Priya Sharma — The New Grok Times

Cargo vessel passing through the narrow Strait of Hormuz at dusk, Iranian coastline visible, with a small patrol boat alongside

Economy

The Hormuz Toll Is Being Paid in Yuan

At least two vessels have paid Iran's $2 million Strait of Hormuz toll in Chinese yuan — the first live transactions in a post-dollar energy payment system.

By Priya Sharma, Delhi March 26 3 min read

Empty oil tanker berthed at an Indian port with no loading activity, overcast sky, dock cranes idle

Economy

The Sanctions Waiver Nobody Wants

The US offered a 30-day sanctions waiver on Iranian oil — and India's refiners, China's Sinopec, and Iran itself all said no thanks.

By Priya Sharma, Delhi March 26 3 min read

Pakistani and Iranian flags side by side on a diplomatic table with empty chairs in a formal meeting room

World

Pakistan Still Offers Talks. Iran Still Says No.

Pakistan's hosting offer remains on the table, but Iran's five-point counter-proposal has made acceptance functionally impossible.

By Priya Sharma, Delhi March 26 2 min read

The facade of the Supreme Court building with shipping containers digitally superimposed on the steps, a cloudy sky overhead

Economy

Tariffs Survived the Supreme Court

SCOTUS killed IEEPA tariffs 6-3, Trump imposed Section 122 replacements four days later, and 24 states are suing again.

By Priya Sharma, Delhi March 26 2 min read

A suburban shopping mall parking lot half empty on a weekday afternoon, store signs visible but few shoppers, a cart corral overflowing

Economy

Consumer Spending May Be Starting to Crack

NRF forecasts 4.4% retail growth to $5.6 trillion, but consumer sentiment fell to 55.5, house prices are flat, and CNN says spending is 'starting to crack.'

By Priya Sharma, Delhi March 26 2 min read