SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci criticized President Donald Trump for lifting sanctions on Russian diesel imports, arguing that Moscow is exploiting US policy shifts. The investor highlighted that Trump signed a tough Russia sanctions law a month ago but reversed course after a single call with Vladimir Putin.

Scaramucci pointed to the announcement that Russia will send 300,000 tons of diesel to the U.S. initially. He described this move as a humiliation of Trump, stating, "Putin humiliates Trump every chance he gets. Why does Trump allow it?" The criticism extends to Trump’s urging of Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and his comments suggesting Ukraine needs new leadership.

Energy ceasefire collapse

The investor dismissed Trump’s proposed "energy ceasefire" between Moscow and Kyiv as ineffective. Scaramucci noted that Russian drones struck Kharkiv within hours of the purported agreement being announced. This rapid violation underscores the fragility of diplomatic efforts amid ongoing military escalation.

Starshield dispute

On Wednesday, Scaramucci defended Elon Musk, CEO of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: SPCX), regarding disruptions in the Starshield constellation used for military applications. Ukrainian officials and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had urged Musk to ensure smooth operations of the service.

Musk countered that the Starshield constellation is managed solely by the Trump administration. Scaramucci supported this stance, asserting that questions about reported disruptions should be directed at the White House rather than Musk.

Shadow fleet relief considerations

Amid energy shocks, the Trump administration is reportedly weighing easing restrictions on previously sanctioned "shadow fleet" vessels. This potential relief would allow tankers to transport oil from unsanctioned origins, aiming to ease high freight prices and facilitate oil movement amid disruptions in the Middle East.

US military planners have developed options to deploy the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) against Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. This preparation occurs as President Trump publicly rules out military action before the November 3 midterm elections.

The strike scenarios, reported by CNN, contemplate using the "mother of all bombs" to target sites including Pickaxe Mountain. Officials remain uncertain whether the GPS-guided weapon can penetrate granite and underground defenses. The bomb can devastate an area comparable to roughly nine city blocks.

Timeline and political constraints

Trump stated there will be no military attacks on Iran prior to the midterm elections scheduled for November 3. This assertion contradicts earlier reports suggesting a potential resumption of bombing operations by the end of November. While Trump explicitly rules out action before the election, advisers privately question whether this position will hold.

One official noted that strikes could be launched before US forces leave the Central Command area of responsibility. The operation could be followed by a declared victory and a rapid military withdrawal.

Iran strengthens defenses

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated its forces have developed more advanced weapons and are prepared to respond to renewed aggression. Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi suggested the Trump administration might seek military action before the midterm elections to present voters with an achievement.

Satellite imagery shows Iran reinforcing nuclear facilities and border defenses with construction work intended to make sensitive sites more resistant to attacks. Meanwhile, a cargo ship carrying 2,500 containers sank after striking a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first reported sinking from a mine strike during the ongoing war.

What the numbers show

The new data introduces a specific hard deadline of November 3 for the cessation of hostilities, directly conflicting with the previous timeline of "end of November." While the earlier report suggested an imminent escalation within the month, the current statement establishes a clear political boundary tied to the domestic election schedule. However, the existence of detailed MOAB strike plans indicates that military readiness is proceeding in parallel with political statements.