Black Sea Risks Mount as Military and Energy Interests Overlap

Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict The Houthis’ decision to release the Tutor crew after months of holding them was not a goodwill gesture. Oman facilitated the handover, but the move reflects outside pressure rather than any internal shift in Houthi policy. Washington, meanwhile, is preparing a firmer response of its own. U.S. officials have started talking publicly about Houthi operational planning on encrypted apps, which is less about disclosure and more about setting the stage for expanded authorities if needed. Iraq’s sudden…