Porti & ambiente — le notizie raccolte

ByCHRISTIAN CALGIE, SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT-AT-LARGE Published:23:18 BST, 30 April 2026|Updated:23:19 BST, 30 April 2026 Dozens ofLabourMPs are now calling onKeir Starmerto sack 'bat-s**t crazy' Ed Miliband at the rumoured forthcoming Cabinet reshuffle. Anger at the Energy Secretary's refusal to allow licences for new oil drilling in the North Sea has surged among MPs in recent weeks in the wake of soaring energy bills following theIranwar. One leading rebel claimed that dozens now believe that the Prime Minister should ditch the top Cabinet minister to prove to voters that the government is willing to prioritise thecost of livingcrisis instead of 'obsessing' over ideological campaigns. According to a furious senior MP, the swelling clarion call now includes ministers, who are saying 'we can't do what we need to do if Ed keeps carrying on like this'. 'Keir knows. The question is whether he's strong enough to move him, or at least get him to tone down his approach.' Another blasted: 'Colleagues can't stand him. They think he's bat-s**t crazy.' A third explained that they are on a mission to prove to Sir Keir that the Parliamentary Labour Party 'is not the Miliverse', after Sir Keir reportedly bottled moving Mr Miliband out of the Net Zero department at the last reshuffle. At the time No. 10 caved after becoming convinced that the former Labour leader was too popular to sack from the brief. Ed Miliband is facing calls from dozens of his Labour MP colleagues to get the chop Mr Miliband has refused to U-turn over the government's ban on new North Sea Oil drilling, despite the surge in energy costs following the Iran war The MP added: 'He does not have the soft left sewn up… Miliband thinks he can walk a leadership election and get the 80 MPs required. 'But opposition is from across the spectrum – from left to centre – and Scottish Labour MPs particularly.' Mr Miliband's tenure as Net Zero secretary has brought devastation to Scotland's oil and drilling sector, with official figures this week revealing that around 4,000 jobs have gone since Labourcame to power. The Labour governmentbanned new licences for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea after winning power. Critics say that even though oil and gas prices are decided on the global market, allowing domestic production could rake in billions in tax revenue for the Treasury, which could then be used to subsidise voters' bills. But Ed Miliband hasinsisted that the solution to volatile energy bills is 'home-grown, clean power' from renewable sources. Despite his insistence that allowing new drilling would be wrong, there remains speculation that he may give the go-ahead to new drilling, with the government failing to rule it out. The anger among MPs is a blow to Mr Miliband, who has been campaigning behind the scenes to replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor in the next reshuffle, expected after Labour's local elections drubbing next Thursday. Reshuffle rumours resumed this week, with reports that Sir Keir's top team are split down the middle about whether to hold one immediately after the local elections. Ms Reeves' job remains on the line, as do those of the Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. A Red Wall MP added that Sir Keir must remove Mr Miliband as part of a 'bold' reshuffle to reassert his authority next week. They argued: ''My constituents don't have a problem with wind farms and solar if it means jobs and more secure energy. But they don't understand why we're shutting down the North Sea when we need it - Miliband makes us look like obsessives. 'The PM tried to move him at the last reshuffle. Some people say he's too weak to do it now but I wouldn't rule it out. We need to be bolder and we need to show we are in touch with ordinary people's concerns, not obsessing about causes. Sacking Miliband would be a good start.' Reports this week suggested that Sir Keir has now told allies that he does not want to do a reshuffle due to fears it will be yet another 'distraction' from the work of government. But his political director Amy Richards, and Chief Whip Darren Jones, are both said to be pushing for a reset of his Cabinet in order to bring in key figures on the soft left of the party to shore up his position. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'We don't comment on reshuffle speculation and the PM has full confidence in all his ministers.' A Labour source added: 'We're proud to be delivering our manifesto of a fair and balanced transition in the North Sea.'

Scartata per costo eccessivo la soluzione Fincosit, Adsp presenta al Mase un progetto ridimensionato e calibrato anche per l’eolico e chiede le risorse al Mit. Avviata la revisione della concessione di Scct Atteso da più di dieci anni, il dragaggio del Molo Polisettoriale del potto di Taranto, la cui mancata esecuzione è alla base dell’addio del primo inquilino del terminal container e della ridottissima attività dell’attuale (San Cataldo Container Terminal, gruppo Yildirim), riappare, seppur non del tutto definitamente, nel futuro dello scalo ionico. Del progetto che avrebbe dovuto rimediare all’appalto per la vasca di colmata (finito in un contenzioso con l’appaltatore Astaldi, di cui l’Autorità di sistema portuale non ha mai fornito chiaramente gli estremi), si parlò nella seconda metà del 2024, seppur in termini molto vaghi, a partire da un costo ufficiosamente stimato in 200 milioni di euro (indisponibili, ammontando le risorse originarie, per giunta in parte spese, a circa 80 milioni). Dopodiché, al netto di fugace accenno di Gugliotti nei primi mesi di presidenza, sul progetto affidato, dopo la rottura con Astaldi, a una cordata guidata da Fincosit è scesa una coltre così spessa che neppure nel bilancio previsionale 2026 si trovava traccia della cosa. Ma a inizio marzo al Ministero dell’ambiente è stata avviata dall’Adsp, in relazione al dragaggio del Molo Polisettoriale, una procedura di “verifica di assoggettabilità a Via (Valutazione di impatto ambientale” per un “Progetto di adeguamento della capacità di conterminazione idraulica del paramento a mare (vale a dire di risoluzione delle problematiche relative alla vasca di colmata che avevano portato al fallimento del progetto originario, ndr) e rimodulazione del Piano dei dragaggi”. Il Mase ha chiesto integrazioni, ottenendole circa una settimana fa, ma ad oggi non ha ancora pubblicato documentazioni di tale progetto, i cui dettagli restano quindi ignoti. L’ente ha però spiegato come la proposta Fincosit sia stata superata, anche in relazione al ‘nuovo’ destino dell’area, votata a divenire in parte hub per l’eolico offshore: “Come noto, ai fini del superamento di una non conformità tecnico-funzionale connessa all’intervento (l’eccessivo disallineamento di pali e palancole nel marginamento a mare della cassa di colmata) lo stesso ha subìto una battuta d’arresto. A seguito della risoluzione contrattuale con l’appaltatore originario, il Rti interpellato ha proposto una progettazione di completamento che prevedeva la realizzazione di opere straordinarie di adeguamento/rifacimento di parte della cassa di colmata. Tale proposta è stata ritenuta non approvabile in quanto tecnicamente ed economicamente eccedente le disponibilità”. Non è chiaro se ancora con l’apporto di Fincosit, ma “la soluzione alternativa individuata successivamente dall’ente consiste in una strategia di rifunzionalizzazione per fasi della cassa nella sua configurazione attuale, supportata da un’analisi del rischio e dalla ridefinizione delle caratteristiche di conterminazione idraulica ai sensi del nuovo testo dell’art. 5 bis L. 84/94. La nuova soluzione di completamento tiene conto anche della intervenuta individuazione del porto di Taranto quale hub per la cantieristica navale di supporto all’eolico offshore”. Ancora incerto l’ammontare delle risorse necessarie e il loro reperimento: “Il costo dell’intervento potrà essere definito con accuratezza solo a valle dell’espressione dei competenti pareri e delle eventuali prescrizioni/osservazioni che interverranno nel corso dell’iter approvativo avviato. L’Amministrazione ha avviato interlocuzioni per l’assegnazione di nuove risorse ministeriali ad integrazione di quelle attualmente disponibili”. Quanto alla tempistica, per l’Adsp “l’acquisizione dei titoli autorizzativi necessari per l’utilizzo della cassa nell’attuale configurazione è prevista entro il mese di luglio 2026. Il progetto presentato prevede una funzionalizzazione per fasi della cassa di colmata in relazione alla quantità ed alla qualità del materiale dragato. Anche il dragaggio prevederà uno sviluppo per fasi distinte che tengano conto anche delle intervenute opportunità di sviluppo connesse alla realizzazione di un hub per l’eolico offshore”. Quanto ai rapporti col terminalista turco Yildirim, l’Adsp ha confermato “l’impegno a eseguire i dragaggi per migliorare la capacità del terminal. Tuttavia, il nuovo quadro operativo prevede l’integrazione del Molo Polisettoriale con attività di cantieristica navale per energie rinnovabili, ridefinendo le strategie di utilizzo delle aree demaniali in accordo con i Ministeri competenti. È in corso un tavolo tecnico con la Scct per l’individuazione della migliore soluzione per la revisione della concessione”. ISCRIVITI ALLA NEWSLETTER QUOTIDIANA GRATUITA DI SHIPPING ITALY SHIPPING ITALY E’ ANCHE SU WHATSAPP: BASTA CLICCARE QUI PER ISCRIVERSI AL CANALE ED ESSERE SEMPRE AGGIORNATI

Giovedì 30 Aprile 2026 - 22:43 Si è svolta oggi, 30 Aprile, presso la Prefettura, la quinta riunione del tavolo permanente costituito per affrontare il tema delle emissioni in ambito portuale, con particolare riferimento alla possibile emissione continuativa di sostanze inquinanti provenienti dalle navi ormeggiate. Come si legge in una nota diffusa dalla Prefettura, l’incontro, presieduto dal Prefetto Giancarlo Dionisi, ha visto la partecipazione del sindaco di Livorno Luca Salvetti, dell’assessore all’ambiente Silvia Viviani, del presidente dell’Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Tirreno Settentrionale Davide Gariglio, nonché – in collegamento – della Dott.ssa Caselli in rappresentanza dell’assessore regionale all’ambiente David Barontini. Presenti inoltre rappresentanti della Capitaneria di Porto, della ASL Toscana Nord Ovest e dell’associazione “Porto Pulito”. La riunione si inserisce nel percorso già avviato nei precedenti incontri, durante i quali tutti i soggetti coinvolti hanno contribuito a delineare un quadro puntuale dello stato dell’arte, delle criticità e delle azioni intraprese. In tale contesto, l’incontro odierno ha rappresentato un momento di passaggio verso una fase più operativa, orientata a consolidare e sviluppare le iniziative già in campo, con l’obiettivo di garantire una progressione concreta delle attività. Tra i principali temi affrontati, particolare attenzione è stata dedicata al rafforzamento del sistema di monitoraggio e analisi del fenomeno. In tal senso, è stato evidenziato il significativo impegno del Comune di Livorno, rappresentato dal Sindaco e dall’Assessore all’ambiente, nella messa a norma, attivazione e piena operatività della centralina recentemente installata nel parcheggio di via della Cinta Esterna, messa a disposizione dalla struttura commissariale della Darsena Europa. È stato inoltre sottolineato il lavoro in corso per garantire una rapida elaborazione e diffusione dei dati rilevati, attraverso un circuito di comunicazione trasparente e tempestivo, anche tramite il portale istituzionale del Comune, a beneficio diretto dei cittadini livornesi. Nel corso della riunione, la Capitaneria di Porto ha comunicato che, a livello di Comando Generale, è in fase avanzata di studio l’utilizzo di droni per il campionamento diretto dei fumi dai camini delle navi, al fine di consentirne un’analisi immediata e più efficace. Il Prefetto ha manifestato l’intenzione di avviare a breve interlocuzioni dirette con il Comandante Generale delle Capitanerie di Porto, per favorire una rapida attuazione di tale soluzione. Ulteriori elementi positivi sono emersi dal contributo della Regione Toscana, che ha rappresentato la possibilità di installare una centralina di monitoraggio direttamente in ambito portuale, integrata con il sistema regionale. È stato inoltre fatto il punto sul progetto di biomonitoraggio della popolazione residente nelle aree limitrofe ai Siti di Interesse Nazionale (SIN) di Livorno e Piombino, attualmente in corso e la cui conclusione è prevista entro la fine dell’anno. L’Autorità di Sistema Portuale ha infine aggiornato il tavolo sullo stato di avanzamento del progetto di cold ironing, evidenziando alcune criticità e ritardi legati a fattori non dipendenti dalla volontà dei soggetti attuatori, che stanno determinando uno slittamento dei tempi di realizzazione del sistema di elettrificazione delle banchine. Al termine dell’incontro, il Prefetto ha dichiarato: “Esprimo soddisfazione per il lavoro che il tavolo sta portando avanti. Si tratta di un percorso che non riparte da zero, ma che si fonda su attività già avviate e su un patrimonio di conoscenze condiviso. Oggi stiamo proseguendo in una logica di progressione concreta, mettendo in campo strumenti sempre più efficaci sia per analizzare il fenomeno sia per individuare le soluzioni più adeguate per fronteggiarlo. L’obiettivo è mantenere questo tavolo costantemente operativo, focalizzato sui risultati e sui tempi di attuazione". "Il diritto alla salute rappresenta una priorità assoluta che deve essere pienamente tutelata: la soddisfazione per il lavoro svolto deriva anche dalla consapevolezza che tutte le istituzioni coinvolte stanno operando con determinazione proprio per garantire, fino in fondo, la tutela della salute dei cittadini e della comunità livornese", ha aggiunto. Il Prefetto ha inoltre annunciato che la prossima riunione del tavolo permanente è convocata per il giorno 25 maggio alle ore 17.00, al fine di proseguire con continuità e tempestività nell’azione di monitoraggio e intervento. “Sono contento perché finalmente tutti i soggetti che siedono al tavolo dedicato ai fumi in porto – dalla Prefettura al Comitato Porto Pulito, dalla Regione Toscana all’Autorità di Sistema Portuale, fino a USL e ARPAT – hanno riconosciuto che Livorno, su questo fronte, sta portando avanti un lavoro serio e accurato, come raramente si vede altrove", ha dichiarato il sindaco di Livorno Luca Salvetti. "Questa presa d’atto si fonda su quanto è stato realizzato finora: dalla firma del Blue Agreement, all’ordinanza per l’abbassamento del tenore di zolfo nei carburanti delle navi in entrata e in uscita dal porto, fino alle centraline di monitoraggio provvisorie installate con risorse comunali e alla nuova centralina recentemente entrata in funzione, che consente un controllo più ravvicinato rispetto alle banchine prossime al cuore della città. - ha concluso il sindaco - È il riconoscimento di una Livorno che sta anticipando un salto di qualità, rafforzato anche da ulteriori sviluppi concreti: l’arrivo a breve di una nuova centralina, l’annuncio da parte della USL di un nuovo studio di monitoraggio, l’inserimento del porto di Livorno tra i cinque scali italiani dove sarà attivato il controllo dei fumi anche tramite droni, e il progetto “Sinergie” per un biomonitoraggio accurato della popolazione. Livorno è un porto strategico nel Mediterraneo e, allo stesso tempo, una città che vuole essere punto di riferimento per un approccio serio e rigoroso ai temi ambientali e alla lotta all’inquinamento".

Skip to comments. Posted on04/30/2026 1:43:50 PM PDTbylasereye President Trump has reportedly told his aides to prepare for a prolonged US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical waterway for global energy flows. On Wednesday, the president told Axios he is maintaining the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program.The pressure campaign carries mounting costs beyond Iran. While the near-total cessation of flows through the key waterway is cutting off hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Tehran, it’s also choking key corners of the global market.By extending the blockade, Trump is wagering that Iran’s export-dependent economy will buckle before higher fuel prices, supply shortages, and renewed inflation inflict unacceptable damage on US consumers and allies abroad.“‘Economic war’ has become the US’s main strategy for getting Iran to make principal concessions to the US,” Macquarie Bank strategist Thierry Wizman said.Futures on Brent crude, the international benchmark, reached their highest prices since June 2022 on Wednesday, climbing as much as 7.8% to reach $120.22 per barrel.For Iran, where oil and gas exports account for roughly 80% of the country’s export revenue, per JPMorgan, the economic effects are acute. President Trump has claimed in social media posts that Iran is losing roughly $500 million per day and that the regime has told the White House the country is in a “state of collapse.”Iran likely has less than a month before it will need to begin shutting down oil wells as its storage sites reach capacity, according to maritime intelligence provider Kpler, risking damage to already brittle infrastructure.Trump has insisted he’ll maintain the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program.(Excerpt) Read more atfinance.yahoo.com...TOPICS:Foreign Affairs;Iran;News/Current EventsKEYWORDS:armchairgeneralsoffr;blockade;bobwillstroll;iran;irgc;jakeconley;leftistsource;nuclear;straitofhormuz;surrendermonkeybait;tds;trumpMessage from Jim Robinson:Dear FRiends,We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,JimNavigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastThis is a permanent situation IMO - unless the IRGC loses its grip on power or the Dems take over the White House. Trump is hoping for the first possibility. Unfortunately the IRGC is unlikely to lose control of Iran even if the Iranian economy collapses.Eventually they will find ways to route pretty much everything around the Strait and oil prices will fall.1posted on04/30/2026 1:43:50 PM PDTbylasereye[Post Reply|Private Reply|View Replies]To:lasereyeWhen will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!2posted on04/30/2026 1:49:33 PM PDTbymikelets456[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeJust ask Big Mo. Say where is he?3posted on04/30/2026 1:50:06 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeI dont see why we dont control and have command over the strait so that traffic can flow today. With air superiority and constant surveillance, any boat bigger than a one man dingy that moves from Iranian shores towards the shipping lanes should be vaporized withing a mile of the shore line. That seems like it would open the strait, even if only while we are still there. Is that whats happening now? I dont know but from lack of reporting it doesnt seem like it.4posted on04/30/2026 1:52:00 PM PDTbyMagnum44(...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherWho is Big Mo?5posted on04/30/2026 1:52:14 PM PDTbylasereye( )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeMojtaba Khamenei. One leg. Hops a lot. May be found in gay bars.6posted on04/30/2026 1:56:40 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 5|View Replies]To:lasereyeIf I was a Democrat advising my candidates how to win in November, the first item on my list of recommendations would be:”Convince Donald Trump to start a military campaign against Iran.”That’s how ‘effing retarded this is.7posted on04/30/2026 2:00:03 PM PDTbyAlberta's Child(If I leave here, it’s because I’m tired of arguing with geriatric parrots wearing MAGA hats.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherIsn’t Big Mo a vegetable in Russia?8posted on04/30/2026 2:01:41 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeTrump still has the Kharg Island option.Destroy Kharg Island, and the IRGC Government goes broke.9posted on04/30/2026 2:02:15 PM PDTbyzeestephen(Trump Landslide? Kamala lost the election by 230,000 votes, in WI, MI, and PA.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:mikelets456“When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!”____________________________________________________________What makes you think oil prices will fall soon, if ever? The war has effectively stopped oil production throughout much of the middle east right now, and it will take YEARS for it to return to pre-war levels.20% of world oil is stopped right now. Just as importantly, refining capabilities have diminished everywhere.This is basic economics and “the market” at work. We have a high demand oil economy, and a significant decline in oil goods availability. That means prices go up until they balance out again.It’s a hidden war tax we’re paying.10posted on04/30/2026 2:03:42 PM PDTbyBob Wills is still the king[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:mikelets456Saudi Arabia’s pulling out of OPEC May 1st. I expect prices to start falling then.11posted on04/30/2026 2:03:55 PM PDTbyroving[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44LA, CA and Hollywood are all dying the Olympics will be an embarrassment .12posted on04/30/2026 2:04:40 PM PDTbycnsmom[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:lasereyeI LOVE PAYING OUT THE @$$ AT THE PUMP MR. TRUMP13posted on04/30/2026 2:04:51 PM PDTbyBigFreakinToad(Not a fan of much)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeWe aren’t blockading the strait. We are blockading Iranian ports.Yahoo BS.14posted on04/30/2026 2:06:19 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:rovingI believe it’s UAE15posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 11|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildFortunately for the world, President Trump’s IQ is about 100 points higher than yours.16posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:mikelets456Yeah, stock markets tanked on Covid.The sky fell when PDJT announced tariffs a year ago.Oil soared when we attacked Iran.OTOH, markets today are adjusting. Stocks near or above all time highs.All in an atmosphere of doom and gloom perpetuated by defeatist articles and democrats.There is no way, unlike our previous eight Presidents, Trump will leave behind a nuclear Iran to kill more Americans.17posted on04/30/2026 2:07:28 PM PDTbyJacquerie(ArticleVBlog.com)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44The ships don’t want to take the risk they perceive.18posted on04/30/2026 2:08:28 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildBug off Zambia loser19posted on04/30/2026 2:09:20 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:JacqueriePanicans and boomers live to be miserable.20posted on04/30/2026 2:10:45 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 17|View Replies]Navigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastDisclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.Free RepublicBrowse·SearchNews/ActivismTopics·Post ArticleFreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson The pressure campaign carries mounting costs beyond Iran. While the near-total cessation of flows through the key waterway is cutting off hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Tehran, it’s also choking key corners of the global market.By extending the blockade, Trump is wagering that Iran’s export-dependent economy will buckle before higher fuel prices, supply shortages, and renewed inflation inflict unacceptable damage on US consumers and allies abroad.“‘Economic war’ has become the US’s main strategy for getting Iran to make principal concessions to the US,” Macquarie Bank strategist Thierry Wizman said.Futures on Brent crude, the international benchmark, reached their highest prices since June 2022 on Wednesday, climbing as much as 7.8% to reach $120.22 per barrel.For Iran, where oil and gas exports account for roughly 80% of the country’s export revenue, per JPMorgan, the economic effects are acute. President Trump has claimed in social media posts that Iran is losing roughly $500 million per day and that the regime has told the White House the country is in a “state of collapse.”Iran likely has less than a month before it will need to begin shutting down oil wells as its storage sites reach capacity, according to maritime intelligence provider Kpler, risking damage to already brittle infrastructure.Trump has insisted he’ll maintain the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program.(Excerpt) Read more atfinance.yahoo.com...TOPICS:Foreign Affairs;Iran;News/Current EventsKEYWORDS:armchairgeneralsoffr;blockade;bobwillstroll;iran;irgc;jakeconley;leftistsource;nuclear;straitofhormuz;surrendermonkeybait;tds;trumpMessage from Jim Robinson:Dear FRiends,We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,JimNavigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastThis is a permanent situation IMO - unless the IRGC loses its grip on power or the Dems take over the White House. Trump is hoping for the first possibility. Unfortunately the IRGC is unlikely to lose control of Iran even if the Iranian economy collapses.Eventually they will find ways to route pretty much everything around the Strait and oil prices will fall.1posted on04/30/2026 1:43:50 PM PDTbylasereye[Post Reply|Private Reply|View Replies]To:lasereyeWhen will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!2posted on04/30/2026 1:49:33 PM PDTbymikelets456[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeJust ask Big Mo. Say where is he?3posted on04/30/2026 1:50:06 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeI dont see why we dont control and have command over the strait so that traffic can flow today. With air superiority and constant surveillance, any boat bigger than a one man dingy that moves from Iranian shores towards the shipping lanes should be vaporized withing a mile of the shore line. That seems like it would open the strait, even if only while we are still there. Is that whats happening now? I dont know but from lack of reporting it doesnt seem like it.4posted on04/30/2026 1:52:00 PM PDTbyMagnum44(...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherWho is Big Mo?5posted on04/30/2026 1:52:14 PM PDTbylasereye( )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeMojtaba Khamenei. One leg. Hops a lot. May be found in gay bars.6posted on04/30/2026 1:56:40 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 5|View Replies]To:lasereyeIf I was a Democrat advising my candidates how to win in November, the first item on my list of recommendations would be:”Convince Donald Trump to start a military campaign against Iran.”That’s how ‘effing retarded this is.7posted on04/30/2026 2:00:03 PM PDTbyAlberta's Child(If I leave here, it’s because I’m tired of arguing with geriatric parrots wearing MAGA hats.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherIsn’t Big Mo a vegetable in Russia?8posted on04/30/2026 2:01:41 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeTrump still has the Kharg Island option.Destroy Kharg Island, and the IRGC Government goes broke.9posted on04/30/2026 2:02:15 PM PDTbyzeestephen(Trump Landslide? Kamala lost the election by 230,000 votes, in WI, MI, and PA.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:mikelets456“When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!”____________________________________________________________What makes you think oil prices will fall soon, if ever? The war has effectively stopped oil production throughout much of the middle east right now, and it will take YEARS for it to return to pre-war levels.20% of world oil is stopped right now. Just as importantly, refining capabilities have diminished everywhere.This is basic economics and “the market” at work. We have a high demand oil economy, and a significant decline in oil goods availability. That means prices go up until they balance out again.It’s a hidden war tax we’re paying.10posted on04/30/2026 2:03:42 PM PDTbyBob Wills is still the king[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:mikelets456Saudi Arabia’s pulling out of OPEC May 1st. I expect prices to start falling then.11posted on04/30/2026 2:03:55 PM PDTbyroving[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44LA, CA and Hollywood are all dying the Olympics will be an embarrassment .12posted on04/30/2026 2:04:40 PM PDTbycnsmom[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:lasereyeI LOVE PAYING OUT THE @$$ AT THE PUMP MR. TRUMP13posted on04/30/2026 2:04:51 PM PDTbyBigFreakinToad(Not a fan of much)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeWe aren’t blockading the strait. We are blockading Iranian ports.Yahoo BS.14posted on04/30/2026 2:06:19 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:rovingI believe it’s UAE15posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 11|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildFortunately for the world, President Trump’s IQ is about 100 points higher than yours.16posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:mikelets456Yeah, stock markets tanked on Covid.The sky fell when PDJT announced tariffs a year ago.Oil soared when we attacked Iran.OTOH, markets today are adjusting. Stocks near or above all time highs.All in an atmosphere of doom and gloom perpetuated by defeatist articles and democrats.There is no way, unlike our previous eight Presidents, Trump will leave behind a nuclear Iran to kill more Americans.17posted on04/30/2026 2:07:28 PM PDTbyJacquerie(ArticleVBlog.com)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44The ships don’t want to take the risk they perceive.18posted on04/30/2026 2:08:28 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildBug off Zambia loser19posted on04/30/2026 2:09:20 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:JacqueriePanicans and boomers live to be miserable.20posted on04/30/2026 2:10:45 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 17|View Replies]Navigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastDisclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.Free RepublicBrowse·SearchNews/ActivismTopics·Post ArticleFreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson By extending the blockade, Trump is wagering that Iran’s export-dependent economy will buckle before higher fuel prices, supply shortages, and renewed inflation inflict unacceptable damage on US consumers and allies abroad.“‘Economic war’ has become the US’s main strategy for getting Iran to make principal concessions to the US,” Macquarie Bank strategist Thierry Wizman said.Futures on Brent crude, the international benchmark, reached their highest prices since June 2022 on Wednesday, climbing as much as 7.8% to reach $120.22 per barrel.For Iran, where oil and gas exports account for roughly 80% of the country’s export revenue, per JPMorgan, the economic effects are acute. President Trump has claimed in social media posts that Iran is losing roughly $500 million per day and that the regime has told the White House the country is in a “state of collapse.”Iran likely has less than a month before it will need to begin shutting down oil wells as its storage sites reach capacity, according to maritime intelligence provider Kpler, risking damage to already brittle infrastructure.Trump has insisted he’ll maintain the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program.(Excerpt) Read more atfinance.yahoo.com...TOPICS:Foreign Affairs;Iran;News/Current EventsKEYWORDS:armchairgeneralsoffr;blockade;bobwillstroll;iran;irgc;jakeconley;leftistsource;nuclear;straitofhormuz;surrendermonkeybait;tds;trumpMessage from Jim Robinson:Dear FRiends,We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,JimNavigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastThis is a permanent situation IMO - unless the IRGC loses its grip on power or the Dems take over the White House. Trump is hoping for the first possibility. Unfortunately the IRGC is unlikely to lose control of Iran even if the Iranian economy collapses.Eventually they will find ways to route pretty much everything around the Strait and oil prices will fall.1posted on04/30/2026 1:43:50 PM PDTbylasereye[Post Reply|Private Reply|View Replies]To:lasereyeWhen will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!2posted on04/30/2026 1:49:33 PM PDTbymikelets456[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeJust ask Big Mo. Say where is he?3posted on04/30/2026 1:50:06 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeI dont see why we dont control and have command over the strait so that traffic can flow today. With air superiority and constant surveillance, any boat bigger than a one man dingy that moves from Iranian shores towards the shipping lanes should be vaporized withing a mile of the shore line. That seems like it would open the strait, even if only while we are still there. Is that whats happening now? I dont know but from lack of reporting it doesnt seem like it.4posted on04/30/2026 1:52:00 PM PDTbyMagnum44(...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherWho is Big Mo?5posted on04/30/2026 1:52:14 PM PDTbylasereye( )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeMojtaba Khamenei. One leg. Hops a lot. May be found in gay bars.6posted on04/30/2026 1:56:40 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 5|View Replies]To:lasereyeIf I was a Democrat advising my candidates how to win in November, the first item on my list of recommendations would be:”Convince Donald Trump to start a military campaign against Iran.”That’s how ‘effing retarded this is.7posted on04/30/2026 2:00:03 PM PDTbyAlberta's Child(If I leave here, it’s because I’m tired of arguing with geriatric parrots wearing MAGA hats.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherIsn’t Big Mo a vegetable in Russia?8posted on04/30/2026 2:01:41 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeTrump still has the Kharg Island option.Destroy Kharg Island, and the IRGC Government goes broke.9posted on04/30/2026 2:02:15 PM PDTbyzeestephen(Trump Landslide? Kamala lost the election by 230,000 votes, in WI, MI, and PA.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:mikelets456“When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!”____________________________________________________________What makes you think oil prices will fall soon, if ever? The war has effectively stopped oil production throughout much of the middle east right now, and it will take YEARS for it to return to pre-war levels.20% of world oil is stopped right now. Just as importantly, refining capabilities have diminished everywhere.This is basic economics and “the market” at work. We have a high demand oil economy, and a significant decline in oil goods availability. That means prices go up until they balance out again.It’s a hidden war tax we’re paying.10posted on04/30/2026 2:03:42 PM PDTbyBob Wills is still the king[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:mikelets456Saudi Arabia’s pulling out of OPEC May 1st. I expect prices to start falling then.11posted on04/30/2026 2:03:55 PM PDTbyroving[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44LA, CA and Hollywood are all dying the Olympics will be an embarrassment .12posted on04/30/2026 2:04:40 PM PDTbycnsmom[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:lasereyeI LOVE PAYING OUT THE @$$ AT THE PUMP MR. TRUMP13posted on04/30/2026 2:04:51 PM PDTbyBigFreakinToad(Not a fan of much)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeWe aren’t blockading the strait. We are blockading Iranian ports.Yahoo BS.14posted on04/30/2026 2:06:19 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:rovingI believe it’s UAE15posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 11|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildFortunately for the world, President Trump’s IQ is about 100 points higher than yours.16posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:mikelets456Yeah, stock markets tanked on Covid.The sky fell when PDJT announced tariffs a year ago.Oil soared when we attacked Iran.OTOH, markets today are adjusting. Stocks near or above all time highs.All in an atmosphere of doom and gloom perpetuated by defeatist articles and democrats.There is no way, unlike our previous eight Presidents, Trump will leave behind a nuclear Iran to kill more Americans.17posted on04/30/2026 2:07:28 PM PDTbyJacquerie(ArticleVBlog.com)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44The ships don’t want to take the risk they perceive.18posted on04/30/2026 2:08:28 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildBug off Zambia loser19posted on04/30/2026 2:09:20 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:JacqueriePanicans and boomers live to be miserable.20posted on04/30/2026 2:10:45 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 17|View Replies]Navigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastDisclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.Free RepublicBrowse·SearchNews/ActivismTopics·Post ArticleFreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson “‘Economic war’ has become the US’s main strategy for getting Iran to make principal concessions to the US,” Macquarie Bank strategist Thierry Wizman said.Futures on Brent crude, the international benchmark, reached their highest prices since June 2022 on Wednesday, climbing as much as 7.8% to reach $120.22 per barrel.For Iran, where oil and gas exports account for roughly 80% of the country’s export revenue, per JPMorgan, the economic effects are acute. President Trump has claimed in social media posts that Iran is losing roughly $500 million per day and that the regime has told the White House the country is in a “state of collapse.”Iran likely has less than a month before it will need to begin shutting down oil wells as its storage sites reach capacity, according to maritime intelligence provider Kpler, risking damage to already brittle infrastructure.Trump has insisted he’ll maintain the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program.(Excerpt) Read more atfinance.yahoo.com...TOPICS:Foreign Affairs;Iran;News/Current EventsKEYWORDS:armchairgeneralsoffr;blockade;bobwillstroll;iran;irgc;jakeconley;leftistsource;nuclear;straitofhormuz;surrendermonkeybait;tds;trumpMessage from Jim Robinson:Dear FRiends,We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,JimNavigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastThis is a permanent situation IMO - unless the IRGC loses its grip on power or the Dems take over the White House. Trump is hoping for the first possibility. Unfortunately the IRGC is unlikely to lose control of Iran even if the Iranian economy collapses.Eventually they will find ways to route pretty much everything around the Strait and oil prices will fall.1posted on04/30/2026 1:43:50 PM PDTbylasereye[Post Reply|Private Reply|View Replies]To:lasereyeWhen will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!2posted on04/30/2026 1:49:33 PM PDTbymikelets456[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeJust ask Big Mo. Say where is he?3posted on04/30/2026 1:50:06 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeI dont see why we dont control and have command over the strait so that traffic can flow today. With air superiority and constant surveillance, any boat bigger than a one man dingy that moves from Iranian shores towards the shipping lanes should be vaporized withing a mile of the shore line. That seems like it would open the strait, even if only while we are still there. Is that whats happening now? I dont know but from lack of reporting it doesnt seem like it.4posted on04/30/2026 1:52:00 PM PDTbyMagnum44(...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherWho is Big Mo?5posted on04/30/2026 1:52:14 PM PDTbylasereye( )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeMojtaba Khamenei. One leg. Hops a lot. May be found in gay bars.6posted on04/30/2026 1:56:40 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 5|View Replies]To:lasereyeIf I was a Democrat advising my candidates how to win in November, the first item on my list of recommendations would be:”Convince Donald Trump to start a military campaign against Iran.”That’s how ‘effing retarded this is.7posted on04/30/2026 2:00:03 PM PDTbyAlberta's Child(If I leave here, it’s because I’m tired of arguing with geriatric parrots wearing MAGA hats.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherIsn’t Big Mo a vegetable in Russia?8posted on04/30/2026 2:01:41 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeTrump still has the Kharg Island option.Destroy Kharg Island, and the IRGC Government goes broke.9posted on04/30/2026 2:02:15 PM PDTbyzeestephen(Trump Landslide? Kamala lost the election by 230,000 votes, in WI, MI, and PA.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:mikelets456“When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!”____________________________________________________________What makes you think oil prices will fall soon, if ever? The war has effectively stopped oil production throughout much of the middle east right now, and it will take YEARS for it to return to pre-war levels.20% of world oil is stopped right now. Just as importantly, refining capabilities have diminished everywhere.This is basic economics and “the market” at work. We have a high demand oil economy, and a significant decline in oil goods availability. That means prices go up until they balance out again.It’s a hidden war tax we’re paying.10posted on04/30/2026 2:03:42 PM PDTbyBob Wills is still the king[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:mikelets456Saudi Arabia’s pulling out of OPEC May 1st. I expect prices to start falling then.11posted on04/30/2026 2:03:55 PM PDTbyroving[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44LA, CA and Hollywood are all dying the Olympics will be an embarrassment .12posted on04/30/2026 2:04:40 PM PDTbycnsmom[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:lasereyeI LOVE PAYING OUT THE @$$ AT THE PUMP MR. TRUMP13posted on04/30/2026 2:04:51 PM PDTbyBigFreakinToad(Not a fan of much)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeWe aren’t blockading the strait. We are blockading Iranian ports.Yahoo BS.14posted on04/30/2026 2:06:19 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:rovingI believe it’s UAE15posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 11|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildFortunately for the world, President Trump’s IQ is about 100 points higher than yours.16posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:mikelets456Yeah, stock markets tanked on Covid.The sky fell when PDJT announced tariffs a year ago.Oil soared when we attacked Iran.OTOH, markets today are adjusting. Stocks near or above all time highs.All in an atmosphere of doom and gloom perpetuated by defeatist articles and democrats.There is no way, unlike our previous eight Presidents, Trump will leave behind a nuclear Iran to kill more Americans.17posted on04/30/2026 2:07:28 PM PDTbyJacquerie(ArticleVBlog.com)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44The ships don’t want to take the risk they perceive.18posted on04/30/2026 2:08:28 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildBug off Zambia loser19posted on04/30/2026 2:09:20 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:JacqueriePanicans and boomers live to be miserable.20posted on04/30/2026 2:10:45 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 17|View Replies]Navigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastDisclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.Free RepublicBrowse·SearchNews/ActivismTopics·Post ArticleFreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson Futures on Brent crude, the international benchmark, reached their highest prices since June 2022 on Wednesday, climbing as much as 7.8% to reach $120.22 per barrel.For Iran, where oil and gas exports account for roughly 80% of the country’s export revenue, per JPMorgan, the economic effects are acute. President Trump has claimed in social media posts that Iran is losing roughly $500 million per day and that the regime has told the White House the country is in a “state of collapse.”Iran likely has less than a month before it will need to begin shutting down oil wells as its storage sites reach capacity, according to maritime intelligence provider Kpler, risking damage to already brittle infrastructure.Trump has insisted he’ll maintain the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program.(Excerpt) Read more atfinance.yahoo.com...TOPICS:Foreign Affairs;Iran;News/Current EventsKEYWORDS:armchairgeneralsoffr;blockade;bobwillstroll;iran;irgc;jakeconley;leftistsource;nuclear;straitofhormuz;surrendermonkeybait;tds;trumpMessage from Jim Robinson:Dear FRiends,We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,JimNavigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastThis is a permanent situation IMO - unless the IRGC loses its grip on power or the Dems take over the White House. Trump is hoping for the first possibility. Unfortunately the IRGC is unlikely to lose control of Iran even if the Iranian economy collapses.Eventually they will find ways to route pretty much everything around the Strait and oil prices will fall.1posted on04/30/2026 1:43:50 PM PDTbylasereye[Post Reply|Private Reply|View Replies]To:lasereyeWhen will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!2posted on04/30/2026 1:49:33 PM PDTbymikelets456[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeJust ask Big Mo. Say where is he?3posted on04/30/2026 1:50:06 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeI dont see why we dont control and have command over the strait so that traffic can flow today. With air superiority and constant surveillance, any boat bigger than a one man dingy that moves from Iranian shores towards the shipping lanes should be vaporized withing a mile of the shore line. That seems like it would open the strait, even if only while we are still there. Is that whats happening now? I dont know but from lack of reporting it doesnt seem like it.4posted on04/30/2026 1:52:00 PM PDTbyMagnum44(...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherWho is Big Mo?5posted on04/30/2026 1:52:14 PM PDTbylasereye( )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeMojtaba Khamenei. One leg. Hops a lot. May be found in gay bars.6posted on04/30/2026 1:56:40 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 5|View Replies]To:lasereyeIf I was a Democrat advising my candidates how to win in November, the first item on my list of recommendations would be:”Convince Donald Trump to start a military campaign against Iran.”That’s how ‘effing retarded this is.7posted on04/30/2026 2:00:03 PM PDTbyAlberta's Child(If I leave here, it’s because I’m tired of arguing with geriatric parrots wearing MAGA hats.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherIsn’t Big Mo a vegetable in Russia?8posted on04/30/2026 2:01:41 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeTrump still has the Kharg Island option.Destroy Kharg Island, and the IRGC Government goes broke.9posted on04/30/2026 2:02:15 PM PDTbyzeestephen(Trump Landslide? Kamala lost the election by 230,000 votes, in WI, MI, and PA.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:mikelets456“When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!”____________________________________________________________What makes you think oil prices will fall soon, if ever? The war has effectively stopped oil production throughout much of the middle east right now, and it will take YEARS for it to return to pre-war levels.20% of world oil is stopped right now. Just as importantly, refining capabilities have diminished everywhere.This is basic economics and “the market” at work. We have a high demand oil economy, and a significant decline in oil goods availability. That means prices go up until they balance out again.It’s a hidden war tax we’re paying.10posted on04/30/2026 2:03:42 PM PDTbyBob Wills is still the king[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:mikelets456Saudi Arabia’s pulling out of OPEC May 1st. I expect prices to start falling then.11posted on04/30/2026 2:03:55 PM PDTbyroving[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44LA, CA and Hollywood are all dying the Olympics will be an embarrassment .12posted on04/30/2026 2:04:40 PM PDTbycnsmom[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:lasereyeI LOVE PAYING OUT THE @$$ AT THE PUMP MR. TRUMP13posted on04/30/2026 2:04:51 PM PDTbyBigFreakinToad(Not a fan of much)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeWe aren’t blockading the strait. We are blockading Iranian ports.Yahoo BS.14posted on04/30/2026 2:06:19 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:rovingI believe it’s UAE15posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 11|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildFortunately for the world, President Trump’s IQ is about 100 points higher than yours.16posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:mikelets456Yeah, stock markets tanked on Covid.The sky fell when PDJT announced tariffs a year ago.Oil soared when we attacked Iran.OTOH, markets today are adjusting. Stocks near or above all time highs.All in an atmosphere of doom and gloom perpetuated by defeatist articles and democrats.There is no way, unlike our previous eight Presidents, Trump will leave behind a nuclear Iran to kill more Americans.17posted on04/30/2026 2:07:28 PM PDTbyJacquerie(ArticleVBlog.com)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44The ships don’t want to take the risk they perceive.18posted on04/30/2026 2:08:28 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildBug off Zambia loser19posted on04/30/2026 2:09:20 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:JacqueriePanicans and boomers live to be miserable.20posted on04/30/2026 2:10:45 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 17|View Replies]Navigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastDisclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.Free RepublicBrowse·SearchNews/ActivismTopics·Post ArticleFreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson For Iran, where oil and gas exports account for roughly 80% of the country’s export revenue, per JPMorgan, the economic effects are acute. President Trump has claimed in social media posts that Iran is losing roughly $500 million per day and that the regime has told the White House the country is in a “state of collapse.”Iran likely has less than a month before it will need to begin shutting down oil wells as its storage sites reach capacity, according to maritime intelligence provider Kpler, risking damage to already brittle infrastructure.Trump has insisted he’ll maintain the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program.(Excerpt) Read more atfinance.yahoo.com...TOPICS:Foreign Affairs;Iran;News/Current EventsKEYWORDS:armchairgeneralsoffr;blockade;bobwillstroll;iran;irgc;jakeconley;leftistsource;nuclear;straitofhormuz;surrendermonkeybait;tds;trumpMessage from Jim Robinson:Dear FRiends,We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,JimNavigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastThis is a permanent situation IMO - unless the IRGC loses its grip on power or the Dems take over the White House. Trump is hoping for the first possibility. Unfortunately the IRGC is unlikely to lose control of Iran even if the Iranian economy collapses.Eventually they will find ways to route pretty much everything around the Strait and oil prices will fall.1posted on04/30/2026 1:43:50 PM PDTbylasereye[Post Reply|Private Reply|View Replies]To:lasereyeWhen will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!2posted on04/30/2026 1:49:33 PM PDTbymikelets456[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeJust ask Big Mo. Say where is he?3posted on04/30/2026 1:50:06 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeI dont see why we dont control and have command over the strait so that traffic can flow today. With air superiority and constant surveillance, any boat bigger than a one man dingy that moves from Iranian shores towards the shipping lanes should be vaporized withing a mile of the shore line. That seems like it would open the strait, even if only while we are still there. Is that whats happening now? I dont know but from lack of reporting it doesnt seem like it.4posted on04/30/2026 1:52:00 PM PDTbyMagnum44(...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherWho is Big Mo?5posted on04/30/2026 1:52:14 PM PDTbylasereye( )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeMojtaba Khamenei. One leg. Hops a lot. May be found in gay bars.6posted on04/30/2026 1:56:40 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 5|View Replies]To:lasereyeIf I was a Democrat advising my candidates how to win in November, the first item on my list of recommendations would be:”Convince Donald Trump to start a military campaign against Iran.”That’s how ‘effing retarded this is.7posted on04/30/2026 2:00:03 PM PDTbyAlberta's Child(If I leave here, it’s because I’m tired of arguing with geriatric parrots wearing MAGA hats.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherIsn’t Big Mo a vegetable in Russia?8posted on04/30/2026 2:01:41 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeTrump still has the Kharg Island option.Destroy Kharg Island, and the IRGC Government goes broke.9posted on04/30/2026 2:02:15 PM PDTbyzeestephen(Trump Landslide? Kamala lost the election by 230,000 votes, in WI, MI, and PA.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:mikelets456“When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!”____________________________________________________________What makes you think oil prices will fall soon, if ever? The war has effectively stopped oil production throughout much of the middle east right now, and it will take YEARS for it to return to pre-war levels.20% of world oil is stopped right now. Just as importantly, refining capabilities have diminished everywhere.This is basic economics and “the market” at work. We have a high demand oil economy, and a significant decline in oil goods availability. That means prices go up until they balance out again.It’s a hidden war tax we’re paying.10posted on04/30/2026 2:03:42 PM PDTbyBob Wills is still the king[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:mikelets456Saudi Arabia’s pulling out of OPEC May 1st. I expect prices to start falling then.11posted on04/30/2026 2:03:55 PM PDTbyroving[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44LA, CA and Hollywood are all dying the Olympics will be an embarrassment .12posted on04/30/2026 2:04:40 PM PDTbycnsmom[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:lasereyeI LOVE PAYING OUT THE @$$ AT THE PUMP MR. TRUMP13posted on04/30/2026 2:04:51 PM PDTbyBigFreakinToad(Not a fan of much)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeWe aren’t blockading the strait. We are blockading Iranian ports.Yahoo BS.14posted on04/30/2026 2:06:19 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:rovingI believe it’s UAE15posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 11|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildFortunately for the world, President Trump’s IQ is about 100 points higher than yours.16posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:mikelets456Yeah, stock markets tanked on Covid.The sky fell when PDJT announced tariffs a year ago.Oil soared when we attacked Iran.OTOH, markets today are adjusting. Stocks near or above all time highs.All in an atmosphere of doom and gloom perpetuated by defeatist articles and democrats.There is no way, unlike our previous eight Presidents, Trump will leave behind a nuclear Iran to kill more Americans.17posted on04/30/2026 2:07:28 PM PDTbyJacquerie(ArticleVBlog.com)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44The ships don’t want to take the risk they perceive.18posted on04/30/2026 2:08:28 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildBug off Zambia loser19posted on04/30/2026 2:09:20 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:JacqueriePanicans and boomers live to be miserable.20posted on04/30/2026 2:10:45 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 17|View Replies]Navigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastDisclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.Free RepublicBrowse·SearchNews/ActivismTopics·Post ArticleFreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson Iran likely has less than a month before it will need to begin shutting down oil wells as its storage sites reach capacity, according to maritime intelligence provider Kpler, risking damage to already brittle infrastructure.Trump has insisted he’ll maintain the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program.(Excerpt) Read more atfinance.yahoo.com...TOPICS:Foreign Affairs;Iran;News/Current EventsKEYWORDS:armchairgeneralsoffr;blockade;bobwillstroll;iran;irgc;jakeconley;leftistsource;nuclear;straitofhormuz;surrendermonkeybait;tds;trumpMessage from Jim Robinson:Dear FRiends,We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,JimNavigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastThis is a permanent situation IMO - unless the IRGC loses its grip on power or the Dems take over the White House. Trump is hoping for the first possibility. Unfortunately the IRGC is unlikely to lose control of Iran even if the Iranian economy collapses.Eventually they will find ways to route pretty much everything around the Strait and oil prices will fall.1posted on04/30/2026 1:43:50 PM PDTbylasereye[Post Reply|Private Reply|View Replies]To:lasereyeWhen will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!2posted on04/30/2026 1:49:33 PM PDTbymikelets456[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeJust ask Big Mo. Say where is he?3posted on04/30/2026 1:50:06 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeI dont see why we dont control and have command over the strait so that traffic can flow today. With air superiority and constant surveillance, any boat bigger than a one man dingy that moves from Iranian shores towards the shipping lanes should be vaporized withing a mile of the shore line. That seems like it would open the strait, even if only while we are still there. Is that whats happening now? I dont know but from lack of reporting it doesnt seem like it.4posted on04/30/2026 1:52:00 PM PDTbyMagnum44(...against all enemies, foreign and domestic... )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherWho is Big Mo?5posted on04/30/2026 1:52:14 PM PDTbylasereye( )[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeMojtaba Khamenei. One leg. Hops a lot. May be found in gay bars.6posted on04/30/2026 1:56:40 PM PDTbyLibloather(Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 5|View Replies]To:lasereyeIf I was a Democrat advising my candidates how to win in November, the first item on my list of recommendations would be:”Convince Donald Trump to start a military campaign against Iran.”That’s how ‘effing retarded this is.7posted on04/30/2026 2:00:03 PM PDTbyAlberta's Child(If I leave here, it’s because I’m tired of arguing with geriatric parrots wearing MAGA hats.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:LibloatherIsn’t Big Mo a vegetable in Russia?8posted on04/30/2026 2:01:41 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 3|View Replies]To:lasereyeTrump still has the Kharg Island option.Destroy Kharg Island, and the IRGC Government goes broke.9posted on04/30/2026 2:02:15 PM PDTbyzeestephen(Trump Landslide? Kamala lost the election by 230,000 votes, in WI, MI, and PA.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:mikelets456“When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!”____________________________________________________________What makes you think oil prices will fall soon, if ever? The war has effectively stopped oil production throughout much of the middle east right now, and it will take YEARS for it to return to pre-war levels.20% of world oil is stopped right now. Just as importantly, refining capabilities have diminished everywhere.This is basic economics and “the market” at work. We have a high demand oil economy, and a significant decline in oil goods availability. That means prices go up until they balance out again.It’s a hidden war tax we’re paying.10posted on04/30/2026 2:03:42 PM PDTbyBob Wills is still the king[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:mikelets456Saudi Arabia’s pulling out of OPEC May 1st. I expect prices to start falling then.11posted on04/30/2026 2:03:55 PM PDTbyroving[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44LA, CA and Hollywood are all dying the Olympics will be an embarrassment .12posted on04/30/2026 2:04:40 PM PDTbycnsmom[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:lasereyeI LOVE PAYING OUT THE @$$ AT THE PUMP MR. TRUMP13posted on04/30/2026 2:04:51 PM PDTbyBigFreakinToad(Not a fan of much)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:lasereyeWe aren’t blockading the strait. We are blockading Iranian ports.Yahoo BS.14posted on04/30/2026 2:06:19 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 1|View Replies]To:rovingI believe it’s UAE15posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 11|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildFortunately for the world, President Trump’s IQ is about 100 points higher than yours.16posted on04/30/2026 2:07:05 PM PDTbyjacknhoo(Luke 12:51; Think ye, that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:mikelets456Yeah, stock markets tanked on Covid.The sky fell when PDJT announced tariffs a year ago.Oil soared when we attacked Iran.OTOH, markets today are adjusting. Stocks near or above all time highs.All in an atmosphere of doom and gloom perpetuated by defeatist articles and democrats.There is no way, unlike our previous eight Presidents, Trump will leave behind a nuclear Iran to kill more Americans.17posted on04/30/2026 2:07:28 PM PDTbyJacquerie(ArticleVBlog.com)[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 2|View Replies]To:Magnum44The ships don’t want to take the risk they perceive.18posted on04/30/2026 2:08:28 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 4|View Replies]To:Alberta's ChildBug off Zambia loser19posted on04/30/2026 2:09:20 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 7|View Replies]To:JacqueriePanicans and boomers live to be miserable.20posted on04/30/2026 2:10:45 PM PDTbyFledermaus("It turns out all we really needed was a new President!")[Post Reply|Private Reply|To 17|View Replies]Navigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastDisclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.Free RepublicBrowse·SearchNews/ActivismTopics·Post ArticleFreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson Trump has insisted he’ll maintain the blockade until Iran agrees to a deal over its nuclear program. (Excerpt) Read more atfinance.yahoo.com... Dear FRiends,We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,Jim We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,Jim If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,Jim Click here:to donate by Credit CardOr here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,Jim Or here:to donate by PayPalOr by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,Jim Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794Thank you very much and God bless you,Jim Thank you very much and God bless you,Jim Jim Eventually they will find ways to route pretty much everything around the Strait and oil prices will fall. When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now! Just ask Big Mo. Say where is he? I dont see why we dont control and have command over the strait so that traffic can flow today. With air superiority and constant surveillance, any boat bigger than a one man dingy that moves from Iranian shores towards the shipping lanes should be vaporized withing a mile of the shore line. That seems like it would open the strait, even if only while we are still there. Is that whats happening now? I dont know but from lack of reporting it doesnt seem like it. Who is Big Mo? Mojtaba Khamenei. One leg. Hops a lot. May be found in gay bars. ”Convince Donald Trump to start a military campaign against Iran.”That’s how ‘effing retarded this is. That’s how ‘effing retarded this is. Isn’t Big Mo a vegetable in Russia? Destroy Kharg Island, and the IRGC Government goes broke. “When will oil price fall? Short minded idiots will remember this when they go to vote and we’ll be stuck with Marxists running everything. This needs to be resolved now!”____________________________________________________________ What makes you think oil prices will fall soon, if ever? The war has effectively stopped oil production throughout much of the middle east right now, and it will take YEARS for it to return to pre-war levels. 20% of world oil is stopped right now. Just as importantly, refining capabilities have diminished everywhere. This is basic economics and “the market” at work. We have a high demand oil economy, and a significant decline in oil goods availability. That means prices go up until they balance out again. It’s a hidden war tax we’re paying. Saudi Arabia’s pulling out of OPEC May 1st. I expect prices to start falling then. LA, CA and Hollywood are all dying the Olympics will be an embarrassment . I LOVE PAYING OUT THE @$$ AT THE PUMP MR. TRUMP We aren’t blockading the strait. We are blockading Iranian ports. Yahoo BS. I believe it’s UAE Fortunately for the world, President Trump’s IQ is about 100 points higher than yours. Yeah, stock markets tanked on Covid. The sky fell when PDJT announced tariffs a year ago. Oil soared when we attacked Iran. OTOH, markets today are adjusting. Stocks near or above all time highs. All in an atmosphere of doom and gloom perpetuated by defeatist articles and democrats. There is no way, unlike our previous eight Presidents, Trump will leave behind a nuclear Iran to kill more Americans. The ships don’t want to take the risk they perceive. Bug off Zambia loser Panicans and boomers live to be miserable. Navigation:use the links below to view more comments.first1-20,21-40,41-60,61-72nextlastDisclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.Free RepublicBrowse·SearchNews/ActivismTopics·Post ArticleFreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson Disclaimer:Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

La mera idea de que Vladímir Putin pudiera prescindir de los vehículos blindados y los sistemas de misiles en el desfile del 9 de mayo en la plaza Roja de Moscú se hubiera antojado impensable antes de 2022. El Día de la Victoria soviética contra la Alemania Nazi es la festividad más importante de Rusia, el fuelle ideológico que nutre la supuesta “desnazificación” de Ucrania y el escaparate mundial de su potencial militar. La decisión de que solo marchen columnas de soldados ante la “amenaza terrorista” de Kiev demuestra hasta qué punto se ha enquistado el conflicto y afecta a las ciudades rusas. También prueba que las tropas de Volodímir Zelenski han dado un salto en sus capacidades de ataque en poco tiempo. El Ejército ucraniano lanza más drones y misiles que nunca, usa una tecnología más sofisticada y ha multiplicado los impactos contra objetivos enemigos, mientras las defensas rusas no dan abasto a la hora de repeler los bombardeos. Decisión inédita Desde que el presidente ruso optó en 2008 por incorporar el equipamiento militar al desfile del Día de la Victoria, no ha habido un solo año en que no se hayan mostrado los tanques, los sistemas de defensa aérea, los misiles más destructivos y, recientemente, los drones pesados. Hace 18 años, Putin lo justificó como una “demostración” de las “crecientes capacidades de defensa”. “No es una demostración de fuerza. No estamos amenazando a nadie. Somos capaces de defender a nuestros ciudadanos”, dijo. Este año, tampoco desfilarán los cadetes de las academias militares y, para compensar el vacío, la retransmisión televisiva proyectará vídeos de soldados rusos en Ucrania, lanzamientos de artillería y cohetes, y buques de guerra. Sólo se mantendrá la exhibición aérea. Eso sí, el despliegue será modesto: aeronaves sobrevolarán la plaza Roja haciendo acrobacias y pilotos de aviones de ataque Su-25 pintarán la bandera rusa en el cielo. El caso de Moscú no será único. También en San Petersburgo, la otra gran ciudad de la Rusia europea, el desfile se celebrará sin equipamiento militar. Además, según el periódico Fontanka, se reducirá el aforo previsto de 5.600 a 300 asientos y, por primera vez en la historia moderna, no se invitará a veteranos supervivientes de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Moscú habla de “amenaza terrorista” Inicialmente, el Ministerio de Defensa atribuyó la reducción de formato a “la situación operativa”, sin dar más detalles. La realidad es que, desde el inicio de la invasión de Ucrania, la cantidad de vehículos y aeronaves se ha ido limitando por el desgaste del frente. Si en 2015 se estableció un récord de 194 blindados y 140 aviones y helicópteros, en 2024 sólo se exhibieron 61 tanques y 15 aeronaves. Pero en un gesto poco habitual, el Kremlin admitió horas más tarde que el verdadero motivo del recorte del desfile era el miedo a los drones ucranianos. “El régimen de Kiev, que cada día pierde territorios en el campo de batalla, ahora ha aumentado su actividad terrorista. Y en el contexto de la amenaza terrorista se toman todas las medidas para minimizar el peligro”, explicó el portavoz presidencial Dmitri Peskov. No es casual que, en paralelo, Putin haya advertido esta semana ya dos veces de los “métodos terroristas” de Ucrania, es decir, de posibles bombardeos contra infraestructuras rusas. Primero fue en San Petersburgo, alertando del riesgo de ataques durante la campaña de las elecciones legislativas del próximo otoño. Luego, en la llamada que mantuvo con Donald Trump el miércoles, cuando trató de convencer al estadounidense de que se trata de una estrategia desesperada de Zelenski para prolongar el conflicto. Peskov también esgrimió que la reducción del formato respecto del año anterior responde al hecho de que en 2025 se conmemoraba el 80 aniversario de la Victoria. Entonces, más de una veintena de mandatarios internacionales asistieron al desfile, entre los cuales estaba el presidente chino, Xi Jinping. Un año después, el Kremlin todavía no ha comunicado la lista de líderes mundiales invitados y solo ha confirmado la presencia de Robert Fico, el primer ministro eslovaco, que el año pasado ya fue el único líder de la Unión Europea que vino a Moscú durante los festejos. El miedo es tal que para garantizar que nadie le amargue la fiesta –incluso con una versión deslucida del desfile–, Putin aprovechó la conversación con Trump para intentar que Zelenski acepte una tregua coincidiendo con esos días. También en 2025 el Kremlin decretó unilateralmente un alto el fuego de 72 horas con el propósito de blindar la celebración del 9 de mayo, que el presidente ucraniano se vio obligado a respetar para no contrariar a la Casa Blanca. Zelenski ya ha expresado su escepticismo. “Aclararemos de qué se trata exactamente: ¿Unas horas de seguridad para un desfile en Moscú o algo más? Nuestra propuesta es un alto el fuego a largo plazo, seguridad fiable y garantizada para la población y una paz duradera”, ha escrito en X. Cortes en las comunicaciones Otro síntoma del nerviosismo en el Kremlin es que se restringirán todas las comunicaciones móviles en la capital rusa a lo largo de la próxima semana con la esperanza de dificultar los ataques de drones. Según informó el servicio ruso de la BBC, se prevé que los cortes afecten a internet, los mensajes de texto y hasta a aquellos recursos en línea que durante los bloqueos suelen estar disponibles por decisión de las autoridades. El vicepresidente del Comité de Tecnologías de la Información de la Duma, Andréi Svintsov, también afirmó que podría cortarse parcialmente el servicio de internet por cable, pero le quitó importancia a la medida, afirmando que “la gente ya está acostumbrada”. En cualquier caso, los expertos han señalado en varias ocasiones que estas medidas son del todo ineficaces para combatir los aparatos no tripulados ucranianos. También los blogueros cercanos al Ejército ruso las ven desproporcionadas. “Bajo el pretexto de garantizar la seguridad, se está cometiendo una locura absoluta”, dice el canal de Telegram Dva Mayora. Esta psicosis ya se percibió a principios de mayo del año pasado, pero entonces todo indicaba que la importancia de la celebración y la presencia de numerosos dirigentes mundiales había llevado al Kremlin a extremar las precauciones. Fue entonces cuando, por primera vez, se recurrió al corte de las comunicaciones, dando así pábulo a todos los gobernadores para hacer lo mismo hasta convertir el bloqueo de la red en el pan de cada día para muchos rusos. Una victoria para Ucrania Ucrania envió centenares de drones en vísperas del Día de la Victoria de 2025 para asustar a los líderes internacionales, provocó retrasos y cancelaciones en los principales aeropuertos de Moscú, se prohibió a la gente que lanzara fuegos artificiales y se posicionó estratégicamente a funcionarios públicos en las azoteas para detectar posibles amenazas procedentes del cielo. El periodista ruso en el exilio Aleksander Pliushchev cree que esta situación “constituye en sí misma un gran éxito para Ucrania”. Mientras tanto, los corresponsales de guerra rusos se muestran comprensivos con Putin. “Parece bastante lógico. El enemigo está aumentando significativamente el uso de vehículos aéreos no tripulados y está llegando ya a zonas inaccesibles. Si quisieran, podrían perfectamente intentar atacar el desfile, sobrecargando las defensas aéreas”, escribe el oficial de las fuerzas especiales aerotransportadas Yevgueni Zhulidov en su canal de Telegram. El mensaje de este bloguero es uno de los muchos que en las últimas semanas reconocen que Kiev ha superado a Moscú en los ataques de largo alcance, algo que no había sucedido hasta la fecha. Durante el mes de marzo, Ucrania lanzó más de 7.000 drones contra infraestructuras rusas, unos 2.500 más que en febrero, mientras que Rusia también lanzó una cifra récord, aunque por debajo de los 6.500 drones. Solo este mes de abril, el observador militar Clément Moulin contabiliza que Ucrania ha golpeado 450 objetivos en Rusia o en los territorios ocupados por las tropas rusas, el triple que entre enero y marzo, cuando Kiev ya había incrementado significativamente su ratio de impactos. Esto se ha traducido en bombardeos prácticamente diarios sobre puertos de exportación de petróleo ruso, refinerías y fábricas de armamento y componentes químicos. En las últimas dos semanas, la refinería y el puerto de Tuapsé, en el mar Negro, han sido alcanzados tres veces, provocando una mancha de fuel en la costa de más de 80 kilómetros y contaminación atmosférica. Nikolai Mitrojin, historiador y analista militar ruso en el exilio, explica a elDiario.es que en los últimos meses se ha producido un punto de inflexión“ con Ucrania, que ha demostrado ”superioridad en los drones pesados“, lo cual ”es algo completamente nuevo“. “Han aumentado el número de drones, su peso y su alcance, y han aparecido drones que pueden transportar múltiples bombas”, apunta. Y sigue: “Si antes, en una noche, Ucrania podía prender fuego a un gran tanque de petróleo o infligir algún golpe espectacular, ahora podemos hablar de tres o cuatro casos por noche. Y Rusia no tiene claro todavía cómo combatirlos”. Rusia, por detrás en la guerra de drones Uno de los blogueros militares más populares de Rusia, Yuri Podoliaka, afirmaba recientemente: “El enemigo nos ha empezado a superar con los drones. Somos incapaces de seguirles el ritmo. Nos estamos quedando atrás”. Según él, el Ejército ucraniano ha demostrado que puede poner en marcha “operaciones ofensivas estratégicas” en las profundidades de Rusia, mientras que el Ejército ruso no ha dado signos de estar preparado para ello. Por eso concluye: “Estoy realmente preocupado porque el enemigo pueda llevar a cabo alguna acción este verano que convierta en insignificante lo que hizo el pasado verano –probablemente en referencia a la Operación Telaraña, con la que Ucrania golpeó aeródromos militares situados a cientos de kilómetros de su frontera–”. Rusia también está teniendo problemas con las defensas antiaéreas. Los sistemas rusos se ven abrumados y no logran interceptar la enorme cantidad de drones ucranianos. El comentarista militar Vladímir Románov denuncia “una escasez muy grave de misiles” para proteger el territorio ruso, especialmente los que se disparan desde los sistemas móviles Pántsir —una de las últimas capas de defensa contra los aparatos ucranianos—, que “a menudo se encuentran sin munición”. Según Mitrojin, el Ejército ruso “ha perdido una cuarta parte de los sistemas de defensa aérea que tenía antes de la guerra”. Rusia lo intenta compensar con más grupos de combate que intentan derribar drones con ametralladoras y concediendo derecho a las empresas de seguridad privada para que usen este tipo de armas. Otra de las explicaciones del fin de la ventaja de Moscú es la desconexión de los terminales rusos de la red de satélites Starlink por decisión de Elon Musk. Ahora las tropas del Kremlin utilizan los satélites rusos Spirit-030 que, tal y como escribe el bloguero Zapiski Veterana, “proporcionan una señal retrasada y son vulnerables a la guerra electrónica”. “Nos vemos obligados a confiar en tecnología obsoleta, a veces a ciegas y sufriendo pérdidas innecesarias”, añade. Asimismo, los drones de Kiev son más difíciles de detectar. Los pilotos ucranianos lograron impactar contra 85 radares rusos entre enero y marzo de este año, cuando en los últimos tres meses de 2025 sólo habían dejado inutilizados 25. Según el veterano ruso Iégor Guzenko, todavía hay otro motivo: los aparatos ucranianos están dotados de una tecnología norteamericana que les da plena autonomía, les protege contra los intentos de pirateo y les facilita un vuelo sin GPS. “El momento más desagradable es el tramo final del trayecto, cuando desconectan completamente la transmisión por radio y vídeo del dron, y los detectores ordinarios no lo ven”.

Our Thursday Green Deals are being headlined by an exciting exclusive deal for our readers on theYozma IN 10 Off-Road Electric Mini Dirt Bike for a new $999 low. We also haveEcoFlow’s latest Outdoor Power Salewith up to 64% discounts on power stations, like the1,024Wh DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station at a $599 direct low, as well as a first-time discount on an Anker bundle that gives you theSOLIX C300 DC 288Wh/90,000mAh Portable Power Station with a protective bag at $220. From there, we spottedMammotion’s YUKA Mini 700H Robot Lawn Mower at its $699 lowfor the second time ever, Worx’s 13A Electric Leaf Mulcher at its yearly low, and some final hour e-bike and power station flash savings waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s new low price on theRide1Up Prodigy V2 mid-drive e-bike(and the overall sale),Jackery’s Mother’s Day power station sale lineup, and more. Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course,Electrek’s best EV buyingandleasing deals. Also, check out the newElectrekTesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories. We’ve secured an exciting new exclusive deal from Wellbots on theYozma IN 10 Off-Road Electric Mini Dirt Bike For Teens & Adults for$999 shipped,after using the codeYOZMA9TO5at checkout, beating out both itsdirect website pricingand theAmazon storefrontby $200. While it may carry a $1,799 MSRP direct from Yozma, at Amazon it starts lower from $1,400, while Wellbots starts it off at $1,199 – which happens to be the price the other two sites currently have it discounted to. We’ve previously seen it go a bit lower to $1,190, but the exclusive deal here goes further than ever for $200 in extra savings, landing it at a new all-time low price. Head below to learn more about it ahead of all the summer fun on the horizon. If you’re looking to fill your summer fun with an aggressive but smooth ride that won’t put out emissions or require a ton of maintenance like gas-guzzling dirt bikes,this Yozma IN 10 electric mini dirt bikeis a solid option to consider when it’s coming down this low in price. While adults can certainly ride this as much as teens, keep in mind that it is rated for riders between 3.94 feet and 5.9 feet tall. It brings along plenty of power, thanks to the 1,200W (2,600W peak) mid-drive motor that delivers up to 146 Nm of torque within the high carbon steel frame, and with the 48V 23.4Ah battery powering things, it can provide up to 40 MPH top speeds for up to 53 miles of travel on each full charge. This mini dirt bike comes with a 265-pound ride payload, and brings along plenty of quality features for such a low price, like the dual hydraulic suspension, heavy-duty hydraulic brakes, dual-size puncture-resistant fat tires, an ergonomic motor-style seat with quick-release, an LCD screen for data and setting adjustments, and more. EcoFlow’s Earth Day Sale may have ended, but the brand hasshifted to a similar (though smaller) Power Your Outdoor Adventures Salewith up to 64% discounts on power stations and accessories. You can find a nice array of power solutions, with one of the units at the lower end of costs being theDELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station down at$599 shipped, beating out itsAmazon storefront pricing by $50. It’s down from a $799 full price here, with the discounts we’ve seen in 2026 having mostly kept things above $649, though there have been two previous falls to $599 during March’s Big Spring Sale and the brand’s previous Earth Day sale, only beaten out by an exclusive deal in 2025 for $549. Now, during the weeklong window here, you’re getting the continued chance to score it with a $200 markdown to the lowest non-exclusive price we have tracked. Head below to browse the full lineup of deals while this sale event lasts. TheEcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus power stationis a smaller but still fully capable unit with plenty of power to cover your devices and essentials while away or at home. It houses a 1,024Wh LiFePO4 battery setup that dishes out up to 1,800W of steady power (2,200W with X-Boost activated and surging to a max 3,600W) through 13 ports (6x ACs, 2x USB-Cs, 2x USB-As, 2x DCs, 1x car port). Like its other DELTA 3 variants, this model also comes with a wider array of expansion battery compatibility up to a maximum 5,120Wh capacity using units from the DELTA 3, DELTA Pro 3, DELTA 2 Max, or DELTA 2. It brings along a greater option pool for five recharging methods, too, including AC charging (taking around 56 minutes for full), smart generator charging (in the same timeframe), using an alternator charger (for around 1.3 hours), or connecting up to 1,000W of solar input (around 70+ minutes in direct sun). Lastly, you can use both an AC outlet and solar panels simultaneously to lessen its charging time further. You can find all these deals alongside add-on accessory savings byheading to the main sale page here, and if you want more options from alternate brands, you can find everything withinour dedicated power stations hub here. Through the official Anker Amazon storefront, you can find the very first discount on a new bundle that gives you theSOLIX C300 DC 288Wh/90,000mAh Portable Power Station with a protective bag at$219.99 shipped. This bundle would cost you $310 at full price were you to buy both items separately, with Anker’s current discounts on thestation alone taking things down to $180right now, whilethe bag goes for $60. Instead of shelling out $240 for both items, you can instead take advantage of this deal for a 29% markdown off the going rate, saving you $90 and setting the bar as the best bundle price we have tracked – especially considering that we haven’t seen the station go lower than $170 in 2026 and the bag discounted at all. One of Anker’s more popular compact power solutions,the SOLIX C300 DC stationis the USB-focused variant to itsAC-focused C300 model. This handy unit brings along a 288Wh/90,000mAh battery capacity and seven connection port options (4x USB-Cs, 2x USB-As, and an auxiliary car port). Through these ports, your essential devices are covered with up to 300W steady power output, and even comes camping-ready with a pop-up LED light that boasts three brightness levels. There are three ways to recharge this unit: either with the dual 140W USB-C PD ports to reach 80% capacity in around 65+ minutes, utilizing up to 100W of solar panel input that can recharge it in around 2.5 to 3.2 hours with ideal sunlight, or through the car port that can put it to 80% in around 2.5 hours – driving or parked. You can currently find Anker SOLIX offeringseveral Power Deals on the main landing page here, orhead over to our dedicated power stations hubfor even more deals from this brand, EcoFlow, Jackery, Bluetti, and more. By way of its official Amazon storefront, Mammotion is offering a more affordable means to automate lawncare with itsYUKA Mini 700H Robot Lawn Mower down at$699 shippedfor the second time ever. Down from an $1,199 full price tag, discounts have mostly kept costs above $849 since it hit the market in early 2025, with some occasional drops lower to $749, and more recently $699 back in March. Now, you’re getting a second-chance opportunity to score it with a 42% markdown off the going rate, saving you $500 as you upgrade to more autonomous lawncare support. If you’re not looking to invest in the most advanced robot mowers currently on the market, you’ll find much more affordable support withMammotion’s YUKA Mini 700H robotdown at this all-time low price. It’s designed for smaller yards or yards that can be handled in smaller sections, as the battery here allows it to tackle up to 0.35 acres on each full charge – and yes, it is smart enough to return to its station for recharging when that battery falls too low in levels. It provides a 2 to 3.5-inch cutting height range, and best of all, there are no boundary wires to deal with here, as it takes advantage of RTK satellite positioning alongside the brand’s UltraSense AI Vision tech to stay within the boundaries you set in its companion app and avoid running into 200+ identifiable everyday objects. Now, if you want to make a serious investment into automating your lawncare as I recently did for my parents, who are bogged down by older age and spinal disabilities, be sure to check outmy latest hands-on review of the premium Segway Navimow X430 Robotic Lawn Mower. You’ll find more lawncare equipmentcollected into our dedicated tools hub here, with more intelligent tech for cleaning, mowing, security, and morein our smart home hub here. Over at Amazon, folks with tree-lined properties who constantly deal with leaves can pick up the popularWorx 13A Electric Leaf Mulcher for$124.99 shipped. While it may carry a $200 MSRP direct from Worx, at Amazon its been keeping down at $150 in 2026, with discounts taking things as low as $137 most of the time, though we did spy one previous fall to this same rate back in January. Now, you can get it again for the second time this year with $75 savings off its full MSRP, landing it back at the best price we have tracked in the last 12 months. If you regularly have to deal with collecting and bagging leaves and other debris from trees throughout the year, you’ll be able to handle it all while cutting down on how many bags you’re using (or create your own nutritious mulch for flower beds) throughthis 13A Worx electric leaf mulcher. This device comes rated for mulching up to 53 gallons worth of leaves in a single minute, with everything dropping into a bag of your choosing that you can attach beneath its main bowl. This functionality cuts down 11 bags worth of leaves into just 1, if you’re planning to trash it, and it’s highly portable at just 20 pounds. We’ve got plenty of additional tool deals from Worx, EGO Power+, Greenworks, and morewaiting for you in our dedicated tool hub here. And if you’re looking to automate your lawncare with one of the most advanced robot mowers we’ve experienced to date, be sure to check outour hands-on review of Segway’s new premium Navimow X430 Robotic Lawn Mower here. The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.

Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Circa 266 milioni sono vincolati al finanziamento degli investimenti. Il presidente Consalvo: “Confermata la solidità della gestione e la capacità dell’ente di coniugare equilibrio finanziario e sviluppo infrastrutturale” Trieste – Il Comitato di gestione dell’Autorità di sistema portuale di Trieste e Monfalcone ha approvato il rendiconto generale relativo all’esercizio 2025. L’Adsp parla di “quadro economico-finanziario solido e coerente con il percorso di sviluppo infrastrutturale e gestionale dell’ente”, dando notizia di una chiusura con un avanzo generale di amministrazione di oltre 277 milioni di euro, di cui circa 266 milioni vincolati in larga parte al finanziamento degli investimenti. Tra gli indicatori principali si segnalano un saldo di cassa di oltre 345 milioni e un risultato di parte corrente pari a circa 24,5 milioni, in crescita di circa l’8% rispetto al 2024 e di oltre il 150% sul 2022, interamente destinato alla copertura degli investimenti non finanziati. Le entrate correnti superano i 76 milioni, in aumento del 3,5 % rispetto all’esercizio precedente, con un incremento significativo delle entrate derivanti da tassa portuale e diritti di ancoraggio. L’Autorità portuale sottolinea “un risultato che evidenzia la capacità di sostenere un rilevante programma di opere mantenendo al contempo l’equilibrio della gestione corrente. Il risultato si inserisce in un contesto internazionale ancora segnato da tensioni geopolitiche e da una forte volatilità dei traffici, nel quale il sistema portuale dell’Adriatico orientale ha comunque confermato nel 2025 la propria solidità, superando i 64 milioni di tonnellate movimentate, con una dinamica più debole nel comparto container, una performance particolarmente positiva nel traffico Ro-Ro – che consolida Trieste come primo porto in Italia nello short sea shipping – e una conferma del ruolo centrale della componente ferroviaria”. Sul fronte degli investimenti, il 2025 conferma l’attuazione del programma infrastrutturale dell’ente, sostenuto da risorse Pnrr, da finanziamenti statali e interventi finanziati con risorse proprie. Tra le principali opere realizzate e in fase di completamento si segnalano: l’ampliamento della radice del Molo VI, per circa 7,5 milioni); la realizzazione del nuovo layout del piano di armamento ferroviario portuale della stazione di Campo Marzio, per circa 24 milioni; l’elettrificazione delle banchine per circa 30 milioni; gli interventi per la produzione di energia da fonti rinnovabili e l’efficientamento energetico, per circa 14 milioni; l’acquisizione e lo sviluppo delle aree di Noghere, per circa 70 milioni; l’ammodernamento infrastrutturale e funzionale del terminal contenitori del Molo VII, per circa 38 milioni; la manutenzione e il potenziamento dell’infrastruttura ferroviaria dei porti di Trieste e Monfalcone, per circa 15 milioni; l’adeguamento funzionale dell’infrastruttura ferroviaria e di rifacimento dei piazzali nel porto di Monfalcone, per circa 2,4 milioni. “L’approvazione del rendiconto conferma la solidità della gestione e la capacità dell’ente di coniugare equilibrio finanziario e sviluppo infrastrutturale”, ha dichiarato il presidente Marco Consalvo, secondo cui “i risultati raggiunti ci consentono di proseguire con determinazione nel percorso di rafforzamento competitivo del sistema portuale, sostenendo investimenti strategici, innovazione e sostenibilità, a partire dal Molo VIII, per il quale puntiamo all’assegnazione della gara entro la fine dell’anno. La competitività di Trieste incide direttamente sull’economia del nostro Paese e rappresenta anche un interesse che va oltre i confini nazionali, con una dimensione pienamente europea. In questo quadro è fondamentale un forte coordinamento con il governo e con il Mit, insieme al supporto della Regione e delle istituzioni coinvolte, per garantire piena coerenza e continuità agli interventi strategici”.

La ricostruzione completa Il fascicolo di Pastena va letto senza scorciatoie. La richiesta ministeriale lascia aperto il procedimento, esclude un via libera automatico e sposta il baricentro sulle prove tecniche che il proponente dovrà produrre. In un’opera costiera nata molti anni fa, la domanda centrale diventa questa: il progetto fotografato dagli studi originari regge ancora il contesto ambientale e urbano del 2026? Nota tecnica: questa ricostruzione distingue la fase istruttoria della VIA dall’autorizzazione finale. La cantierizzazione potrà essere valutata solo dopo la chiusura dei passaggi ambientali e amministrativi necessari. Che cosa ha chiesto il MASE e perché il passaggio pesa La richiesta di integrazioni riguarda la procedura di Valutazione di Impatto Ambientale del progetto denominato Porto Turistico Marina di Pastena sul lungomare Colombo del comune di Salerno. Il fascicolo ministeriale, secondo la scheda pubblica del portale VIA del MASE, parte dall’istanza presentata il 7 luglio 2025, passa dalla richiesta di perfezionamento documentale del 21 luglio 2025, registra la ricezione degli atti perfezionati il 18 agosto 2025 e apre la consultazione pubblica il 9 febbraio 2026, con termine per le osservazioni fissato al 10 aprile 2026. Il valore del passaggio sta nella natura degli approfondimenti richiesti. Il Ministero chiede di aggiornare il quadro conoscitivo e progettuale alla luce del tempo trascorso, delle trasformazioni del contesto territoriale e dello stato attuale dell’ambiente marino. La formulazione istituzionale della Regione Campania, rilanciata anche da ANSA, converge sul punto essenziale: molti studi alla base del dossier risultano datati e devono misurarsi con cambiamenti climatici, dinamiche costiere e assetto urbano reale. Il nodo delle ventisette integrazioni La nostra verifica sul fascicolo colloca la richiesta nella fase successiva alla consultazione pubblica, quindi nel momento in cui osservazioni, pareri e documentazione progettuale vengono portati dentro la stessa matrice valutativa. Il numero operativo dei rilievi, ventisette integrazioni, trova riscontro nelle ricostruzioni locali de La Città di Salerno e di SalernoNotizie, con un elemento che merita attenzione: la Commissione tecnica va oltre il chiarimento formale e sollecita un riallineamento del progetto al contesto aggiornato. Questo significa che la partita non si gioca su una correzione marginale. Una procedura VIA solida deve poter leggere batimetrie, circolazione marina, sedimentazione, interferenze con la costa, accessibilità, traffico indotto e compatibilità paesaggistica dentro un quadro attuale. Quando un progetto nasce in un ciclo amministrativo molto lungo, il dato storico resta utile solo se viene tradotto in una fotografia ambientale nuova. Che cosa prevede il progetto Marina di Pastena Il progetto pubblico del promotore Polo Nautico, nella scheda del sito Porto di Pastena, descrive una marina urbana con 450 posti barca per imbarcazioni fino a 21 metri e profondità massima indicata in 3,5 metri. Accanto alla funzione nautica sono previsti servizi turistico-commerciali, attività ricettive, residenze, un nuovo albergo, una piazza sul mare, percorsi di affaccio e un sistema di sosta che nelle comunicazioni del proponente viene quantificato in circa 750 posti auto e circa 350 box, oppure sintetizzato come oltre 1.095 soluzioni tra stalli e box. La dimensione urbanistica spiega perché la VIA sia centrale. Pastena ospiterebbe un approdo ampliato e una trasformazione del fronte mare orientale di Salerno. Le opere a terra incidono su accessi, percorrenze pedonali, relazione con il lungomare Colombo e uso collettivo della fascia costiera. Le opere in mare incidono sulla dinamica del litorale e sulla qualità del bacino. Separare questi due piani renderebbe l’analisi più comoda, ma meno aderente alla natura reale dell’intervento. La lunga storia amministrativa del porto Il dossier non nasce nel 2026. Gli atti regionali ricostruiscono un percorso avviato con il bando pubblicato in sede europea nel 2004, il protocollo d’intesa tra Regione Campania e Comune di Salerno del 30 luglio 2004 e la proposta in project financing presentata dal promotore Polo Nautico. Nel 2006 la Regione riconosce l’interesse pubblico della proposta dopo la valutazione della commissione tecnica. Il 10 settembre 2012 un comunicato istituzionale segnala l’approvazione del progetto definitivo e colloca l’intervento dentro il più ampio sistema delle infrastrutture marittime salernitane. Questa sequenza chiarisce il punto più delicato. Un’opera può avere una storia amministrativa favorevole e restare comunque obbligata a una verifica ambientale aggiornata. Il passare del tempo mantiene gli atti precedenti dentro il fascicolo e impone di misurare l’intervento con la costa di oggi, con gli usi attuali del quartiere e con un quadro climatico più severo rispetto a quello in cui furono costruite molte valutazioni originarie. Perché le osservazioni del territorio entrano nel cuore della VIA Le osservazioni di cittadini, cittadine e comitati locali hanno un peso tecnico quando mettono in evidenza criticità verificabili. Nel caso di Pastena, le istanze pubbliche riguardano accessibilità del litorale, equilibrio tra nuova infrastruttura e spazi liberi, carico viario, impatto paesaggistico, qualità dell’ambiente marino e coerenza con la presenza di altre infrastrutture portuali lungo la costa salernitana. La procedura VIA serve proprio a trasformare il conflitto territoriale in domande misurabili. L’assessora Pecoraro ha inserito il tema della partecipazione dentro il perimetro dell’interesse pubblico. La lettura istituzionale è rilevante perché sposta il confronto dalla contrapposizione tra favorevoli e contrari alla qualità delle risposte tecniche. Un comitato non decide l’esito di una VIA, un promotore non lo determina da solo e l’amministrazione competente deve rendere tracciabile il percorso che porta alla valutazione finale. Cosa può accadere ora nel procedimento La richiesta di integrazioni apre una fase nella quale il proponente dovrà depositare elaborati aggiornati e controdeduzioni sulle osservazioni ricevute. Sul piano giuridico, la richiesta istruttoria non contiene un giudizio finale sul progetto. Produce però un effetto concreto: senza risposte adeguate, la Commissione VIA non può completare una valutazione fondata su dati sufficienti. Il passaggio successivo dipenderà dalla qualità e dalla portata degli elaborati integrativi. Se le integrazioni modificheranno in modo sostanziale il quadro valutativo, potrà aprirsi una nuova finestra di consultazione sulle parti aggiornate. Se invece saranno lette come chiarimenti puntuali, il fascicolo proseguirà nel canale istruttorio ordinario. In entrambi i casi, la soglia decisiva resta la stessa: dimostrare la sostenibilità dell’intervento nel contesto reale del 2026.

Abbiamo visto ieri, Primo Maggio, i sindacati confederali a Porto Marghera, con la tradizionale manifestazione nazionale con l’intervento dei massimi leaderdiCgil, Cisl e Uil. Margheraè un luogo cruciale dello sviluppo industriale e portuale italiano, a partire dalla sua fondazione nel 1917 e la nascita di uno smisurato polo chimico diventa anche un epicentro delconflitto tra lavoro, salute e ambientenel capitalismo contemporaneo. Un conflitto che divide la stessa comunità operaia. Anche di questo Marghera è un esempio storico importante, soprattutto tra gli anni Ottanta e il primo decennio di questo secolo, quando una frattura radicale contrappone, attorno alle sorti delpetrolchimico, lavoratori eforze sindacaliepolitiche agli ambientalistie asparute componenti operaie. Uno scontro che si conclude con un referendum comunale (a cui partecipa l’intera cittadinanza di Venezia) che boccia losviluppo del ciclo del cloro(con la conseguente chiusura di interi settori del petrolchimico). Si tentano anche vie negoziali a un modello diverso, ma si giunge solo a effimeri accordi, con aziende mai inclini a rispettarli e senza una regia politica e istituzionale (in particolare da parte dello Stato, unica entità in grado di governare una simile transizione). Così, la forza dell’ambientalismo e di un’opinione pubblica determinata a non lasciarsi più inquinare o avvelenare riesce a bloccare il vecchio modello, che peraltro perde via via capacità occupazionale, ma non è in grado di imporre una transizione autentica. Porto Marghera è oggi una zona industriale con grandi spazi bradi e inquinati,senza nessun piano di rigenerazione. L’assenza di una vera politica industriale, che affligge l’Italia da decenni, produce pure quest’abbandono di territori a lungo sfruttati e avvelenati, nella più cinica e disinvolta tradizione del capitalismo assecondata dal governo politico. La “situazione Marghera” descrive esattamente lo stato attuale del rapporto tra lavoro e ambiente e salute. O meglio, tra capitale e lavoro/ambiente/salute, poiché la vera dicotomia, il vero conflitto irriducibile, è descrivibile piuttosto in questi termini. In genere, si parla infatti più di conflitto tra lavoro, da una parte, e ambiente e salute dall’altra. Ma il lavoro vivo, il lavoro umano, è in realtà parte dell’ambiente, perché i corpi che vi sono coinvolti, la cui salute è direttamente colpita, sono elementi naturali quanto l’aria, l’acqua, la terra, e subiscono la stessa nocività. Il conflitto reale è tra ilmodo di produzione capitalistico e la natura umana, parte inestricabile della natura tutta, come insegnano l’ecologismo più consapevole e l’ecofemminismo, ma anche l’esperienza storica di luoghi come Marghera e innumerevoli altri nel mondo. Che si tratti dilavoratori esposti all’amianto o alle polveri(o anche “solo” alla fatica) o di abitanti che bevono acqua contaminata (da Pfas, ad esempio) o di un intero territorio pervaso dalle polveri sottili o cementificato o dissestato o, in molti modi, impoverito di biodiversità, si tratta sempre di un conflitto tra modo di produzione (o di consumo, di mobilità, di sviluppo urbano coerente con quello) e ambiente (che integra il lavoro umano e la vita umana e la sua salute). Il primo passo verso una riformulazione del tema, forse anche verso un nuovo soggetto capace di affrontarlo in modo organizzato, sui territori e sul piano globale, consiste proprio in questa diversa e più vasta e radicale dicotomia, in cui il lavoro sta dal lato della parte lesa e della sua in-sofferenza, dalla quale può derivare una nuova fase di conflitti. Una nuova“agency” dell’insubordinazionealla nocività nei residui luoghi di maggiore concentrazione o nei luoghi dispersi del lavoro decentrato come nelle solitudini del lavoro atomizzato. Unanocività fisico-chimica, che colpisce il corpo della terra e dei suoi elementi come il corpo umano, e unanocività psichica(da alienazione o depressione o da ecoansia) che, attraverso il nostro organismo, permea comunque il nostro ambiente e l’esperienza che ne facciamo. La sofferenza inferta è una, e tale può e dev’essere la rivolta. Non è sempre facile oggi, nella frantumazione di classe e nella parcellizzazione e nelle turbolenze delle soggettività, ma quella che si annuncia può essere la rivolta più profonda ed estesa che abbia mai attraversato il pianeta e la storia. Oggi sappiamo che la crisi ambientale esiste e che riguarda tutti noi. Se la transizione ecologica è entrata a far parte dell’agenda politica, da più parti si lamenta la lentezza con cui governi e istituzioni sovranazionali adottano misure concrete per fronteggiare l’allarme clima. La scienza, da parte sua, preannunciava già dalla metà del secolo scorso i possibili scenari futuri. Accanto a quella climatica, già nel 1972 si parlava di crisi alimentare, di inquinamento e di risorse non rinnovabili. Ma in quale preciso momento e soprattutto in che modo nel corso della seconda metà del Novecento è affiorata – nella comunità scientifica, nei movimenti d’opinione, nel dibattito pubblico – la questione ecologica? Quando ci siamo accorti che le risorse erano finite?Quando abbiamo capito – anche a fronte di disastri ambientali e catastrofi industriali che hanno prodotto traumi collettivi – che il nostro è un ecosistema fragile e che dalla sua salute dipende il benessere di tutti noi? Vai alla pagina

Stay Connected Bradley PenistonandLauren C. Williams Apex wants to provide satellite buses to primes building proliferated constellations, which means building at scale, CEO Ian Cinnamon says. The company recently announced plans to make an XL version of itsCometsatellite bus, adding power and mass yet still remaining small enough to fit 16 on a Falcon 9, Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon said in a recent interview. But, he said, “I think what everybody tends to forget about is the need to really build these at really high rate production. And that's really the focus around Comet.” Cinnamon said Apex builds at scale by reusing avionics and other systems from its earlier, medium-sized Nova bus—but also by using Octopus, the custom software that he calls his company’s “secret sauce.” “Effectively, it's not even our manufacturing operating system; it's our entire company operating system,” he said. “It controls everything from, you know, forecasting demand, understanding on inventory, receiving quality from suppliers. How many, you know, kits we're holding on inventory at any given time, all the way to work, instructions on the factory floor, tracking, NCRs, traceability on orbit.” Like seemingly everything else these days, Octopus “uses a significant amount of artificial intelligence, a significant amount of software automation for processes,” the CEO said. But what Apex doesn’t use—at least not yet—is industrial robotics. “We do not believe that automation and robots, in terms of the hardware manufacturing, makes sense at all at the scale that we're building,” he said. “It does not make sense at the scale of hundreds of vehicles per year…When you go above that scale, it may begin to make sense.” Welcome You’ve reached the Defense Business Brief, where we dig into what the Pentagon buys, who they’re buying from, and why. Send along your tips, feedback, and song recommendations tolwilliams@defenseone.com. Check out the Defense Business Brief archivehere, and tell your friends tosubscribe! A new ad is pushing Congress to fund American shipbuildingto combat China and its growing commercial and naval fleets—and also increase jobs and domestic manufacturing. TheUSA Shipbuilding Coalition, composed of shipbuilders and unions,releasedthe video Wednesday—with timing that appears to coincide withSHIPS Actlegislation challenges. Defense tech startup Firestorm Labs snags $82 millionin its Series B funding round led by Washington Harbour Partners, which said the company is “building a new model for manufacturing.” The new capital will help Firestorm increase production of itsmobile 3D-printingxCell platform that can be set up in a matter of hours, manufacturing everything from drones to prosthetics to tools. One more manufacturing thing:Pentagon-funded institutionBioMADEis putting up$21.4 millionto expand domestic biomanufacturing. The funds will support 14 projects in areas like biosensors to help detect disease, plastics used for 3D printing, and proteins for wound healing and chemical defenses. NEXT STORY:First protest filed against the Army’s troubled MAPS contract

Sinolam International, a Singapore-based investment company focused on oil, gas, and power investments in emerging markets in Asia and Latin America, has disclosed the return of its multibillion-dollar lawsuit against AES Corporation to the Virginia state court. This legal challenge, which revolves around Panama’s liquefied natural gas (LNG)-to-power market, is connected with the cancellation of a license for a major gas-fired power generation project. According to Sinolam, a U.S. Federal District Court in Virginia remanded itslawsuitagainst AES Corporation, originally filed on December 19, 2025, in the Circuit Court for Arlington County, back to the Virginia state court on April 24th, granting the firm’s request over the other player’s objections. The Panamanian company claims to have successfully sought to argue the case in Virginia, where corporate entities are held highly accountable for ethical lapses. Sinolam is seeking more than $4 billion in the U.S. case. Sinolam LNG TerminalandSinolam Smarter Energy LNG Power Co., which are energy infrastructure developers focused on LNG-to-power solutions in emerging markets,welcomedthe $33.4 billion AES acquisition by the BlackRock-led consortium, as it could strengthen financing in the context of any future resolution of the litigation. This content is available after accepting the cookies. $33.4 billion acquisition of AES filling financial coffers for Panamanian firms’ $4B lawsuit As a result, the case will now move forward in Arlington County, where Sinolam highlights that key decisions were mostly orchestrated by AES management from the company’s global headquarters there. The Panamanian player alleges AES, along with partner InterEnergy Holdings, worked to exclude it from participating in Panama’s LNG-to-power market, pointing to alleged misuse of confidential information, interference with contracts, and intimidation tactics. The company emphasizes that it had already secured permits and commercial agreements for an LNG terminal and power project, but those plans could not progress due to“the unlawful actions of AES and InterEnergy, acting by themselves and through their joint venture, Group Energy.” Kenneth Zhang, Sinolam’s CEO, commented:“We are pleased with the decision to return this matter to Virginia state court and appreciate the clarity it brings to the path forward. Sinolam remains confident in the strength of our claims and is committed to pursuing them vigorously in the appropriate forum.” Take the spotlight and anchor your brand in the heart of the offshore world! Join us for a bigger impact and amplify your presence at the core hub of the offshore energy community!

This 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition has 67k miles and has been modified for overland use with the installation of an Overland Vehicle Systems collapsible shower stall, a Glind hot shower kit, a custom-fabricated sleeping platform/galley system, a two-burner cooktop, a cargo drawer, and a Dometic refrigerator. Finished in Radiant Red over Dark Charcoal and red upholstery, the truck is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 linked with a five-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a locking rear differential. It rolls on 16″ TRD alloy wheels and is further equipped with Bilstein shocks, A-TRAC traction control, LED driving lights, a backup camera, rocker panel guards, air conditioning, and a Hieha touchscreen head unit with smartphone connectivity. Acquired by the seller in 2020, this modified FJ Cruiser is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, a VIAIR compressor, a Baofeng handheld radio, an Icom HAM radio, water and gasoline jerry cans, various spare parts, a clean Carfax report, and a clean California title in the seller’s name. All Trail Teams Special Edition examples were finished in Radiant Red for the 2012 model year. An Overland Vehicle Systems collapsible shower stall has been mounted to the roof rack and is paired with a Glind hot shower kit. Additional details include LED front driving lights, illuminated mirror markers, rocker panel guards, and a receiver hitch. The bicycle rack shown in the photograph is not included in the sale. Black-finished 16″ TRD alloy wheels are wrapped in 265/75 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires with a mixture of 2020 and 2021 date codes, and a matching spare is affixed to the swing-away tailgate. The truck is equipped with TRD Bilstein shocks and Active Traction Control (A-TRAC). The cabin features front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding rear bench trimmed in Dark Charcoal upholstery with red cloth inserts. A touchscreen Heiha head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as a USB power port has been installed, and further appointments include air conditioning, cruise control, a backup camera, a Trail Teams Edition dashboard emblem, and WeatherTech all-weather floor mats. The two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 120-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 5,500-rpm redline alongside gauges for voltage, coolant temperature, and fuel level. A dash-mounted auxiliary pod houses a compass, a digital clock, and an inclinometer. The digital odometer indicates 67k miles, approximately 26k of which have been added under current ownership. The cargo compartment has been fitted with a custom-fabricated sleeping platform/galley system, a two-burner liquid-propane cooktop, a Dometic CD-30 refrigerator, and a storage drawer. The 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 was factory rated at 260 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The battery was replaced in January 2024, and the vehicle most recently passed a California emissions test in March 2026. Power is routed to the rear or all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a locking rear differential. The Carfax report is free of accidents or other reported damage. The winning bid does not include shipping. It is the buyer's responsibility to arrange the details of any shipping or delivery, and to pay any taxes, duties, or charges associated with shipping or delivery.View our third-party shipper recommendations. We need to confirm your billing address in order to appropriately charge fees and taxes should you win an auction. Please provide your billing address below. Congratulations! You're the high bidder. Your bid has been posted in the comment flow on the listing, and you can see other bids there as they happen. Good luck! 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Perchloroethylene, a chemical commonly used in the dry-cleaning sector, presents a potential risk to kidney health. This study measured urinary and blood nephrotoxic biomarkers among dry cleaners compared to hotel laundry workers to assess PCE’s impact. A multi-center comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 164 randomly selected participants from 21 dry-cleaning shops and 26 hotel laundries. Data were collected through biological samples and structured questionnaires and with tests for statistical significance. The result showed that majority of the employees were females in both groups and the risk of nephrotoxicity was higher in dry cleaners as compared to hotel laundry workers. We found a significant mean difference in three biomarkers namely, Total Protein (TPU) with a Median & IQR value of (102 mg/dl &70.75 mg/dl) and (54.5 mg/dl &27.25 mg/dl), Urinary creatinine with a Median & IQR value of (193 mg/dl & 111.06 mg/dl) and (142.93 mg/dl & 78.17 mg/dl) and Urinary Calcium with a Median & IQR value of (2.60 mmol/l & 2.94 mmol/l) and (0.835 mmol/l & 0.79 mmol/l) for the exposed and the control groups respectively. However, a significant difference was not found in urinary protein to creatinine ratio, urinary sodium, Blood urea nitrogen and S. creatinine between the two groups, but higher value of sodium above range and higher BUN within range was observed in dry cleaners and factors like employment duration, PCE spillage, handling frequency, sex, and poor ventilation correlated with immediate symptoms. In conclusion, dry cleaners are at greater risk of kidney damage linked to PCE exposure, warranting implementation of safety measures and regular health monitoring to protect workers. Citation:Seid PM, Habtu W, Shentema MG, Abegaz T (2026) Risk of nephrotoxicity among dry cleaning workers exposed to perchloroethylene: A comparative cross-sectional study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PLoS One 21(4): e0348427. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427 Editor:Hean Teik Ong, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan M Kandiah, MALAYSIA Received:February 7, 2026;Accepted:April 16, 2026;Published:April 30, 2026 Copyright:© 2026 Seid et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of theCreative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Data Availability:All relevant data are fully available without restriction. The minimal dataset underlying the results of this study is provided asSupporting Informationfiles. S1 and S2 Data are provided in SPSS (.sav) format, while S3 and S4 Data are the same datasets provided in comma-separated values (.csv) format to enhance accessibility and usability. All data have been fully anonymized and do not contain any identifying information. Funding:This research was funded by Addis Ababa University’s College of Health Sciences in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Norwegian Program for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED II) in Low-Income Countries research project. The funder had no involvement in the study’s design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of the findings, and manuscript writing for publication. Competing interests:The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Perchloroethylene (PCE), also known as tetrachloroethylene, which is a colorless, non-flammable liquid solvent primarily used in the dry cleaning industry, has been known to cause significant public health problems [1]. The application of PCE as a cleaning solvent started in the 20th century [2]. It is also an important metal-degreasing solvent and an intermediate for other chemical production [3]. It is slightly soluble in water, having a boiling point of 121.4 °C, and a higher density than air, which makes good ventilation in an occupational setting mandatory [2]. Dry cleaners are the most occupationally exposed group to PCE [4]. Inhalation is the major route of entry [5] and It takes 3 days for half of it to be removed from a human body [1]. PCE has been identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a probable carcinogen, with a very limited study on humans [6]. It has both acute and chronic health impacts, causing many health issues affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and liver [1]. It is believed to be a nephrotoxic, skin, and respiratory irritant [4]. During the 1990s, the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) increased rapidly, particularly in dry-cleaning shops where it became a commonly used solvent. This trend drew the attention of public health researchers, prompting efforts to assess occupational exposure. Consequently, numerous exposure assessment studies were conducted during this period [6,7]. Some health effect studies have been conducted in Western and Asian countries suggesting a link between perchloroethylene (PCE) exposure and nephrotoxicity [7–9]. Kidney toxicity, including both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a major global health concern, affecting an estimated 10% of the world’s population [10]. Research indicates that workers exposed to perchloroethylene (PCE), such as those in the dry-cleaning industry, are at increased risk of developing kidney-related health problems [5]. Unfortunately, consistent and conclusive evidence linking PCE exposure to kidney toxicity remains limited. The American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests conducting further research regarding the health effects of PCE [7]. A study conducted in Italy also highlights the need to do research on the health effects of PCE at even low occupational doses [11]. The metabolism of PCE in the human body takes two pathways [12]. The first one is oxidative metabolism, which involves P450to convert it into TCA(trichloroacetic acid) and others, causing liver and kidney toxicity [13]. The second metabolism is GSH (glutathione conjugation), which results in nephrotoxic metabolites and causes acute proximal tubal injury and kidney damage [14]. but the effect of GSH metabolites on kidney toxicity was not assured, but rather hypothesized [12]. Kidney toxicity is one of the critical concerns of PCE health effects [5]. Chronic exposure to it has been associated with end-stage renal disease [8]. Few studies have tried to study the renal effects of PCE among dry cleaners and found inconsistent results [1]. Since the practice of dry cleaning is increasing in Ethiopia, it is crucial to understand the extent of its health impacts among dry cleaners to adopt and implement safer working practices. Biomarkers are essential in understanding the nephrotoxic effects of PCE. Proteinuria serves as a key biomarker for detecting PCE-induced nephrotoxicity. Some studies have shown elevated total protein (TPU), indicating glomerular injury from PCE toxicity in both animals and humans [15,16]. However, other research has found no significant or consistent association, highlighting inconsistent evidence on this effect [17]. According to a case report in South Korea, urinary calcium levels are elevated due to calcium crystals in the renal tubules caused by PCE exposure [18]. Similar to this, low urinary sodium excretion often precedes the diagnosis of AKI, especially in critically ill patients [19]. BUN and S. creatinine, which are standard kidney function biomarkers [20], would show impaired urea excretion and reduced GFR, respectively, as a result of PCE exposure toxicity [15,16,19]. Despite acknowledging limitations in our search coverage, we found no notable studies on PCE exposure and its health effects in Africa or Ethiopia. This highlights a significant knowledge gap, especially as the dry-cleaning sector continues to grow in the region. In Ethiopia, the increasing number of dry-cleaning shops has raised concerns about occupational exposure to perchloroethylene (PCE), making it an emerging public health issue. This study investigated the relationship between perchloroethylene (PCE) exposure and nephrotoxicity in Ethiopia, where no prior data on this association currently exists, and tried to fill the existing knowledge gap and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving occupational health standards in the Ethiopian dry-cleaning industry. A multicenter comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa from March 8, 2025, to April 7, 2025. Using simple random sampling from the “addisbiz” local directory, 17 of 62 dry-cleaning shops were chosen by lottery, enrolling 70 dry cleaners. Similarly, 21 of 547 hotels were randomly selected to recruit 70 non-exposed controls. For blood sampling, an additional 4 dry-cleaning shops and 5 hotels (from unselected establishments) were randomly picked, with 12 participants obtained from each group. Hospitality laundry workers were selected as the control group because they perform physically and environmentally comparable tasks such as handling, washing, ironing, and processing textiles in similar hot, humid workplace conditions with exposure to water-based detergents and mechanical stressors, yet without routine use of perchloroethylene solvents. We have selected only those hotels that doesn’t provide dry-cleaning service. This design helps isolate the potential nephrotoxic effects of PCE while minimizing confounding from shared socioeconomic factors, occupational physical demands, shift patterns, and general service-sector exposures common in low- to middle-income settings like Addis Ababa. Alternative control populations, such as office workers or the general community, were considered but deemed less suitable due to substantial differences in physical workload, heat/humidity exposure, and socioeconomic status, which could introduce bias in biomarker comparisons related to kidney function. Similar control selection strategies (e.g., using non-solvent-exposed laundry workers) have been employed in prior occupational studies of PCE-exposed dry cleaners to enhance comparability and internal validity. The sample size was calculated using the formula for comparative cross-sectional studies. However, because we could not identify definitive values for the effect size, mean, or standard deviation for both groups and the available data only pertained to workers’ exposure status, which would have greatly limited our sample size for assessing nephrotoxicity, we opted to use Cohen’s d. We assumed a medium effect size of 0.5, which is commonly considered appropriate for detecting meaningful differences in public health studies with a 1:1 allocation ratio Cohen’s d is calculated as: Assuming equal variances between the two groups, the sample size calculation was simplified by using a common standard deviation (SD). To account for an anticipated 10% dropout rate, the initial sample size (n = 63 per group) was adjusted using the formula: New sample size = n/ (1 − dropout rate). This resulted in a required sample size of 70 participants per group (63/ 0.9 ≈ 70), yielding a total of 140 participants included in the study. Taking the mean and standard deviation values for serum creatinine from a health impact assessment conducted in Iran [21], the sample size was calculated using the following formula. Based on the computation, the initial sample size was 10 per group. After accounting for a 10% dropout rate, the final sample size was adjusted to 12 participants per group. Assuming a one-to-one allocation ratio, a total of 24 participants were included, comprising 12 dry cleaners and 12 hotel laundry workers. Workers aged 18 and older, employed for at least six months in dry-cleaning or hospitality laundry services, and able to give informed consent were eligible for the exposed group. Exclusions included those with pre-existing kidney disease before employment, those on temporary medication for non-kidney illnesses, pregnant or lactating women, and women menstruating during data collection due to metabolite variation. Data were collected using structured questionnaires with both open-ended and closed-ended questions and biological samples. Ethical approval was obtained from Addis Ababa University School of Public Health, IRB committee with reference number SPH/452/2025, and Addis Ababa Health Bureau Ethical clearance committee with reference number 2/080/17. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants were asked to sign informed consent before collecting urine and blood samples, and were briefed to leave if they wanted to at any part of the research process without any constrictions. After getting their consent, willing participants were guided by trained collectors to provide clean catch mid-stream spot urine samples during their working hours following Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) protocols to reduce contamination. Urine samples, labeled with identification codes, were analyzed for nephrotoxicity biomarkers: proteinuria, creatinine, calcium, and sodium. Blood samples from 24 participants were collected by trained health professionals on Wednesdays and Thursdays after shifts to measure BUN and serum creatinine, reflecting PCE exposure. Samples were kept at 2–8°C, transported in cold boxes, and stored in EPHI laboratory refrigerators for later analysis using automated urine biochemistry analyzers. The laboratory analysis was performed at the ISO 15189:2012-accredited EPHI National Clinical Chemistry referral and Reference Laboratory. Urinary biomarkers for kidney function were quantified in all 140 participants, and serum biomarkers in 24 participants. Protein in urine/CSF was measured via a turbidimetric method using cobas analyzers (range: 40–2000 mg/L). Calcium levels were determined photometrically with cobas analyzers (serum range: 0.20–5.0 mmol/L; urine: 0.20–7.5 mmol/L). Sodium concentrations were measured by ion-selective electrode on cobas c 111 (range: 20–250 mmol/L). Urine/CSF samples for protein were centrifuged to avoid precipitates; calcium and sodium assays required separation from cells within 4 hours, avoiding silicone-gel tubes to prevent interference. Interferences such as hemolysis, icterus, lipemia, and certain drugs were monitored and mitigated according to defined thresholds. BUN was measured enzymatically (urease/GLDH method) on cobas c 501/502 (2–100 mg/dL range), and serum creatinine was determined by kinetic Jaffé methods on cobas c 503/703, calibrated to IDMS standards (0.2–25 mg/dL). Serum samples were processed within 2 hours, stored at 2–8°C. Data were cross-checked and cleaned by the principal investigator before analysis. The basic demographic characteristics of both the exposed and control group workers from the selected 17 and 21 dry cleaning establishments and hotels, respectively are shown inTable 1. The majority of workers in both laundries were females, covering 61.4% of study participants in dry cleaning and 65.7% in hotel laundry. Participants’ sex, job role, working days, hours, and years of employment are shown inTable 1along with their behavioral characteristics of smoking and drinking. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t001 Comparison of key urinary biomarkers between dry cleaning workers (exposed group) and hospitality laundry workers (control group) is shown inTable 2. The data are expressed as median values with interquartile ranges (IQR) to illustrate the central tendency and variability within each group. This comparison highlights differences in total protein, creatinine, calcium, and sodium levels, providing insight into potential occupational exposure effects on renal function. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t002 Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels between an exposed group and a control group, presenting means and standard deviations (SD) is presented inTable 3. The exposed group exhibits higher mean values for both biomarkers compared to the control group, with larger SDs indicating greater variability in the data. From the total of 12 samples in each group the prevalence of abnormal BUN was 33.3% (4 workers) and 16.7% (2 workers) in dry cleaners and hotel laundry workers respectively, while 3 workers in each group showed abnormal serum creatinine level with a prevalence of 25%. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t003 The dry cleaning group reports higher percentages of decreased urine output, foamy/discolored urine, and dizziness/headache, while the hotel laundry group shows a higher prevalence of no changes in urination and no training on PCE handling. Fatigue/weakness and nausea/loss of appetite frequencies are relatively similar between groups, with slight variations in specific symptom prevalence. Health symptoms and training experiences between the two groups is presented below inTable 4. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t004 An independent t-test was performed to see if there was a significant, meaningful difference in urinary and serum biomarkers distribution between the exposed and the control groups inTable 5. The result showed that Log10transformed total protein, urinary creatinine and calcium had a significant association with p < 0.05 for all three. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t005 Non- parametric Mann-Whitney U test was also conducted to see if there was a significant meaningful urinary sodium distribution difference between the exposed and the control groups, and the result showed a non-significant distribution with a p value of 0.176, which makes the null hypothesis true. The renal function of participants was evaluated by comparing the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) across the two occupational groups. To ensure a standardized assessment, the eGFR was calculated for each participant using the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation (race-neutral), which incorporates serum creatinine, age, and sex as variable. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to determine if significant differences existed between the groups. This non-parametric approach compares the distribution of ranks by providing a robust evaluation of potential impairment associated with occupational chemical exposure as shown inTable 6. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t006 A correlation analysis was performed to see which risk factors significantly influence each specific biomarker. Point-Biserial correlation was conducted between risk factors and log-transformed urinary biomarkers of kidney function, and the result showed the strength and direction of the significantly associated results as shown inTable 7. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t007 Spearman correlation analysis was conducted as shown inTable 8, for urinary sodium and for the three urinary biomarkers to see if there is an association with variables that have an ordinal nature. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t008 Total urinary protein less than 150 mg/dl is considered normal according to the EPHI guiding reference. From a total of 140 samples, 17 results showed deviation from the normal range, where most of the deviations are found in the dry-cleaning sector. 26 samples showed abnormal urinary creatinine results, where 29–226 mg/dl for females and 40–275 mg/dl for males were considered as a normal range. 97 tests showed abnormal urinary calcium results, where 2.5–7.5 mmol/l is considered normal. From the urinary sodium test, only 8 samples showed abnormal range, where 27–287 mmol/l for females and 40–220 mmol/l for males were considered in the normal range. The full comparison is shown inFig 1below. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.g001 A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted as shown inTable 9to examine the effects of demographic characteristics, occupational factors, lifestyle characteristics, medical history, and workplace safety practices on urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR). The model included age, days worked, type of ventilation, water intake, family history of kidney disease, personal history of kidney disease, chemical spillage, working hours, smoking, workplace, personal protective equipment use, hand washing practice, educational status, alcohol use, and health conditions like hypertension and diabetes. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t009 The overall model was statistically significant (F (15,124) = 2.125, p = 0.013), explaining 20.4% of the variance in UPCR (R² = 0.204; adjusted R² = 0.108). A histogram of the residuals demonstrated an approximately normal distribution and the residual-versus-fitted plot showed a random scatter of points, indicating that the assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity were met. In addition, all predictors had tolerance values greater than 0.1 and variance inflation factor (VIF) values below 10, indicating absence of multicollinearity. Increasing age was significantly associated with lower UPCR (B = −0.018, 95% CI: −0.029, −0.007; p = 0.002). Workplace category was positively associated with UPCR, with participants in the exposed workplace having significantly higher UPCR compared with the reference group (B = 0.209, 95% CI: 0.059, 0.359; p = 0.007). Use of personal protective equipment was significantly associated with lower UPCR (B = −0.175, 95% CI: −0.300, −0.050; p = 0.006). Alcohol use was also significantly associated with higher UPCR (B = 0.096, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.190; p = 0.044). Other variables including days worked, type of ventilation, water intake, family history of kidney disease, personal history of kidney disease, chemical spillage, working hours, smoking status, hand washing practice, educational status, and general health condition were not significantly associated with UPCR in the adjusted model (p > 0.05). A multiple linear regression analysis was also conducted inTable 10below to examine the effects of PCE exposure predictors, demographic variables, health-related factors, and workplace safety practices on urinary total protein (mg/d). The model was statistically significant (F(14, 125) = 4.156, p < 0.001), and explaining 31.3% of the variance in proteinuria (R2= 0.318 and adjusted R2= 0.241). A histogram plot of the residuals showed a bell-shaped distribution, a residual verses fitted value plot showed a random scatter of points, all predictors Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) was below 10 and tolerance value for all factors were above 0.1, by which normality, homoscedasticity and absence of multi collinearity assumptions were met for the model. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.t010 A multiple linear regression was also conducted to see the effect of predictors to urinary creatinine level (mg/dl) after checking the assumptions in the same fashion done above for TPU. 10 predictors were included in the model, age, sex, BMI (Body Mass Index), work place, year of employment, working hour, water intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, history of kidney disease. The model was statistically significant (F(10, 129) = 2.412, p < 0.012), and explained 15.7% of the variance in urinary creatinine (R2= 0.157 and adjusted R2= 0.092). Only two predictors were significant. The first one is a place of work, which had a significant positive effect (β = 0.152, p = 0.009), indicating that being a dry-cleaning worker is associated with 1.42 times increase in urinary creatinine, holding other variables constant. And the second one is years of employment (β = 0.051, p = 0.038), indicating that a one-year increase in laundry establishment results in 1.12 times increase in urinary creatinine, holding other variables constant. Separate regression analysis was done for this two urinary biomarkers by adding approximated categorical dietary intake of sodium and calcium predictors from the recent meal they had before sample collection along with predictors like age, sex, BMI, place of work, working hour, water intake, smoking status, alcohol consumption, past history of kidney disease, experience of PCE spillage and availability of adequate ventilation. the model for urinary calcium was statistically significant (F(14, 124) = 4.21, p < 0.001), and explaining 32.9% of the variance in urinary calcium (R2= 0.322 and adjusted R2= 0.246), however the only significant predictor was place of work which had a significant positive effect (β = 0.438, p < 0.001), indicating being a dry cleaning worker is associated with a 2.74 times increase in urinary calcium, holding other variables constant. Regression analysis for urinary sodium showed a non-significant result in both the model and in all of the predictors, as a result, we excluded it from the regression report. From the four urinary and two serum biomarkers, TPU was the most crucial and directly linked to Perchloroethylene induced nephrotoxicity [22]. Different studies have identified urinary protein levels as a sensitive indicator of kidney damage caused by toxic substances [23,24]. Our result showed a significant increase in proteinuria in dry cleaners as compared to hotel laundry workers, with a P-value of 0.001 in both parametric and non-parametric tests. Similar to our findings, studies conducted in Italy, Germany and the Netherlands to assess the renal effects of PCE in dry cleaners showed a significant increase in proteinuria in the exposed groups compared to the control groups [15,24,25]. Dry cleaners accounted for 88.2% of observed abnormal TPU (>150mg/d) in our study, while 87% of subjects in the Italy study showed an increased high molecular weight protein in urine, which was associated with tubular alteration [25]. On the other hand, some studies contradicted our finding. A study conducted in the US found no direct association between PCE exposure and urinary biomarkers from 192 dry cleaning workers, even though protein/creatinine showed a weak positive association [17]. In contrast to the previous studies, a study conducted in the Czech Republic found no significant difference in total urinary protein between the exposed (125 mg/g) and control group (103 mg/g), countering the general claim of a clear association between PCE exposure and proteinuria [16], Prevalence of abnormal value of protein showed no significance between the exposed and control groups in another study conducted in the Netherlands [26]. Whereas abnormal TPU in our findings showed a significant association by which hotel laundry workers had 88.2% lower odds of TPU abnormality compared to dry cleaners. According to the agreed-upon pathophysiological study of Proteinuria, PCE exposure results in higher protein in urine by compromising the glomerulus, which is the key filtration unit within in nephron that allows the passage of tiny water and electrolyte molecules, while blocking large molecules like protein [27]. When this filtration unit is compromised by PCE (controlling for other factors like diabetes, hypertension), protein output in urine increases [12,28]. Urinary creatinine was used to show the effect of PCE on kidney filtration as a result of toxic-induced renal damage, resulting in GFR reduction [29]. It is a key indicator of overall kidney function, since it is a result of creatine degradation from muscle [30]. However, most of the time, it is used as a normalizer for other biomarkers [31]. PCE exposure is believed to decrease GFR [29], which in turn decreases urinary creatinine and indicates acute and chronic kidney disease [32]. Some studies used S. creatinine only as a biomarker to detect nephrotoxicity, but found no significant association, which is similar to our S. creatinine finding. The results of a study in Iran found no significant difference in Cr levels between dry-cleaners (1.1 mg/dl) and control group (0.92 mg/dl) [21]. Similarly, a study conducted in China to see the effects of the exposure on liver and kidney functions yielded negative results as judged by the emission enzyme activities [33]. Complimentarily a study in Italy found that chronic exposure to organic solvents did not significantly alter urinary creatinine level, although it stated that urinary creatinine can’t be used to detect renal dysfunction alone [34]. Our research found a significant urinary creatinine difference between the exposed and the control group, however majority of them showed an increased urinary creatinine above the range (>226 mg/dl for female and >275 mg/dl for males). Which might come from renal tubular damage caused by PCE metabolites like S-(1, 2, 2-trichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (TCVC), which induce oxidative stress and affect tubular integrity [15,30]. As a result kidneys’ ability to filter will decrease, and GFR would fall, so to compensate for this, the proximal tubules would increase creatinine secretion and another possibility is tubular epithelial barrier might be compromised by PCE metabolites, resulting in passive leakage of Cr to urine [35]. From this, we can hypothesize that the non-significant result of creatinine from the above research could be due to the compensation secretion of creatinine by proximal tubules or due to leakage of Cr through compromised tubular epithelial barrier during the early stages of PCE Impact on kidney. The urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) is a validated, spot-urine index that normalizes protein excretion to creatinine as a surrogate for glomerular filtration rate and urine concentration [36]. In clinical practice, spot urinary protein measurements are highly influenced by hydration status and urine volume, whereas creatinine is excreted at a relatively constant rate proportional to muscle mass, making it a reliable indicator of urine dilution [37]. In this study, both urinary protein and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in the dry cleaning group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.002, respectively); however, when expressed as a ratio, the effect of urine concentration is mathematically adjusted, resulting in a non-significant difference in UPCR (P = 0.791). This suggests that the higher absolute protein levels observed among dry cleaning workers likely reflect more concentrated urine rather than a true increase in renal protein excretion compared to hospitality workers. Similar with previous studies, absolute urinary protein levels may vary due to transient factors such as hydration and physical activity, whereas the UPCR provides a more stable and reliable indicator of renal function by accounting for urine concentration variability and enhancing diagnostic specificity by minimizing the confounding effects of variations in creatinine excretion [37,38]. Based on a few PCE-induced tubular damage studies, we formulated a scientifically relevant hypothesis related to urinary calcium and sodium and tested both of them. Urinary calcium is an important indicator of tubular function, which could detect early kidney damage caused by PCE, since the GSH metabolite results are believed to cause tubular toxicity [22]. Kidney reabsorbs calcium in order to balance body’s Ca level. But if anything happens to the kidney, such as being compromised by PCE exposure, hypercalcemia could be seen in urine [39]. As calcium output increases in urine, the chance of crystallization with other substances increases, leading to kidney stone or calcium phosphate formation [40]. Reabsorption of urinary calcium occurs in the proximal tubule, which would indicate a secondary change in ion handling as a result of PCE-induced toxicity, since GSH metabolites causes’ tubular damage. Urinary sodium would also show PCE toxicity in the same fashion as calcium, in addition to its ability to indicate electrolyte imbalance caused by the solvent [40–43]. Our research findings showed a median value of 2.6 mmol/l and 0.835 mmol/l for exposed and control groups, respectively. Just like our hypothesis, a higher value of calcium in urine output was seen in dry cleaners. The difference between the two groups was significant with p-value <0.001 for both independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test; however, dry cleaners account only 38.1% of the observed abnormal urinary calcium. Most of the abnormal results were below the normal range, which is less than 2.5 mmol/l. Most of the study participants have a calcium level below the normal range, but those who work in the dry cleaners have more urinary release as compared to hotel laundry workers. Urinary sodium is an important biomarker to regulate the kidneys’ ability to maintain electrolyte balance. In normal conditions, 99% of Na is reabsorbed, where 70% of it is reabsorbed by the proximal tubule, 25% by the Loop of Henle in the thick ascending limb, and the rest 5% is absorbed by the distal tubule and collecting duct [44]. PCE metabolites could impair the thick ascending limb, which is a site for sodium reabsorption. This, in turn, results in disruption in the sodium-potassium-2-chloride (NKCC2) cotransporter, which results in increased urinary sodium [29], our study didn’t find any significant difference between the exposed and control groups. Although no significant difference in BUN was found between the exposed and control groups, the data showed higher values in dry cleaners, though still within the normal range. A similar result was observed in a study conducted in Iran, where dry cleaners also exhibited higher BUN values within the normal range (17 mg/dl) than control groups (15 mg/dl) [21]. Most of the results are normal in our finding, but the higher value in dry cleaners indicates early renal stress caused by PCE exposure as a result early detection and routine monitoring would be valuable in order to prevent kidney toxicity, since long employment, PPE utilization and other factors could influence it even if we haven’t found significant correlation in our study for BUN. The study didn’t measure and quantify specific exposure assessment due to unavailability of direct reading devices and high cost of biological assessment, as a result, dose response linkage was not performed and since we used cross-sectional study, cause and effect relationship couldn’t be assured, by which the observed biomarker difference is unclear whether it was the result of cumulative exposure or recent exposure. Enzyme biomarkers such as like neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) or kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were not assessed, due to substantially higher assay costs (often 5–10 times greater), limited commercial availability and specialized reagents/kits and we didn’t have the analytical machines for them in EPHI laboratory. While PCE is the most likely causative agent based on exposure patterns, job tasks, and literature, residual confounding from co-exposures in dry cleaning cannot be fully ruled out without targeted environmental or biological monitoring of multiple solvents. We recommend that future studies in similar settings include multi-chemical exposure assessment (e.g., air sampling or urinary metabolites of other solvents) to further disentangle contributions. The finding showed a significant difference between dry cleaners and hotel laundry workers in TPU, urinary creatinine and calcium, which suggests PCE role on those biomarkers. Although the study failed to demonstrate a significant difference in UPCR, urinary sodium, BUN and serum creatinine, a higher prevalence of abnormality was seen in dry cleaners, which aligns with the biological plausibility of PCE-induced toxicity in dry cleaners. The cross-sectional nature of the study and the absence of direct exposure assessment hindered us from concluding definitively, but still the biomarkers showed a possible physiologic change and risk of nephrotoxicity as a result of the solvent., so our findings suggested that dry cleaners need to be more cautious as they are more susceptible to kidney toxicity however, a longitudinal study is needed to confirm the cause-and-effect relation. Urinary biomarker data collected using ODK and exported to SPSS format. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.s001 (SAV) Serum biomarker data collected using ODK and exported to SPSS format. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.s002 (SAV) Urinary biomarker data collected using ODK and exported in comma-separated values (.csv) format; this file contains the same data asS1 Data. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.s003 (CSV) Serum biomarker data collected using ODK and exported in comma-separated values (.csv) format; this file contains the same data asS2 Data. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0348427.s004 (CSV) First and foremost, We would like to express our deepest gratitude to God for giving us the courage and persistence to complete this project, next we would like to take a moment and give a Special thanks to Mrs. Fikirte Aboye for her unlimited support in every step of the research process, starting from moral support, up to involving in different material and laboratory equipment purchase. Another heart felt gratitude to Bethlehem Fiseha for her support.

Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas heavyweight Petronas has shaken hands with Eneos Explora, a subsidiary of Japan’s Eneos Group, on a deal that will enable the latter to rejoin a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project that receives gas from offshore fields in Malaysian waters. The two companies have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, first established in 1995, through the signing of definitive agreements formalizing Eneos’ re-entry intoMalaysia LNG Tiga (MLNG Tiga), a joint venture involving Petronas and other partners, to liquefy natural gas produced from fields, including theSK-10 Blockoperated by Eneos Xplora, located off the coast of Sarawak, Malaysia. Subject to the fulfillment of certain closing conditions, Eneos will hold a 10% equity stake in MLNG Tiga for the next decade, following the expiry of the previous joint venture agreement in 2023. The new deals were signed byDatuk Adif Zulkifli, Petronas’ Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer of Gas & Maritime Business, andYasuhiko Oshida, Eneos Xplora’s Representative Director and President. Oshida emphasized:“MLNG Tiga has been a project that has steadily supplied LNG to Japanese buyers since commencing operations in 2003, under the cooperation between our group and Petronas, and we are very pleased to be participating once again. “While further strengthening our partnership with Petronas, we will also work closely with our fellow shareholders – the Sarawak State Government and Mitsubishi Corporation, to pursue new value creation during the energy transition.” This content is available after accepting the cookies. Petronas hand-picks FPSO for Asian hydrocarbon redevelopment project The signing ceremony was witnessed byMarina Md Taib, Petronas’ Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, andJotaro Tomoeda, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Head of Business Division 1 at Eneos Xplora. The agreement is said to reflect the companies’ shared commitment to strengthening long-term energy security and supporting reliable LNG supply to international markets, particularly Japan, amid an increasingly complex and volatile global energy landscape. Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, Petronas’ President and Group Chief Executive Officer, commented:“LNG continues to play an indispensable role in the global energy mix, bridging the demands of today’s economies while supporting a credible transition toward lower-carbon futures. “With Asia at the centre of global LNG demand growth, stable supply and long-term partnerships remain fundamental to economic resilience across the region. The collaboration with Eneos which now spans three decades reflects that long-term conviction, one that continues to serve the energy interests of both nations well into the decades ahead.” This content is available after accepting the cookies. Malaysia ups its energy investment ante with new oil & gas bid round As of April 1, 2026, the Eneos Group has consolidated its natural gas and LNG supply chain by transferring Eneos Corporation’s natural gas liquefaction and domestic sales businesses to Eneos Xplora. Aside from the re-entry into MLNG Tiga, the firm continues to expand its presence in Malaysia through the SK-10 Block gas fields development and production project and its participation in the LNG liquefaction plant operated by Petronas LNG 9 Sdn. Bhd. (PL9SB). “Eneos’ re-entry into MLNG Tiga reflects shared confidence in the asset’s resilience and long-term role within Asia’s LNG landscape. It also reinforces Petronas’ focus on building a reliable LNG system that continues to deliver value to customers and partners, particularly in important markets such as Japan,”said Zulkifli. The new agreement is perceived to reinforce continued foreign investor confidence in Malaysia’s investment climate and long-term growth prospects. Take the spotlight and anchor your brand in the heart of the offshore world! Join us for a bigger impact and amplify your presence at the core hub of the offshore energy community!

France’s Nexans has completed the first cable pull-in on the French side of the first interconnector between Ireland and France, following the initial campaign in Ireland. Developed by French and Irish transmission system operators (TSOs) Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE) and EirGrid, theCeltic Interconnectorwill be the first direct electricity interconnection between the European continent and Ireland, spanning approximately 575 kilometers between La Martyre in Brittany, France, and East Cork, Ireland. With a transmission capacity of 700 MW, the project will be able to supply power equivalent to the needs of approximately 450,000 homes. It is based on 320 kV HVDC technology and includes approximately 500 kilometers of offshore high-voltage cable, around 40 kilometers of underground cable in France, 35 kilometers in Ireland, and a 10-kilometer 400 kV HVAC connection to the Irish grid. Marine cable laying operations for the project began in the summer of 2025 offshore Ireland, near Claycastle beach. Nexans is responsible for theengineering, manufacturing and installation of the full cable system, with the high-voltage cables manufactured in Halden, Norway, using advanced extruded XLPE insulation technology, land cables produced in Charleroi, Belgium, and accessories manufactured in Cortaillod, Switzerland. The pull-in operation was performed with support from the cable-laying vessel (CLV) Calypso. “With the start of this construction phase on the French side, Réseau de transport d’électricité (RTE) is reaching a decisive milestone in the Celtic Interconnector project—the first electricity interconnection between continental Europe and Ireland—supported by the European Union and its agency CINEA,”saidRégis Boigegrain, Managing Director of the Infrastructure Management Division and member of the Executive Board at RTE. “This direct link strengthens security of supply, electrical solidarity and the integration of renewable energies at the heart of the energy transition. Through this project, RTE, together with its partner EirGrid, reaffirms its role as a builder of tomorrow’s power grid and as a partner of a more sovereign Europe.” Furthermore,Siemens Energyand NGE have completed the construction of the Ar Merzher converter station in France, which will convert direct current transmitted via the submarine cable into alternating current for injection into the French electricity grid, and vice versa. Main works are scheduled for completion in May, with energization planned from June and full commissioning expected by 2028. “At Siemens Energy, we are proud to have completed the construction of the Ar Merzher converter station infrastructure with local partners on behalf of our client RTE. Throughout the construction phase, we met high quality standards to ensure the durability of the structure and enable the operation of all process equipment. We are now entering the final phase of the project, the commissioning of the equipment,”saidAlexandre Pinson, Project Manager at Siemens Energy. Take the spotlight and anchor your brand in the heart of the offshore world! Join us for a bigger impact and amplify your presence at the core hub of the offshore energy community!

Expand Energy, a U.S. independent natural gas producer formed from the merger of Chesapeake Energy and Southwestern Energy in 2024, has signed on the dotted line for a multi-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) offtake with Delfin FLNG 1 in relation tothe first floating LNG (FLNG) unit destined to be deployed at an American LNG project under developmentin Louisiana, United States. Expand Energy inked a 20-year sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with Delfin FLNG 1 for around 1.15 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG offtake on April 22, 2026, subject to a final investment decision (FID) being made for theDelfin LNGproject, which Delfin Midstream, a U.S.-based LNG export infrastructure development company, is developing in Louisiana. The SPA enables approximately 1.15 million tonnes of LNG per annum to be bought from Delfin FLNG 1 at a Henry Hub price with a targeted start date in 2031. As a result, the gas producer’spreviousSPAs, which were signed with Delfin and Gunvor Group in 2024, have been terminated. This was for the purchase of 0.5 million tonnes of LNG per year at a Henry Hub price with a contract targeted start date in 2028 to be then delivered to Gunvor on a free-on-board (FOB) basis with the sales price linked to the Japan Korea Marker (JKM) for a period of 20 years, representing 0.5 mtpa of Delfin’s up to 2 mtpa HOA with Gunvor. Delfin LNG is a brownfield deepwater port requiring minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three FLNG vessels producing up to 13.2 mtpa of LNG. The developer acquired the UTOS pipeline, the largest natural gas pipeline in the Gulf of America (U.S. Gulf of Mexico). The project has receiveda deepwater port licensefrom the Maritime Administration (MARAD) andapprovalfrom the Department of Energy for long-term LNG exports to countries that do not have a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. The latest LNG offtake agreement comes months after Delfinmade arrangementsto extend a letter of award (LOA) with South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for the project’s first FLNG unit, following another20-year dealfor 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG from the project. Take the spotlight and anchor your brand in the heart of the offshore world! Join us for a bigger impact and amplify your presence at the core hub of the offshore energy community!

VENEZIA - Un intero fine settimana dedicato alla tutela dell’ambiente costiero, con centinaia di volontari impegnati lungo tutto il litorale veneto per rimuovere plastica e rifiuti dalle spiagge. È questo lo spirito del “Weekend del Mare 2026”, l’iniziativa promossa da Plastic Free Onlus, realtà di volontariato attiva dal 2019 nella lotta all’inquinamento da plastica, che sabato 2 e domenica 3 maggio porterà avanti una vasta azione coordinata di pulizia ambientale. Il progetto arriva dopo il successo della prima edizione del 2025, che aveva coinvolto 9 appuntamenti, 530 volontari e consentito la rimozione di oltre 6.400 chilogrammi di rifiuti. Un risultato che l’associazione ha deciso di rilanciare con un format ancora più strutturato e ambizioso. Per il 2026 sono infatti previsti nove eventi distribuiti nei Comuni di San Michele al Tagliamento, Veneto, Italy (Bibione), Caorle, Veneto, Italy, Eraclea, Jesolo, Venezia, Lido, Chioggia, Veneto, Rosolina, Porto Viro, e Porto Tolle, con l’obiettivo dichiarato di superare i 500 partecipanti e raggiungere almeno 10.000 chilogrammi di plastica e rifiuti raccolti. L’iniziativa è stata selezionata nell’ambito del bando per iniziative ambientali e sostenuta con i fondi dell’Otto per Mille della Chiesa Valdese, un contributo che ha permesso di ampliare la portata del progetto e di introdurre nuove modalità di monitoraggio ambientale. “Il Weekend del Mare rappresenta un’evoluzione naturale del nostro impegno sui territori”, ha dichiarato Luca De Gaetano, fondatore e presidente di Plastic Free Onlus. “Attraverso la rimozione dei rifiuti dall’ambiente contribuiamo a costruire una consapevolezza diffusa sull’importanza di tutelare il mare e le nostre coste. Il coinvolgimento di centinaia di volontari in contemporanea lungo tutto il litorale veneto è un segnale forte, concreto, che dimostra quanto i cittadini siano pronti a fare la loro parte”. Gli appuntamenti, aperti a tutti, prevedono circa due ore di attività di raccolta di plastica e rifiuti non pericolosi su tratti di spiaggia individuati in collaborazione con i Comuni e con le aziende locali che gestiscono il servizio rifiuti. La partecipazione è gratuita, ma subordinata a registrazione obbligatoria sul sito ufficiale dell’associazione anche ai fini della copertura assicurativa. I minori di 16 anni potranno partecipare solo se accompagnati. Il programma entrerà nel vivo sabato 2 maggio con i cleanup previsti a Porto Tolle, Veneto, Italy nella Sacca degli Scardovari alle ore 9:00, a Porto Viro, Veneto, Italy allo Scanno Cavallari alle 8:30, a Chioggia, in Isola Verde alle 9:30, a Jesolo pineta alle 9:30 e a Caorle al Lido Altanea alle 10:00. Domenica 3 maggio le attività proseguiranno a Rosolina presso la spiaggia Casoni foce Adige alle 14:30, al Venezia Lido nella zona Murazzi alle 10:00, a Eraclea Mare alle 9:00 e a San Michele al Tagliamento -Bibione alle 9:30. Le iniziative saranno coordinate dai referenti locali dell’associazione con il coinvolgimento diretto di cittadini e volontari, in un’azione condivisa di tutela e valorizzazione della costa veneta. Tra le principali novità dell’edizione 2026 figura inoltre l’introduzione della catalogazione scientifica dei rifiuti raccolti: i partecipanti saranno dotati di schede tecniche per classificare tipologie e materiali secondo le linee guida del progetto europeo “Beach Litter”, con i dati che verranno trasmessi alla banca dati europea per contribuire al monitoraggio del fenomeno del marine litter. “Abbiamo voluto fare un passo in più”, ha aggiunto De Gaetano, “ogni attività di raccolta diventa anche un momento utile alla ricerca. Condividere i dati a livello europeo significa contribuire in modo concreto alla conoscenza del problema e alla definizione di soluzioni più efficaci”. Il “Weekend del Mare 2026” si svolge con il patrocinio della Regione Veneto, della Conferenza dei Sindaci del Litorale e dei nove Comuni coinvolti. Accanto alla rimozione dei rifiuti, il progetto punta anche a rafforzare la consapevolezza ambientale e a promuovere la partecipazione attiva dei cittadini nella tutela del territorio, valorizzando uno dei patrimoni naturali più importanti del Paese.