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Technology

OnePlus 16 debuts in China

OnePlus has launched its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 16, in China, introducing major upgrades to performance, battery capacity, display technology and cameras. The launch comes alongside fresh leaks about the OnePlus 16R, an expected more affordable model that could reach India in late December or early 2027.

The new flagship focuses on features that matter to power users, including extended battery life, smoother gaming and improved photography. However, its availability in international markets remains uncertain, with reports indicating that the OnePlus 16 will not be launched in the US or Europe. The OnePlus 16R, meanwhile, is expected to be positioned as a more accessible alternative, although the company has yet to confirm its launch plans.

The OnePlus 16 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor, designed to handle demanding applications, gaming and AI-assisted features. It is available with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage, giving users substantial capacity for apps, photos, videos and large files.

One of the phone’s biggest highlights is its 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery. This is considerably larger than the batteries found in many conventional flagship smartphones and could appeal to users who spend long hours gaming, streaming videos or working on their phones. Silicon-carbon battery technology allows manufacturers to increase energy capacity without making devices proportionately larger.

The phone supports 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. These options allow users to recharge the large battery without relying exclusively on wired charging. Actual battery life will depend on screen brightness, network conditions, gaming and other usage patterns.

The OnePlus 16 also introduces a 185Hz OLED display, a key feature for mobile gaming. A higher refresh rate allows the screen to update more frequently, making supported games and fast-moving visuals appear smoother. The system interface can operate at up to 165Hz, although the full 185Hz experience will depend on compatible content and applications.

The camera system receives a substantial upgrade, led by a 200-megapixel primary sensor. The larger sensor and wider aperture are intended to improve image capture, particularly in low-light conditions. The rear camera setup also includes 50-megapixel ultrawide and telephoto cameras, offering flexibility for landscape photography, portraits and distant subjects.

OnePlus has also added a distinctive design element to the phone’s silver finish, with LED lighting shaped around the number 16 and a pattern described as galactic coordinates. The lights can flash in different patterns to indicate notifications, incoming calls and battery status, adding a visual feature beyond the usual smartphone design.

The OnePlus 16 starts at 5,699 yuan in China, according to reports, with higher configurations priced accordingly. The company has not confirmed an Indian price or an India launch date for the flagship. Its absence from the US and European markets also raises questions about how widely the new device will be available.

Attention is now turning to the OnePlus 16R, which is expected to offer several premium features at a lower price. According to leaks attributed to tipster Yogesh Brar, the handset could use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This would provide high-end performance while potentially helping the company keep costs below those of its flagship model.

The OnePlus 16R is also tipped to feature three 50-megapixel rear cameras, comprising primary, ultrawide and telephoto sensors. If confirmed, the telephoto camera would be a notable addition, allowing users to take zoomed-in photographs and portraits without relying entirely on digital cropping.

Other reported specifications include a display with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz and a battery capacity exceeding 7,500mAh. Some reports suggest that the battery could reach 9,000mAh, but the final capacity remains unconfirmed. The phone is expected to succeed the OnePlus 15R, which has a 7,400mAh battery and a dual rear camera setup.

There are also reports that a related device could be tested under Realme branding, reflecting the sharing of technology and hardware platforms across brands within the wider Oppo group. Details about any such model, including its name and market availability, have not been officially announced.

The OnePlus 16R could be unveiled in India in late December or January 2027, according to current reports. Its specifications and launch timing remain subject to change, and OnePlus has not officially confirmed the device.

Together, the OnePlus 16 launch and the 16R leaks point to a strategy built around performance, battery endurance and high-refresh-rate displays. The flagship showcases the company’s latest hardware, while the R-series model could bring some of those features to a wider audience. For Indian buyers, the key questions are likely to be the 16R’s final specifications, price and launch date.

 

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China spy chief warns AI poses national security risks

China’s top intelligence official has issued a strong warning about the national security risks posed by artificial intelligence, saying the rapidly developing technology could become a powerful tool for cyberattacks, disinformation and what he described as “cognitive warfare”.

Chen Yixin, China’s Minister of State Security, outlined the concerns in an article published in China Cyberspace, a journal linked to the country’s internet regulator. His comments represent one of Beijing’s clearest warnings yet about the dangers posed by advanced AI.

Chen said artificial intelligence has become a new arena for strategic competition between major powers. He warned that hostile groups could exploit generative AI to create and spread political rumours, manipulate public opinion and encourage social divisions on a much larger scale.

The concern goes beyond ordinary misinformation. Chen specifically pointed to AI-generated images, videos and audio, along with automated online accounts that can flood social media with misleading content.

Such tools could make it easier to create convincing deepfakes of political leaders or public figures. A fabricated speech or video, if widely circulated before it can be disproved, could create confusion and potentially trigger a political or social crisis.

Chen described these activities as a form of public opinion and cognitive warfare. He said they could directly affect China’s political, institutional and ideological security.

The warning comes as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to the global competition between China and the United States.

China has made AI a strategic priority and is investing heavily in advanced models, chips and computing infrastructure. At the same time, Beijing is trying to reduce its dependence on foreign technology, particularly advanced semiconductors needed to train powerful AI systems.

Chen said China must strengthen its ability to control key technologies and protect its technological independence.

Cybersecurity is another major concern highlighted by the intelligence chief.

Chen warned that advances in AI could lower the technical expertise and financial resources needed to launch sophisticated cyberattacks. Powerful AI systems could potentially help attackers identify weaknesses, write malicious code and target computer networks much faster.

That could put critical infrastructure at greater risk. Energy systems, financial networks, communications infrastructure and government databases could all become potential targets.

Chen specifically referred to advanced AI models developed by US companies, including systems from Anthropic and OpenAI. He warned that increasingly capable models could create serious risks for China’s critical information infrastructure.

The Chinese security ministry is also worried about sensitive information being collected and analysed with the help of AI.

Chen said foreign intelligence agencies could use automated web crawlers, data-mining systems and AI-powered profiling tools to gather information on national databases, business secrets and citizens’ personal information.

The concern reflects a broader issue surrounding the rapid growth of AI: the same technology that can improve productivity and research can also make surveillance, intelligence gathering and cyber operations more powerful.

AI is also changing the nature of modern warfare, according to Chen.

He warned that countries able to use AI for faster sensing, analysis and targeting could gain a major advantage on the battlefield. This has made AI warfare and military AI increasingly important parts of the competition between major powers.

The warning comes at a sensitive moment in US-China relations.

Washington and Beijing are expected to discuss AI governance and other issues as the two countries attempt to manage growing technological competition. US technology leaders have also been debating whether the development of increasingly powerful AI systems should be slowed or subjected to tighter safeguards.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has recently called for a slower pace of development for advanced AI models. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other technology figures have also raised concerns about the risks associated with increasingly powerful systems.

Amodei has argued that maintaining a technological lead over China is important for US security. China, however, has rejected what it sees as attempts to use concerns about AI safety to restrict its technological development.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that “fearmongering, confrontation and vicious competition” would harm efforts to establish global AI governance.

Beijing has instead called for greater international cooperation on AI rules. Chen urged stronger safeguards and a more robust system of global AI governance while arguing that China must protect its own technological and security interests.

The contrast highlights the complicated position China occupies in the global AI debate. Beijing wants to become a leader in artificial intelligence while also warning about the technology’s potential dangers.

China’s leadership has increasingly linked AI with national development, economic competitiveness and military strength. At the same time, officials are becoming more vocal about the risks created by advanced AI systems.

The latest warning therefore reflects more than concern about deepfakes or online misinformation. It shows that Beijing increasingly sees artificial intelligence as both an economic opportunity and a national security challenge.

The biggest fear is that AI could make existing threats faster, cheaper and harder to detect. A single sophisticated system could potentially generate large volumes of false information, analyse huge amounts of sensitive data or assist cyberattacks at a scale that would have been difficult to achieve manually.

As China and the US compete for leadership in artificial intelligence, the technology is moving beyond the world of chatbots and productivity tools.

It is becoming part of the wider contest over cybersecurity, military power, information control and technological independence.

 

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Beyond

PM Modi pushes BRICS to shape new global order

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a new and ambitious agenda for BRICS for the next 20 years, saying the grouping must strengthen its own functioning while also pushing for reforms in global institutions. His remarks came as leaders of the expanded bloc gathered in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit amid growing trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts and disruptions to global supply chains.

Opening the summit on Saturday, Modi said BRICS had reached a “coming of age” moment after two decades. He said the next phase should begin by improving the way the grouping functions and should run alongside a clear roadmap for reforming global institutions.

The economic weight behind that message is significant. PM Modi has said BRICS countries now account for around 50% of the world’s population, about 40% of global GDP and roughly 25% of international trade. The bloc has expanded well beyond its original members and now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE.

India wants that economic scale to translate into stronger business opportunities. At the BRICS Business Forum, PM Modi proposed a three-part agenda: identifying and removing the bloc’s top 10 trade barriers, helping 100 startups expand into other BRICS markets every year and creating 1,000 new business partnerships annually. He also called for regular reviews to track progress.

The proposals come at a time when global companies are dealing with tariffs, geopolitical tensions and increasingly fragile supply chains. PM Modi has argued that BRICS can use its combined market size to create more predictable conditions for trade and investment.

Trade facilitation has therefore emerged as one of India’s key priorities. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged BRICS members and partner countries to open markets, simplify regulations and strengthen cooperation in sectors ranging from agriculture and pharmaceuticals to engineering, electronics, automobiles, services, startups and emerging technologies.

Payment connectivity is another important part of the economic agenda. India is pushing for BRICS countries to link payment systems and promote greater use of national currencies in bilateral trade. The objective is to make cross-border transactions faster and cheaper while reducing some of the costs associated with currency conversion.

India’s Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, has been highlighted as one possible model for digital payment cooperation. PM Modi has also pointed to India’s progress in semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum technology as areas where BRICS members could build stronger partnerships.

The bloc is also moving towards greater cooperation on startups and logistics. The proposed BRICS Incubator Network would connect startups and innovation agencies across member countries, while the Startup Innovation Fund would support early-stage businesses. A separate logistics and supply-chain cooperation framework is aimed at improving connectivity and resilience.

Supply-chain security has gained greater importance as conflicts have disrupted shipping routes and energy flows. PM Modi has called for freedom of navigation and safer sea lanes, warning that the security of international waters and seafarers is directly linked to global trade. India is also seeking greater cooperation in strategic sectors such as shipbuilding, semiconductors and biotechnology.

The geopolitical side of the summit is equally important for the business agenda. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for his first visit to India in seven years and is scheduled to meet Modi. The two countries are attempting to stabilise relations after tensions following their 2020 border clash. Better ties could have implications for trade, investment and supply-chain links between the world’s two most populous countries.

PM Modi has also held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, energy, defence, space, critical minerals, fertilisers and skill mobility. India and Russia are also looking to increase bilateral trade from nearly $70 billion to $100 billion by 2030.

The discussions come against a difficult global economic backdrop. The Russia-Ukraine war, the conflict involving Iran, disruptions in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz and broader US-China tensions have affected energy markets, shipping costs and international supply chains.

These pressures have strengthened the case within BRICS for greater economic resilience and reduced dependence on a single market or financial system. Russia, China and Iran have pushed for greater financial independence, while India has focused more heavily on practical trade cooperation and payment connectivity.

PM Modi has also used the summit to push for a larger role for the Global South in global decision-making. He said reforms to international institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, can no longer be delayed. India wants developing countries to have a greater voice in institutions that shape global economic and political rules.

That demand extends to global financial institutions. BRICS has been seeking reforms in bodies such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organization, arguing that their structures should better reflect the economic weight of emerging economies.

Yet the expanded BRICS bloc also faces a major challenge: maintaining consensus among countries with different political systems, economic priorities and foreign-policy positions. Iran and the UAE, for instance, have sharply different positions on the current Gulf conflict. Negotiators nevertheless reached agreement on a joint declaration ahead of the summit, with the document expected to condemn unilateral warfare without naming individual countries.

The agreement is important because BRICS foreign ministers failed to issue a joint statement during their May meeting because of differences between Iran and the UAE. Reaching consensus this time gives the bloc an opportunity to demonstrate that its expansion has not made collective decision-making impossible.

India’s larger objective is to make BRICS more practical and business-focused. The proposed 20-year agenda is not limited to political coordination. It includes trade barriers, digital payments, startups, investment, logistics, supply chains, technology and energy security.

 

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Beyond

US bans new Chinese humanoid robots

The United States has tightened its technology restrictions on China by blocking new imports of Chinese-made humanoid and four-legged robots, citing national security and cybersecurity risks. The move comes at a sensitive time for US-China relations, just weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet US President Donald Trump in September.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the restrictions on July 28, adding foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its list of equipment considered a national security risk. The decision means new models of humanoid robots, quadruped robots and certain connected power inverters will face a major barrier to entering the US market.

The policy is particularly significant because China has built a commanding position in the global humanoid robot market. Chinese manufacturers are estimated to account for about 85% of the worldwide humanoid robotics market. The country has also rapidly increased production, lowered costs and expanded exports as companies race to commercialise robots that can work in factories, warehouses and other environments.

The FCC says the decision is not simply about trade competition. It argues that advanced robots can create cybersecurity and supply-chain risks because they combine cameras, sensors, wireless connectivity and sophisticated software. If compromised, such devices could potentially collect data, disrupt operations or become a pathway into connected networks.

The agency has also raised concerns about dependence on foreign manufacturing for technologies that could become important to US industry and national infrastructure. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the commission wanted to help secure America’s critical supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities linked to offshore production.

For ordinary consumers, the impact will not be immediate across every robot already sold in the United States. The restrictions are aimed mainly at new or previously unauthorised models. Robots that have already received the necessary US approvals are not simply being removed from the market because of the new decision.

That distinction matters for Chinese robotics companies that already have products in the US. Unitree Technology, one of China’s best-known robot makers, is among the companies most exposed to the policy. Its humanoid and quadruped robots have become popular because they are considerably cheaper than many competing platforms developed in the US.

Unitree is now facing the issue at an important moment. The company is preparing for a planned Shanghai STAR Market initial public offering, and it has warned investors that growing US restrictions could affect its overseas expansion. More than 40% of its revenue has come from international markets in the periods disclosed in its IPO filing, while the US has accounted for as much as 19.54% of sales.

The broader numbers show why the US decision could have an impact beyond one company. Around 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped worldwide in 2025, according to Omdia data cited by the Associated Press. Chinese companies Unitree and AGIBOT each shipped more than 5,000 units, while leading US companies such as Tesla and Figure AI shipped only a few hundred or fewer.

This gap has become an important part of the US-China technology race. Washington is increasingly concerned that Chinese companies could establish the same kind of cost and manufacturing advantage in robotics that they have built in areas such as electric vehicles, batteries and solar equipment.

For the United States, humanoid robots are no longer viewed simply as futuristic machines. They are increasingly linked to artificial intelligence, manufacturing and industrial automation. The idea is that robots powered by increasingly capable AI systems could eventually take on repetitive or physically demanding jobs, helping factories address labour shortages and increase productivity.

That is also why the restrictions are closely connected to America’s broader AI strategy. The Trump administration wants more strategic manufacturing and technology production to take place inside the United States. Officials have argued that allowing foreign companies to dominate key parts of the robotics supply chain could create vulnerabilities as the technology becomes more important.

China has strongly rejected the US action. Beijing has accused Washington of using national security as a justification for protectionism and targeting Chinese businesses. The Chinese government has warned that it will take necessary measures if US actions materially harm Chinese interests.

The timing makes the dispute even more politically sensitive. The robot restrictions were announced ahead of a planned September meeting between Trump and Xi. Technology, trade and supply-chain security are already major points of tension between the two countries, and the new robotics restrictions could add another issue to the agenda.

For China, the immediate US market may be important, but its enormous domestic market gives its robot makers room to continue scaling. Analysts cited by the Associated Press believe restricting access to the US is unlikely by itself to slow China’s overall humanoid robotics development significantly because Chinese manufacturers have a large home market and growing opportunities elsewhere.

The US-China technology rivalry is therefore moving into a new area. After years of disputes over semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and drones, humanoid robots are becoming another strategic battleground.

 

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Beyond

China suspends Helium exports temporarily

China has temporarily suspended helium exports, a move that could tighten global supplies of the critical industrial gas and raise concerns across sectors ranging from healthcare to semiconductor manufacturing.

The export restriction comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly between the United States and Iran, continue to threaten global supply chains. Industry experts fear that any disruption to helium production and transportation could worsen an already strained market.

Helium is a non-renewable gas used in a wide range of industries. It plays a vital role in MRI scanners, semiconductor manufacturing, fibre-optic production, scientific research, aerospace applications and space launches. Even small disruptions in supply can affect hospitals, technology companies and research institutions worldwide.

China has not announced how long the export suspension will remain in place. However, reports suggest the decision is intended to safeguard domestic supplies amid growing uncertainty over global helium availability. The country is a significant consumer of helium and has increasingly sought to strengthen its strategic reserves.

The latest move comes at a time when the global helium market is already under pressure due to production outages, rising demand and supply bottlenecks. Analysts say the renewed tensions involving Iran have heightened concerns because Qatar, one of the world’s largest helium exporters, relies on shipping routes through the Gulf region. Any disruption to these routes could further reduce supplies.

Market experts warn that prolonged export restrictions could push helium prices higher and create fresh challenges for industries that depend on uninterrupted supplies. Manufacturers of computer chips and medical equipment are expected to closely monitor the situation, while hospitals may also face increased procurement costs if shortages persist.

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China leads supercomputer rankings after 9 years

China has reclaimed the top spot in the global supercomputer race for the first time in nearly a decade, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to build advanced computing systems without relying on American technology.

The latest rankings show China’s new supercomputer has surpassed the fastest machines in the United States, ending a nine-year period during which American systems dominated the global performance charts. The achievement is being viewed as a major boost for China’s technological ambitions at a time of growing competition between the world’s two largest economies.

What makes the breakthrough particularly noteworthy is that the Chinese system was built using domestically developed processors and components. The development comes after years of US export restrictions aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced semiconductors and high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs).

Supercomputers play a crucial role in scientific research, weather forecasting, drug discovery, national security and artificial intelligence. Their performance is often seen as an indicator of a country’s technological and industrial strength.

Chinese researchers involved in the project described the achievement as proof that the country can continue advancing despite restrictions on access to Western hardware. The result has also fuelled discussions about the effectiveness of export controls imposed by the United States in recent years.

The United States remains a major force in high-performance computing, with several world-class systems supporting research institutions, government agencies and technology companies. However, China’s latest success highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the sector and the rapid pace of technological development taking place across Asia.

Countries are investing billions of dollars to secure leadership in advanced computing technologies that are expected to shape future economic growth and national competitiveness.

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China April growth slows as data misses forecasts

China’s economic growth slowed in April 2026 as key indicators including retail sales, industrial production and investment came in weaker than expected, according to official data, raising concerns about the strength of its recovery.

Industrial output rose 4.1% year-on-year in April, down from 5.7% in March and below market expectations. The slowdown suggests weaker manufacturing activity, reflecting softer domestic demand and uncertain global conditions affecting exports and production.

Retail sales, a key indicator of consumer spending, increased just 0.2% in April, sharply lower than the previous month and significantly below forecasts. The weak reading points to continued caution among households, with spending remaining subdued despite earlier signs of recovery.

Fixed-asset investment also disappointed, contracting 1.6% in the first four months of the year. Economists had expected more stable performance, and the decline highlights ongoing weakness in infrastructure, real estate and private investment activity.

Despite the slowdown in monthly data, China’s economy still grew around 5% in the first quarter of 2026, broadly in line with government targets. However, economists warn that maintaining this pace could become increasingly difficult without stronger domestic demand.

Experts believe policymakers may consider additional stimulus measures if economic momentum continues to weaken. Possible steps could include support for household consumption, infrastructure spending and measures to stabilise the property sector.

Exports have remained relatively resilient compared to domestic demand, but they are not enough to fully offset internal weaknesses. This imbalance is contributing to concerns about the sustainability of the recovery.

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India plans to relax FDI rules for China-linked firms

India is planning to ease foreign direct investment (FDI) rules for overseas companies that have a small exposure to Chinese firms, in a move aimed at attracting more global investments.

Under the proposed change, foreign companies with up to 10% stake from Chinese entities may face fewer restrictions when investing in India. The final notification is expected soon from the Department of Economic Affairs.

The move comes as India looks to speed up approvals and make it easier for global businesses to invest, especially in key sectors. Current rules, introduced in 2020, require stricter scrutiny of investments linked to countries sharing land borders with India, including China.

Officials say the new approach will help remove delays for companies where Chinese ownership is minimal, without compromising on security concerns.

At the same time, investments with higher Chinese stakes are likely to continue facing tighter checks.

The step is seen as an effort to strike a balance, encouraging foreign investment and economic growth, while still keeping a close watch on sensitive inflows.

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China blocks Meta’s $2 billion Manus deal

Meta’s plan to buy artificial intelligence startup Manus for $2 billion has been blocked by Chinese authorities, dealing a blow to the tech giant’s efforts to strengthen its AI business.

The decision shows how sensitive AI technology has become, with governments increasingly treating it as a strategic asset rather than just another business sector.

Meta had hoped the acquisition would help it move faster in the global AI race. Manus has attracted attention for building advanced AI systems that can perform tasks such as research, planning and customer support with limited human input.

For Meta, the startup was seen as a valuable opportunity to add both technology and talent at a time when competition is intensifying with rivals such as Google, Microsoft and OpenAI.

Chinese regulators reportedly opposed the deal on national security and foreign investment grounds. The move suggests Beijing is becoming more cautious about allowing promising domestic AI companies or their technology to come under foreign ownership.

Even though Manus had links outside mainland China, authorities appear to have taken a broad view of the company’s strategic importance.

For Meta, the setback is more than a lost acquisition. It means the company may now need to spend more time and money building similar capabilities internally or searching for other partnerships.

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has made AI one of Meta’s top priorities, investing heavily in smart assistants, business tools, advertising technology and future digital platforms.

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Beyond

China, Iran use economy as tool in US rivalry

A new report highlights how China and Iran are increasingly using the global economy itself as a tool to counter US influence, showing how modern geopolitical tensions are moving beyond traditional warfare.

Instead of direct military confrontation, both countries are reportedly using trade, energy supplies, and critical resources to apply pressure on the United States and its allies. This approach reflects a growing trend where economic systems are being used as instruments of power.

China, for example, holds a strong position in the global supply of rare earth minerals, which are essential for electronics, electric vehicles, and defence equipment. By controlling or restricting access to these materials, it can influence global supply chains and affect industries that depend heavily on them.

Iran, on the other hand, has used its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes, to create uncertainty in global energy markets. Even the threat of disruption in this narrow waterway has previously led to sharp rises in oil prices and global concern.

The report suggests that these strategies mark a shift from conventional conflict to what experts describe as “economic warfare,” where financial systems, trade routes, and commodities become tools of influence.

The United States, which has long used sanctions and its financial system as a source of global leverage, is now facing similar tactics being used against it. This growing balance of economic pressure is reshaping how countries compete and respond to each other.

The effects are already being felt worldwide. Energy prices have become more volatile, supply chains are under strain, and businesses are facing rising costs. These pressures are eventually passed on to consumers, affecting everyday prices.

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