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The price of gasoline is set to drop as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) appears poised to collapse, experts predict. OPEC has long kept crude oil prices higher than they would otherwise be. If this pans out, it will be a major victory for the Trump administration, which is resetting global energy markets.

The news of a probable end of the oil cartel also vindicates President Donald Trump, who has previously said OPEC is “ripping off the rest of the world.” For a long time, the president has led a pressure campaign against OPEC, which has vast crude oil reserves that could easily be pumped. But the organization restricts the number of barrels of oil that each country may pump each day. That keeps gasoline prices elevated across the U.S. and much of the rest of the world. 

Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at The PRICE Futures Group and a FOX Business contributor said, “Over time, the breakup of the cartel should cause gas prices to fall. With more player pricing, oil only being contained by market forces should lead to an ounce of supply and lower prices. Competition is good as it lowers prices and collusion by producers raises prices.”

WHAT A UAE EXIT FROM OPEC MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERS

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran on March 7, 2026. (Sasan/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty / Getty Images)

The poster child for the possible beginning of the end of OPEC came in late April when the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it would quit OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1. 

Flynn linked the U.S.-Israel war with Iran as a historic marker. “I think that is a real possibility and more OPEC countries want to control their own destiny. In fact, when we look back at one of the strategic victories from Operation Epic Fury, it is that it has changed the face of the OPEC cartel forever and shifted energy dominance from the cartel back into our hemisphere. The UAE was getting tired of playing second fiddle to Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the cartel. The UEA wants to assert its leadership and has a competitive goal to not only increase oil production in the long term, but it wants to assert itself as the leader of the region.”

OPEC logo is pictured ahead of an informal meeting between members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Algiers, Algeria Sept. 28, 2016.  (Ramzi Boudina/File Photo/Reuters / Reuters)

The simple act of the UAE quitting the cartel led immediately to OPEC losing out in a big way.

“[The UAE’s] departure removes both production weight and institutional credibility, and that’s got to be a concern to Saudi Arabia and others who remain,” says Elaine Dezenski, head of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies’ (FDD) center on economic and financial power. “I think we’re now seeing one of the final nails in the coffin for OPEC. We’re seeing alignment from the UAE towards the U.S., which is, I think, part of a broader economic statecraft.” 

Some analysts say there is also a high likelihood that the UAE’s decision to leave OPEC could trigger a domino effect. Other OPEC countries will have seen the news that the UAE will be able to increase their daily production from slightly more than three million barrels a day to five million next year. That gain in production could easily prompt countries such as Iraq to jump ship, as they would then be free to pump as much oil as they can and need rather than be constrained by OPEC quotas.

HOW VENEZUELA WENT FROM SOUTH AMERICA’S RICHEST TO POOREST ECONOMY DESPITE MASSIVE OIL RESERVES

Oil prices edged down in early Asian trade on Monday after OPEC+ agreed last week to gradually ease some of its production cuts between May and July. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images (Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Not everyone sees the cartel’s end.

“OPEC+ is not built around noise. It is built around capacity, credibility, and coordination,” Salman Al-Ansari, a Saudi geopolitical analyst, told FOX Business. “On these fronts, the UAE is not among the most decisive players in the group. Politically, this appears less like a major economic rupture and more like a symbolic move to signal leverage and independence. But symbolism does not always translate into influence.”

Al-Ansari doesn’t foresee a collapse of OPEC. “I believe OPEC+ can continue to function and thrive,” he said. “The institution has managed internal differences before, and its strength ultimately depends on disciplined coordination rather than political signaling.”

But there’s an additional aspect to OPEC’s potential downfall.

“Cartels have a long history of working efficiently for a while and then collapsing,” Pete Earle, director of economics and economic freedom at the American Institute for Economic Research, told FOX Business. The reason for that is that members of oil cartels have an incentive to produce more fuel than their OPEC production quota. And, the cheating can ultimately lead to a breakdown of the organization, he said.

There are some things that will be different if OPEC disappears. “I don’t know whether American energy producers, oil producers, will feel happy about a lower oil price,” said Bernard Haykel, a senior fellow at FDD.

That said, major American energy companies are highly innovative at adapting to economic changes. They have done so for many decades, so lower prices might not pose a significant challenge.

TOPSHOT – Commercial vessels are pictured offshore in Dubai on March 11, 2026. New attacks hit three commercial ships in the Gulf on March 11, with one of the vessels in flames as Iran pressed its campaign against its oil-exporting neighbours, threat (AFP via Getty Images)

Earle also said that while oil prices will come down without OPEC, they will be more volatile, making for a roller-coaster ride for anyone buying gasoline. However, there are ways for energy companies to use sophisticated financial derivatives to smooth some of the volatility.

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Earle said some countries rely heavily on oil revenues, and falling prices might lead to unintended consequences. “Lower, less stable prices that would possibly translate into domestic instability.” He continued, “Iraq and Nigeria would probably be impacted by instability.” 

Whatever happens to OPEC, there is some good news on the horizon.

“We’re likely to see lower prices in the future. I’m not talking now or in six months, but let’s say a year from now, once things get back to normal, you’ll see a much lower price because of this UAE decision,” Haykel said. 

Flynn, a FOX Business contributor, said, “OPEC is not only on life support, it is dead in the traditional sense. This is no longer your daddy’s OPEC and oil politics have changed forever because of what has happened since Operation Epic Fury. Still, as long as Saudi and Russia, their non-OPEC competitor, stay together, they are still a force that cannot be ignored.

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A1 Taxis St Albans, a well-established private hire and airport transfer company serving Hertfordshire and neighbouring areas, has announced the launch of a dedicated wedding hire service as part of its wider expansion into specialist transport solutions.

The development, first revealed by CEO Waqar Khan last month, reflects growing demand for professionally managed transport within the UK wedding industry — a sector increasingly influenced by organisation, guest experience, and reliability rather than simply ceremonial travel.

Best known for airport transfers, chauffeur services, and long-distance private hire journeys, the company’s latest move highlights how regional transport operators are adapting to changing consumer expectations within the events market.

Industry observers note that transport has become a far more important element of wedding planning in recent years, particularly as venues continue to move further from city centres and guest lists become more geographically spread across the UK and overseas.

For many couples, ensuring guests arrive comfortably and on time — especially at countryside venues, hotels, and multi-location celebrations — is now viewed as an essential part of the overall event experience.

According to Waqar Khan, the company experienced a notable increase in enquiries relating to wedding transport throughout the past year, including requests for guest transfers, executive travel for bridal parties, and coordinated multi-vehicle bookings.

Rather than positioning the service solely around luxury travel, Khan says the focus is on delivering dependable and well-organised transport that helps reduce logistical pressure for couples and their families during major occasions.

The new wedding hire division is expected to include chauffeur-driven executive vehicles, larger passenger transport options, airport transfers for international guests, and tailored travel coordination for ceremonies, receptions, and evening functions.

The expansion also reflects a broader trend across the UK private hire industry, where operators are increasingly diversifying beyond traditional taxi services in response to shifting consumer habits and changing travel patterns following the pandemic.

Many regional firms are now focusing on specialist transport sectors such as corporate travel, event logistics, long-distance journeys, and premium passenger services as competition within standard taxi markets continues to intensify.

Transport analysts suggest weddings represent an especially attractive market due to the operational complexity involved and the high expectations placed on service providers — areas where established transport companies already possess significant experience.

Unlike single-vehicle luxury hire providers, larger transport operators often have the infrastructure required to coordinate multiple vehicles, adapt to timing changes, monitor traffic conditions in real time, and manage late-night guest transport — all increasingly important within modern wedding planning.

The UK wedding sector itself has continued to recover strongly following the disruption caused by the pandemic, with couples placing greater emphasis on convenience, guest comfort, and fully coordinated event experiences.

In many cases, transport is no longer viewed as an optional extra but as a key operational part of the day itself.

For regional companies such as A1 Taxis St Albans, this shift presents an opportunity to utilise existing operational expertise while expanding into higher-value service categories.

Company management says the wedding hire service will initially focus on St Albans, Hertfordshire, London connections, and surrounding counties, with plans to cater for both intimate ceremonies and larger-scale wedding events.

The offering is also expected to support airport arrivals and transfers for overseas family members and guests — an area where the company’s existing airport transfer operations provide a natural advantage.

Industry experts believe the combination of professional transport logistics and hospitality-style customer service is becoming an increasingly important differentiator within the wider transport sector.

As weddings become more experience-led, transport providers are being expected to deliver not only punctuality, but also professionalism, presentation, communication, and flexibility throughout the event.

For established operators, this creates both new commercial opportunities and higher expectations around service quality.

While wedding transport has traditionally been associated with chauffeur companies and luxury vehicle specialists, the entry of larger operational transport providers could gradually reshape the sector by combining premium travel with broader logistical capabilities.

For A1 Taxis St Albans, the launch marks another step in the continuing evolution of regional mobility businesses adapting to an increasingly competitive and service-focused transport landscape.

And as consumer expectations continue to move towards reliability, coordination, and seamless travel experiences, wedding transport may emerge as one of the UK mobility sector’s fastest-growing specialist markets.

Operator

Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Alkane Resources Q3 Full Year 2026 Operating and Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast. [Operator Instructions] Please note that today’s conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Natalie Chapman, Corporate Communications Manager. Please go ahead.

Natalie Chapman
Corporate Communications Manager

Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining our call today. Some housekeeping items to note. The accompanying presentation for today’s call is available for download from the company’s website at alkres.com. Today’s press release, the financial statements and the MD&A are all posted on our website and SEDAR+. For those on the webcast, please move through the presentation slides yourself as directed by our presenters.

Moving on to Slide 2. I’ll remind everyone that this conference call contains forward-looking information that is based on the company’s current expectations, estimates and beliefs and may also use terms that are non-IFRS performance measures. Please review Alkane’s quarter 3 fiscal year 2026 disclosure materials for the risks associated with this forward-looking information and the use of non-IFRS performance measures.

Please note that all dollar amounts mentioned on today’s call are in Australian dollars, unless otherwise stated. Also, as management reviews the results, please remember that Alkane has a June 30 fiscal year-end. So the quarter ending March 31, 2026, is the third quarter of our 2026 fiscal year. And as we closed the merger with Mandalay Resources on August 5, 2025, our group financial and operating results for quarter 3 2026 shown today only include 8 months from

WASHINGTON — The FBI announced a $200,000 reward Thursday for information leading to the arrest of Monica Elfriede Witt, a former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist who defected to Iran more than a decade ago and is accused of betraying highly classified national defense information that compromised American operatives and operations.

The reward, issued by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, underscores the ongoing threat posed by one of the most damaging insider espionage cases in recent U.S. history. Witt, 47, remains at large and is believed to be living in Iran, where she allegedly continues assisting Tehran’s intelligence services against her former country and colleagues.

“Monica Witt allegedly betrayed her oath to the Constitution more than a decade ago by defecting to Iran and providing the Iranian regime national defense information,” said Daniel Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterintelligence and Cyber Division. “She likely continues to support their nefarious activities.”

Witt joined the Air Force in 1997 and served until 2008 as a technical sergeant and special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. She held top-secret clearance and specialized in counterintelligence, gaining deep knowledge of U.S. intelligence operations, undercover personnel identities and sensitive collection programs. After leaving active duty, she worked as a Defense Department contractor until 2010, maintaining access to classified materials.

Prosecutors allege Iranian intelligence began targeting her as early as 2012. FBI agents warned her she was a potential recruitment target, but she assured authorities she would not cooperate. In May 2012, Witt traveled to Iran for a conference sharply critical of U.S. policies. She returned the following year and fully defected in August 2013, boarding a flight from Dubai to Tehran. Iranian state media broadcast her conversion to Islam and anti-American statements.

A 2019 federal indictment in Washington, D.C., charges Witt with conspiracy to deliver national defense information to a foreign government. She allegedly provided Iran with details on a highly classified U.S. intelligence collection program and helped identify former U.S. colleagues for targeting. She is also accused of assisting Iranian hackers in cyberattacks against American intelligence personnel.

Four Iranian nationals were charged in the same case for their roles in the cyber campaign. If convicted, Witt faces potential life imprisonment.

The decision to publicize the $200,000 bounty more than seven years after the indictment reflects continued concern that Witt remains actively supporting Iranian operations. She is fluent in Farsi and has used aliases while in Iran. The FBI’s wanted poster describes her as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 145 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She has visible tattoos, including one on her left wrist.

Security experts view Witt’s case as a stark example of insider threats and the long-term damage that can result from a single defection. Her knowledge of U.S. counterintelligence tradecraft reportedly helped Iran identify and harass former American operatives. Some analysts have described her as one of Tehran’s most valuable assets in its shadow war with Washington.

The reward announcement arrives as U.S.-Iran relations remain highly strained. Recent regional conflicts, including tensions involving Israel and Iranian-backed groups, add urgency to countering Tehran’s intelligence capabilities. Witt’s actions allegedly endangered lives and compromised programs designed to protect U.S. interests in the Middle East.

The FBI urges anyone with information on Witt’s whereabouts or activities to contact the bureau immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously via tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. The reward applies to information leading to her arrest and conviction.

Witt remains on the FBI’s Most Wanted list in the counterintelligence category. Previous efforts to locate her yielded no public breakthroughs, prompting the escalated financial incentive.

Born in 1979, Witt had a distinguished early career, earning an Air Medal for her service during the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a crypto-linguist aboard RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft. She later transitioned to counterintelligence roles. Reports suggest personal factors, including feelings of disillusionment, may have contributed to her radicalization. Iranian operatives reportedly exploited these vulnerabilities.

Her public appearances on Iranian television denouncing the United States shocked former colleagues who remembered her as a dedicated service member.

More than a decade later, fundamental questions persist: How much damage did Witt’s betrayal cause? What specific programs or individuals were compromised? And does she continue providing actionable intelligence to Iran today?

U.S. intelligence officials believe the answer to the last question is yes, which explains the timing and size of the reward. In an era of great-power competition and persistent Iranian hybrid threats, even historical defectors can pose current dangers.

The case also serves as a cautionary tale for the intelligence community about insider threats, mental health support for veterans and the long tail of recruitment operations by adversarial nations.

As the FBI ramps up its public appeal, the hunt for Monica Witt enters a new, more visible phase. For now, she remains beyond American reach in Iran, a living symbol of one of the most audacious defections in modern U.S. history — and a reminder that some secrets, once given away, can never be fully recovered.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to come forward. The $200,000 reward could provide the breakthrough needed to bring a long-sought fugitive to justice and close a painful chapter in American counterintelligence.

Jacksonville, Florida, is a city built for movement; busy highways, long commutes, and constant traffic flow shape daily life. But that pace comes with risk.

In recent years, Duval County has recorded over 23,000–33,000 crashes annually, with thousands of injuries and dozens of fatalities tied to these incidents. Even statewide, Florida sees hundreds of crashes every day, making accidents less of a rare event and more of an ongoing reality for residents. In a place where a single moment on the road can change everything, understanding your legal options isn’t just helpful; it’s necessary.

That’s where speaking with a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer becomes a practical next step. A consultation isn’t just a formal meeting; it’s your first real assessment of what your case might be worth, how liability is determined, and what the legal process actually involves. You can expect questions about the incident, a review of available evidence, and a clear explanation of potential outcomes without pressure to commit. Knowing what to expect from that meeting helps you walk in prepared, ask the right questions, and avoid costly missteps early on.

Why the First Meeting Matters

Early case reviews help injured people sort medical facts from insurance pressure. During that discussion, a personal injury lawyer will often study injury onset, treatment timing, witness accounts, and contact with adjusters before offering a first impression. That process helps families see whether the claim rests on solid proof, where gaps may exist, and which tasks deserve immediate attention before deadlines tighten.

The Lawyer Starts With the Story

Most consultations begin with the event itself. Attorneys usually ask where it happened, who saw it, what caused harm, and how the body reacted afterward. Details like impact direction, surface conditions, warning signs, or job duties can matter more than people expect. A small fact may explain a fracture, support a pain complaint, or show why symptoms worsened during the first several days after the incident.

Records Shape the Early Assessment

Documents give the first legal opinion real weight. Useful items include crash reports, incident forms, imaging results, visit summaries, billing statements, wage records, repair estimates, and insurer letters. Photographs often help, especially when swelling, bruising, damaged property, or hazardous conditions are visible soon after the event. Organized records save time and let the attorney compare dates, symptoms, and outside statements without relying on memory alone.

Expect Questions About Fault

Responsibility is usually tested early. The attorney may ask whether the injured person gave a recorded statement, signed forms, received a citation, or posted details online. Another line of questioning may cover admissions by the other party, shifting accounts, or efforts to leave the scene. Honest answers matter. Facts that feel minor during a first meeting can later affect credibility, bargaining power, and the value placed on physical harm.

Injuries Must Connect to the Event

Medical timing often shapes the strength of the claim. Lawyers usually ask when the pain began, which body areas were affected, what treatment followed, and whether prior conditions involved the same tissue. Gaps in care can raise avoidable doubt, so attorneys want a clear reason for any delay. Records should show a consistent path from the event to symptoms, evaluation, treatment, and ongoing limitations in daily function.

Money Is Discussed With Caution

Many people hope for a dollar estimate right away. Careful attorneys rarely give a firm number during the first meeting because value depends on recovery progress, lost earnings, future care, and available coverage. Early discussion often starts with measurable losses, such as bills or missed workdays. Pain, sleep disruption, reduced mobility, and household strain may matter too, yet those effects are easier to judge after treatment develops.

Fees and Costs Should Be Clear

Payment terms should be plain from the start. Many injury firms use contingency fees, meaning payment depends on recovery instead of advance billing. Clients should still ask about litigation costs, record charges, expert review, filing fees, and who covers those items if no recovery occurs. Clear financial terms protect the working relationship. People should leave knowing what services are included, when payment happens, and how expenses are tracked.

The Lawyer Should Outline Next Steps

A strong consultation ends with a clear sequence. That outline may include gathering records, preserving photographs, contacting witnesses, reviewing insurance coverage, or waiting for the medical status to stabilize. Some claims move into negotiation quickly. Others need a deeper factual review before any demand is sent. Useful guidance should be specific rather than polished. Families should hear what needs attention this week, what can wait, and which risks may affect timing.

Good Questions Reveal Fit

The meeting also helps people judge the lawyer. Useful questions include who will provide updates, how often contact will occur, whether a lawsuit seems likely, and what facts could weaken the claim. Clients may also ask what documents are still missing and what actions should be avoided. Strong answers sound direct, calm, and evidence-based. Vague promises or forced certainty can signal poor judgment at an early stage.

Conclusion

A personal injury consultation should leave injured people with clearer medical, legal, and practical expectations. The best meetings identify evidence, flag weak areas, explain timing, and map out sensible next steps without false certainty. They also show how a lawyer thinks about records, symptoms, and insurance behavior under pressure. With organized paperwork and thoughtful questions, families can use that first visit to judge both claim strength and professional fit.