$XAG Small countries have begun to restrict mining exports, and the US-Iran negotiations are not so easy to resolve.

1. Zimbabwe has suspended the export of lithium concentrate and ore.

Zimbabwe has suspended the export of lithium concentrate and ore, aiming to encourage mining companies to establish processing operations in the country. The Zimbabwean Minister of Mines stated on Wednesday that the export ban takes effect immediately until further notice. African governments have been trying to force mining companies to refine minerals locally to obtain greater economic benefits from their national resources. According to official data, Zimbabwe has one of the largest lithium reserves in Africa and is also one of the world's major producers, with estimated resources of 126 million tons. The Zimbabwean Minister of Mines stated that the ban would only be lifted if miners comply with government requirements. Last year, the country announced it would ban lithium concentrate exports by 2027 as part of efforts to encourage foreign mining companies to develop refining operations locally.

2.

【The US-Iran enters 'enforceable phase' White House briefing releases timing signal】On February 25, local time, on February 24, US Secretary of State Rubio and CIA Director Ratcliffe held a closed-door briefing at the White House regarding the situation in Iran, for core members of the bipartisan intelligence committee and bipartisan leadership. The timing of this briefing is particularly sensitive: it occurred before Trump delivered the State of the Union address that day and within 48 hours before the new round of US-Iran Geneva negotiations began. According to Washington's security decision-making customs, briefings of this level are usually used to inform the highest levels of Congress about critical intelligence and risk assessments involving potential military actions. Therefore, public opinion generally believes that the US has moved from the 'strategic deterrence phase' to the 'enforceable options phase' regarding the Iran issue, which also means that military options are no longer just theoretical but are beginning to enter a decision-making range that can be initiated at any time. The new round of Geneva negotiations has been confirmed to take place on the 26th. Analysts believe that if the negotiations do not yield expected results, then from this weekend to early next week will be one of the most important observation windows for the US to take action.