¿Se ha SALTADO ISRAEL las SANCIONES a RUSIA?

The episode opens with a brief mention of stalled US-Iran nuclear negotiations and Iran's rejected three-phase peace proposal, which is contributing to rising oil prices. The Brent crude benchmark is reported at around $212 per barrel, with US oil near $100, driven by fears that the Hormuz Strait blockade could persist longer than expected.

In a surprising development, the United Arab Emirates has announced its departure from OPEC after nearly six decades in the cartel. The host explains that the UAE had long chafed under OPEC's quota system, which prevented it from expanding production capacity by up to 30%. Beyond economics, the move reflects the UAE's broader strategic ambition to act as an independent regional power, distancing itself from both Saudi Arabia — with whom it has clashed over quotas — and Iran, its main regional rival. The host draws a parallel with Qatar, which has similarly sought autonomy through soft power and diplomatic mediation.

The episode then turns to the Red Sea and the return of Somali piracy. Several vessels have recently been hijacked near the coastal city of Garacad, and the host attributes the resurgence to increased maritime traffic near Somalia caused by ships rerouting around Africa to avoid Houthi rebel attacks and the Hormuz closure. The underlying causes — foreign overfishing, political instability, and Somalia's status as a failed state since 1991 — are cited as persistent drivers. The host also notes that Somaliland, a de facto autonomous region, is comparatively more stable and has been recognized by Israel.

Pakistan's opening of six land corridors connecting its ports (Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar) to Iran via the border crossings of Gabd and Taftan is discussed as a strategic move to position itself as a logistical bridge between the Arabian Sea and Central Asia. The host identifies Pakistan's motivations as commercial (turning Gwadar into a regional transit hub), strategic (reducing its vulnerability to blocked Gulf routes), and political (increasing its regional influence). He also notes Pakistan's growing importance as a mediator between the US and Iran, and its defense agreement with Saudi Arabia that reportedly places its nuclear arsenal at Saudi disposal.

Finally, the host discusses Ukraine's accusation that Israel received grain shipments extracted from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, with at least two ships arriving at Haifa in April. The EU is reportedly considering sanctions on the entities involved. The host contextualizes this within Israel's longstanding policy of 'strategic ambiguity' toward Russia — condemning the invasion in international forums and sending humanitarian aid, but avoiding weapons supplies and full sanctions compliance — driven by Israel's need to maintain a pragmatic channel with Russia while managing threats from Iran and its regional allies.