Defining Energy Dominance as a Pillar of US National Energy Strategy
The National Interest, July 17, 2025
By Dr. Sara Vakhshouri,
President Donald Trump’s call for American “energy dominance” marked a shift in how the United States views its energy future—not only as a matter of economic security but increasingly as a strategic asset central to national security and U.S. global influence. The creation of the National Energy Dominance Council, the declaration of a national energy emergency, and a series of executive orders aimed at boosting production, exports, and affordability signaled an ambition to elevate energy from a domestic policy issue to a pillar of U.S. power. The phrase “energy dominance” captured a broader vision: to position American energy as a source of stability, competitiveness, and international leadership. Yet despite its significance, the concept has not been clearly defined or integrated into a national framework.
Vakhshouri: OPEC a Stabilizing Factor in Oil Market
Bloomberg TV, 4 July, 2025
Oil was trading slightly lower ahead of an OPEC+ meeting on July 6 that is set to deliver another oversized production hike. The alliance is discussing a further increase of more than 400,000 barrels a day from August which risks causing a supply glut later in the year. Dr. Sara Vakhshouri President & Founder at SVB Energy International spoke to Bloomberg's Lizzy Burden on Horizons Middle East and Africa about the upcoming meeting. (Source: Bloomberg)
Vakhshouri: Energy Security is the Key
CNBC International, June 17, 2025
Iran-Israel conflict is impacting the oil market. I noted that the U.S. has aimed to contain escalation—while ensuring a secure, stable, and affordable flow of energy. President Trump has just announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
Energy outlook after Israeli strikes
Bloomberg TV, 13 June, 2025
Vakhshouri: Oil Markets Expected OPEC+ Response
Bloomberg TV, May 6, 2025
Oil prices tumbled as the trading week began after OPEC+ agreed to increase output further in June. Sara Vakhshouri, President & Founder of SVB Energy International, spoke to Horizons Middle East and Africa anchor Joumanna Bercetche on the move from the oil producers (Source: Bloomberg)
Vakhshouri: OPEC+ Is More a Risk Management Alliance
Bloomberg TV, April 16, 2025
Oil is trading higher for a second day after the US said it would reduce Iran's energy exports to zero. Meanwhile, OPEC+ is making a fresh push for members to compensate for exceeding their oil production quotas. Sara Vakhshouri, President & Founder of SVB Energy International joined Bloomberg's Horizons Middle East and Africa anchor Joumanna Bercetche to discuss the outlook of the oil market. (Source: Bloomberg)
Trump recognizes that domestic mining is a national security issue
The Hill, April 12, 2025
By Dr. Sara Vakhshouri
President Trump’s executive order to increase domestic critical mineral production has been interpreted as a pro-industry move or a nod to traditional energy sectors. It is both — but more importantly, it is a long overdue national security play.
In the modern geopolitical chess game, America’s mineral vulnerability is not just an economic liability but a strategic one.
From Facts to Feelings: The Role of Data, Narrative & Sentiment in Oil Markets
MEES, April 4, 2024
By Dr Sara Vakhshouri
In an April 2024 piece for the Atlantic Council, I noted how dominant narratives were distorting global energy security. Nearly a year later, it was encouraging to hear IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol echo similar concerns. Speaking at the 24 March launch of the IEA’s 2025 Global Energy Review, Mr Birol encouraged the market to “stick to data” and warned to avoid “narratives driven by different motivations.” It’s a constructive appeal for analytical rigor but it also invites a broader, more nuanced conversation. In many cases, data is the narrative, and the distinction between the two is not always as clear-cut as it may seem.
Trump tariffs on Venezuela crude buyers are a potent new tool of US pressure
Reuters, March 25, 2025
Sara Vakhshouri, founder and president of energy research firm SVB Energy International, said using the threat of additional tariffs on buyers of Iranian oil would again put China in the crosshairs, which may or may not be in U.S. interests.
"In theory, this could be an effective sanctions tool. Under Trump 1.0, Iran’s oil exports dropped to 250,000–300,000 bpd largely because Iran became a factor in Trump’s broader tariff talks with China," she said.
"In a second term, the situation may differ. Most of Iran’s oil now goes to China, and adding tariffs on China, beyond what has already announced, could fuel inflation in the U.S. However, if Iran again becomes part of tariff negotiations between the U.S. and China, secondary tariffs could effectively pressure Tehran and help the Trump administration to effectively implement sanctions on Iran," she said.
Vakhshouri: Saudi Will Always Play an Important Role in Oil
Bloomberg TV- January 14, 2025
Oil held near a five-month high on threats to global supplies posed by harsher US sanctions against Russian flows and potential trade tariffs from the incoming Trump administration. Sara Vakhshouri, SVB Energy International President & Founder told Bloomberg's Horizons Middle East and Africa anchor Joumanna Bercetche that even though the US is importing less oil from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia will still remain a key player in the oil and energy market. (Source: Bloomberg)