U.S.-Colombia Security Reset: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella in Barranquilla, signaling a “rebirth” of ties and pushing a security-and-investment agenda, including a “21st-Century Patriot Plan” for drones, radars, air defense, cyber and special forces, plus supply-chain cooperation tied to mining and processing. Critical Minerals & Civil Nuclear: The same visit produced memorandums on nuclear cooperation and critical minerals, with plans to finance mining and processing projects and streamline permitting. Energy Push: Colombia is aiming to bring crude output back to 1 million barrels per day (from just above 730,000 bpd), betting on renewed exploration and production to strengthen energy sovereignty. Oil Market Shock: Escalating Iran–U.S. tanker attacks near Hormuz pushed Brent back above $100, raising costs and adding volatility for regional logistics and energy-linked industries. Food Inflation Pressure: Colombia’s El Niño drought and wildfires are driving up food prices, with some staples reportedly climbing as much as 60% as supply volumes and quality drop. Agribusiness Trade: U.S. pork exports to Colombia rebounded sharply after earlier disruptions, with May–July volumes and values posting strong gains. Mining & Safety Tech: Arrow Exploration reported record corporate production above 6,000 boe/d in Colombia’s Llanos Basin, highlighting operational updates at the Icaco field.