Critical minerals, from lithium and cobalt to rare earth elements, have become the backbone of modern industries, powering everything from defense systems to electric vehicle batteries. In today’s fractured geopolitical landscape, they represent more than resources: they are leverage.
Since the Israel-Iran ceasefire came into effect on June 24, the atmosphere has shifted in the Gulf region as key states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE work to secure their economies and recalibrate their geopolitical positioning.
Recent shifts in the Levant signal a transformative geopolitical landscape, marked by Bashar Assad's fall and Gulf states normalizing ties with Syria and Lebanon. As Iran retreats, regional powers must seize this moment to foster stability and collaboration, avoiding past mistakes.