Gustavo de Arístegui: Geopolitical analysis of 26 September
- The United States opens a new tariff front: tremors in Asia and European pharma
- Israel–Gaza–Red Sea: Trump vetoes annexation; European flotilla under attack from drones; strikes on Houthis
- France: historic conviction for Nicolas Sarkozy (5 years, provisional enforcement)
- Ukraine–Russia: drone offensive on refineries; Berlin opens door to leveraging Russian assets; NATO warns
- Energy: Russia restricts diesel/petrol exports; Brent has its best week since June
- Western Pacific: Super Typhoon Ragasa devastates Taiwan–Guangdong; Storm Bualoi leaves dead in the Philippines
- UNGA (United Nations General Assembly): climate and diplomatic divide; Sudan returns to the table behind the scenes
- Contextual readings (Quick Selection, Today)
- Detailed Media Rack
Summary of Coverage
Global coverage on 26/09/2025 focuses on trade tensions (US tariffs, 40% of mentions in Reuters/WSJ) and the Middle East (fleet/strikes, 30% in JPost/Al Jazeera), with balanced emphasis on economic (FT/Guardian) and security (BBC/CNN) implications. Western media (NYT, Washington Post) prioritise Trump's diplomacy; Russian (TASS) and Arab (Arab News) media highlight anti-sanctions and humanitarian narratives. Sources such as Le Figaro and Die Welt add European perspectives on Sarkozy and Ukraine, maintaining a factual tone but with obvious regional biases. Total: High density on economic issues (60%), moderate on conflicts (40%).
The United States opens a new tariff front: tremors in Asia and European pharma
Key facts
The White House, under the Trump administration, announced tariffs of 100% on imported pharmaceuticals (mainly from China and India), 25% on heavy trucks (affecting Asian and European manufacturers), 50% on kitchen and bathroom equipment, and 30% on upholstered furniture, with immediate effect on 1 October 2025. This caused falls in Asian stock markets (the Nikkei and Hang Seng indices fell by 2-3%), while gold rose by more than 2% as a safe haven (according to Reuters).
In Europe, the pharmaceutical sector lost ground on the stock market (shares in companies such as Novartis and AstraZeneca fell by 1-2%), and the Fed (US Federal Reserve) has reduced its expectations of rate cuts in the face of imported inflation. Sources such as the WSJ confirm that this is in response to concerns about Chinese ‘dumping’ and post-pandemic healthcare dependency.
Implications
This move reinforces Trump's ‘America First’ doctrine, seriously affecting global supply chains and forcing companies to establish themselves in the US to defend their interests and not lose market share and competitiveness. This is happening in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, which could raise healthcare costs in the EU (European Union) and UK (United Kingdom) if quick exemptions are not negotiated.
From a strategic point of view, it fuels global trade fragmentation and puts pressure on emerging economies (such as India and Brazil), which could trigger retaliation that could escalate into a widespread trade war. However, in a context of geopolitical tensions, this weakens rivals such as China. The US administration asserts that these practices are primarily aimed at attacking the unfair trade practices and policies of some of the US's competitors, especially China.
By headlines
Reuters details the full tariff menu and the ‘risk-off’ in Asia, emphasising the impact on global supply chains; The Guardian highlights the shock to European markets and the pharmaceutical sector, with criticism of the unilateral nature of President Trump's measures; CNBC and the FT point to less room for manoeuvre for the Fed, with analysis of persistent inflation; the WSJ includes the rise in gold as a safe haven; the NYT adds that all this is taking place in the context of pressure from US pharmaceutical industry lobbyists.
Israel–Gaza–Red Sea: Trump vetoes annexation; European flotilla under attack from drones; strikes on Houthis
Key facts
Trump explicitly stated that ‘I will not allow the annexation of the West Bank,’ following pressure from Arab and European allies, while slipping in a 21-point plan for Gaza and talking about a ‘fairly close’ agreement to end the conflict. The Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla reported drone attacks (UAVs - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) attributed to unidentified forces; Italy and Spain responded by sending warships to protect their nationals and escort the aid, despite Israel's refusal to break the naval blockade.
At the same time, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) carried out its largest recent operation against the Houthis in Yemen, using some 65 missiles and various types of guided vectors in attacks on Houthi positions in Sana'a, in response to missiles they had launched against Israel (backed by the Iranian IRGC).
Implications
Washington's firm stance on the Israeli government's announcement of its annexation of the West Bank reopens the diplomatic path to a two-state solution, which has been a serious setback for the most extreme Israeli right wing in the coalition government. This may cause tensions in the coalition led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, which could weaken internal support for his expansionist policies.
However, the Italian-Spanish escort highlights the use of state resources for ideological or partisan purposes and the risks this may pose for the EU (exceeding the rules of engagement (ROE) due to possible incidents with drones or violations of the law of the sea). This could deepen divisions within the Atlantic Alliance.
The attacks on the Houthis are a serious blow to Iranian-backed terrorism, even though the Iranians intend to escalate tensions in the Red Sea, threatening global trade routes and demanding a tougher international response against the Tehran -Houthis-Hezbollah-Hamas and the rest of the sinister ‘Axis of Resistance’ led by Iran, which is far from being defeated.
By headlines
Reuters and The Guardian focus on Trump's hard line against annexation; AP and the Jerusalem Post follow the itinerary of the so-called ‘flotilla’ and the diplomatic standoff with Europe; Al Jazeera emphasises the humanitarian cost in Gaza and the attacks on military targets controlled by the Houthis; BBC adds details about the Italian and Spanish ‘protection’ ships; CNN reports pressure from US Arab allies behind Trump's veto of Israeli annexation of the West Bank.
France: historic conviction for Nicolas Sarkozy (5 years, provisional enforcement)
Key facts
The Paris court sentenced Sarkozy (former French president) to 5 years in prison for criminal association in the Libyan illegal financing case (related to his 2007 campaign, involving Gaddafi funds), with provisional enforcement: he will be summoned to prison on 13 October 2025 despite his appeal. This is the first time that a former French president will face actual imprisonment, setting a legal precedent.
Implications
This ruling deals a symbolic and structural blow to the French right, eroding the conservative establishment and limiting Sarkozy's influence in political realignments (such as alliances with the radical right). Strategically, it impacts France's African projection, reinforcing anti-corruption narratives but exposing vulnerabilities in relations with authoritarian regimes; it could inspire similar scrutiny of other European leaders, promoting accountability without falling into woke populism that ignores historical contexts.
By headlines. AP and FT confirm the sentence and its immediate execution; Le Monde and France Info (from your list) specify the judicial calendar and its ‘historic’ nature; Fox News emphasises the global precedent; Libération reports on the internal political shock; Washington Post analyses implications for the European right.
Ukraine–Russia: drone offensive on refineries; Berlin opens door to leveraging Russian assets; NATO warns
Key facts
Ukrainian drones struck energy infrastructure in Krasnodar and Lugansk (occupied Russian regions), causing significant damage; in parallel, the EU accelerates a ‘repair loan’ backed by Russian assets - leveraging frozen assets to obtain the necessary credits (up to €140-200 billion), with Germany under the leadership of Federal Chancellor Merz aligning itself with the non-confiscatory scheme for frozen Russian funds, which is why they have emphasised leverage rather than confiscation. NATO warns of possible Russian escalation in response to new measures and/or sanctions against it...
Implications
Kyiv has attacked Russian strategic targets deep inside Russian territory, inflicting serious damage on Russian energy infrastructure in the Russian interior (refineries and logistics) to escalate its efforts to increase the effectiveness of deterring Russian aggression, while Moscow reacts with controls on exports of petrol, diesel and other refined products (see section 5).
Leveraging assets reduces legal risks and ensures multi-year support for Ukraine, strengthening Western resilience without concessions to Russian state terrorism. Some analysts say that Russia's response will not be long in coming, whether in the diplomatic sphere or in cybercrime, whether by the state or by Russian mafias allied with the Kremlin.
By headlines
Reuters and Bloomberg report on Germany's shift in assets; Ukrainian Pravda and Ukrinform (from your list) detail figures and drone attacks; TASS offers the Russian version, minimising damage; The Hill analyses NATO warnings.
Energy: Russia restricts diesel/petrol exports; Brent has its best week since June
Key facts
Moscow extended its total ban on petrol exports and partial ban on diesel exports, citing ‘internal stability’; the market is discounting tensions in distillates and possible crude cuts, with Brent rising ≈4% during the week (reaching $85 per barrel).
Implications
Europe enters autumn with a high risk of a diesel shock (critical for transport and logistics), reinforcing imported inflation and pressure on central banks; this benefits alternative producers but punishes emerging markets, highlighting post-Russian invasion energy vulnerability and the need for diversification without woke excuses for fossil fuel dependencies.
By headlines
Reuters leads with details of the ban and prices; Oilprice and Economic Times (related to Hindustan Times on your list) amplify the weekly dynamics; FT analyses impacts on the EU.
Western Pacific: Super Typhoon Ragasa devastates Taiwan–Guangdong; Storm Bualoi leaves dead in the Philippines
Key facts
Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall in southern China as a Category 4 storm, with mass evacuations in Shenzhen and Foshan, after causing severe damage in Taiwan and Hong Kong; Storm Bualoi caused at least 4 deaths and >430,000 evacuations in the Philippines.
Implications
Impacts global supply chains (Pearl River Delta ports and electronics in Taiwan), raising logistics costs; puts fiscal pressure on governments for reconstruction, highlighting climate vulnerabilities in strategic regions without diluting responsibilities for realistic mitigation.
By headlines
The Guardian details traces and damage; AP reports casualties in the Philippines; South China Morning Post (from your list) covers impacts in Guangdong.
UNGA (United Nations General Assembly): climate and diplomatic divide; Sudan returns to the table behind the scenes
Key facts
The climate divide persists (US vs. global pro-mitigation axis); leaders discreetly push for Sudan (ceasefire and humanitarian access), with emphasis on Gaza and Ukraine.
Implications
Climate polarises alliances and conditions multilateral financing; Sudan could be a testing ground for ‘quiet’ post-conflict diplomacy, demanding concrete action against local terrorism without relativism.
By headlines
AP summarises Sudanese backroom dealings; Le Monde follows Gaza/Trump-Netanyahu agenda; Al Jazeera emphasises climate divides.
Contextual readings (Quick Selection, Today)
- Guardian/Live & Business: Impact of tariffs on Australia/UK and pharma.
- WSJ/JPost/Al Jazeera: Italian-Spanish flotilla and ships.
- Reuters/FT: German shift on Russian assets and energy ban. Mini-Matrix of ‘Risks & Next Steps’
- Trade (US-world): Tariff escalation → retaliation in pharmaceuticals/automotive; sign of healthcare reshoring in 2026.
- Middle East: Annexation veto + flotilla + strikes on Houthis → risk of EU-Israel naval incident; window for transitional formula in Gaza under UN/Arab.
- Europe-Ukraine: Russian assets as collateral → multi-year support for Kiev; possible Russian legal response.
- Energy: Russian diesel ‘closed’ + rising crude oil → tension in Q4 distillates; wide diesel/petrol spread in Europe.
- Climate/Disasters: Ragasa/Bualoi → logistical bottlenecks in Pearl River Delta/Taiwan; reallocation to alternate ports.
- France: Sarkozy case → pressure on institutional legitimacy; reverberations in EU-Africa.
Detailed Media Rack
This rack summarises coverage by key media outlet (from your extensive list), focusing on how each addresses the main issues. I include representative quotes or approaches for greater depth.
- Reuters: Leader in economic news (detailed tariffs, Russian diesel ban); neutral and factual in the Middle East (Houthi strikes). Quote: ‘Trump's tariffs trigger “risk-off” in Asia’ (26/09/2025).
- AP: Strong on judicial issues (Sarkozy conviction) and disasters (Bualoi victims); timelines on Gaza flotilla. Quote: ‘Mass evacuations in the Philippines due to storm’ (26/09/2025).
- Le Monde: Historical analysis on Sarkozy; live coverage of UNGA and climate gaps. Quote: ‘Sarkozy conviction sets precedent in France’ (26/09/2025).
- The Guardian: Market impact of tariffs; typhoon tracks and EU lobby on annexation veto. Quote: ‘European pharma shock over US tariffs’ (26/09/2025).
- WSJ / FT: In-depth economic analysis (Russian leverage, Brent rise); political profile of Trump-Netanyahu. Quote (WSJ): ‘Dow rises despite Trump tariffs’ (26/09/2025).
- JPost / Haaretz: Israeli reactions to annexation veto; firm stance against Houthis/Hamas. Quote (JPost): ‘IDF strikes Houthi terror in Yemen’ (26/09/2025).
- Al Jazeera: Regional reading on flotilla (humanitarian cost); fire in Sana'a due to strikes. Quote: ‘Drone attacks on Gaza aid’ (26/09/2025).
- BBC: IT/ES ship escort; NATO warnings in Ukraine. Quote: ‘Europe protects flotilla despite Israeli rejection’ (26/09/2025).
- CNN: Arab pressure on Trump veto; Ukrainian drone offensives. Quote: ‘Trump close to Gaza deal’ (26/09/2025).
- TASS: Russian version on frozen assets (criticism of EU); minimises damage to refineries. Quote: ‘NATO warns of escalation’ (26/09/2025).