearing Act
Satellite images showing various oil vessels in/around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran is still getting oil to market despite U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade, though exports have fallen sharply. Satellite images reveal Iranian tankers transferring crude to other ships at sea to disguise where it came from, reports Randa Jebai. Iran’s “shadow fleet” also switches off tracking systems, changes ship names and flags, and may broadcast fake locations to confuse monitors. Some vessels appear to serve as floating storage sites, while oil can also be blended with other crude to make its Iranian origin harder to detect.
Read the article here
Beijing’s Middle East Bet
Leaders of states attend a session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan September 1, 2026. Sputnik/Petr Kovalev/Pool via REUTERS
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan shows how China is trying to expand its influence in the Middle East while challenging Washington’s dominance, writes Vivian Lee. Xi Jinping used the gathering to offer deeper economic and technology ties while taking thinly veiled shots at U.S. power. Iran received plenty of political support at the summit, but few concrete solutions to ease the pressure of U.S. sanctions. For Egypt and the Gulf states, the SCO offers another way to deepen ties with Beijing without having to choose between China and the United States. Xi’s regional diplomacy also sets the stage for his upcoming meeting with President Trump, where competition over influence, technology and AI is likely to take center stage.
Read the article here
Venezuela Oil Won’t Fix Hormuz — Yet
The Nave Photon, carrying crude oil from Venezuela, is docked at Port Freeport in Freeport, Texas, U.S., January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Antranik Tavitian
The Trump administration sees Venezuela’s huge oil reserves as a long-term buffer against disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The new deal gives Washington access to Venezuelan production while also seeking to curb Chinese and Russian influence there. But Venezuela’s run-down oil infrastructure means any major boost in production could take years and billions of dollars, reports Alex Willemyns. The bottom line: Venezuelan oil could strengthen U.S. energy security down the road, but it won’t bring quick relief at the pump.
Read the article here
New Defense Alliance Takes Shape
Turkish foreign minister, Pakistani deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and Saudi foreign minister attend first meeting of the committee established under the joint defense agreement in Istanbul, Turkey, Aug. 31, 2026. REUTERS/Murad Sezer.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are turning the Mecca Defense Alliance into a formal regional security bloc. The three countries will set up a permanent secretariat in Saudi Arabia and deepen military and defense-industry cooperation. As Mustafa Khatib reports, the alliance is built around collective defense, with an attack on one member considered an attack on all three. Officials say the alliance is not aimed at any country, while Washington appears open to partners taking greater responsibility for regional security. The group could eventually expand, with Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries mentioned as possible future members.
Read the article here
Quote of the Week: Economic Blockade
My message to everyone is stay away. We all want this conflict to end, and the fastest way for the conflict to end is for no one to provide any support to this regime. We are going to sever every tie that they have from the outside world.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about U.S. sanctions on Iran, Sept. 2, 2026 to Fox & Friends.
