Iran
Iran pips Saudi Arabia and Russia as having world's cheapest gasoline
READ MORE: Iran's petrol now world's cheapest at just $0.018/litre, undercutting Saudi Arabia's $0.62 rate amid growing pressure for subsidy reforms.
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HALLIGAN: Power struggle in OPEC+ is pulling oil prices down
The oil market has entered choppy waters once again. Crude prices fell by a dramatic 18% in April y/y – the sharpest monthly drop since November 2021 – partly due to a global slowdown, but more due to a power struggle within OPEC+.
UPDATE: Iran blasts Trump's attempt at renaming Persian Gulf
US President Donald Trump outraged Iranians of all stripes with his push to rename the Persian Gulf.
Fourth round of Iran-US talks to be held in Oman
A knowledgeable official has announced that the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States will take place on May 11, in Muscat.
Iran bans skateboards and scooters in public spaces
Iran has officially banned the use of skates, skateboards and scooters in public spaces, a move that authorities argue is necessary to ensure road safety and prevent accidents.
Iran unveils new ballistic missile, vows to respond to Israeli aggression
Iran's upgraded missile can now target 1,200km without the need for GPS, the country claims.
After Samarkand summit, Europe’s quest for Central Asian resources meets reality
Playing long game for rare earths.
Trump threatens sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil, sending markets soaring
US President Donald Trump on May 1 ratcheted up pressure on Iran, threatening sanctions on any country or individual purchasing Iranian oil or petrochemical products.
Iranian exporters eye expanded routes via Canadian association
Canadian standards emerge as "game-changer" for Iranian exports, reports trade official. 730+ Iranian companies now selling to Africa under Canadian brands. $7M monthly trade could surge tenfold if sanctions lift. Full story at Iran Expo 2025.
Iraq facing worst drought in history as water resources dwindle and climate crisis intensifies
Iraq is facing what officials are calling the "worst drought in its history," as water resources continue to dwindle and agricultural land deteriorates across the country, threatening both human security and economic stability.
Caspian Sea may become next Aral, but who is to blame?
Some forecasting even indicates the decline of the body of water could pose a threat to the shipping section of the rapidly expanding Middle Corridor transit route.
BRICS seeks new global alignment at Rio ministerial summit
The expanded BRICS alliance has emerged as a potent diplomatic force at its foreign ministers’ summit in Rio de Janeiro on April 28 ahead of the July meeting.
Explosion at Iranian explosives plant claims one life as probe begins
An explosion at an explosive manufacturing company in Iran’s central province of Isfahan on April 29 resulted in one death and dozens of injuries.
Iran and Azerbaijan sign key MOUs during presidential visit
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Baku on April 28, during which Iran and Azerbaijan signed seven memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering sectors such as political consultation, transportation, cultural exchange, health, media, and investment.
COMMENT: Embracing “Greater Central Asia” has become a strategic imperative for US
Wider region increasingly seen as arena in which major powers’ interests, such as in sourcing critical minerals, collide and converge.
Death toll in Iran port explosion rises to 28 people, 1,000 more injured
At least 28 people killed in Iran port explosion with 1,000 more sustaining injuries.
Iran and US hold third round of indirect talks in Muscat
The third round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States began in Muscat, continuing with Omani facilitation and delegations working from separate rooms
Update: Explosion at Iran's largest port kills eight and injures over 750
A powerful explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, on April 26 has resulted in at least four fatalities and left over 500 people injured.
Iranian Supreme Leader references Imam Hassan's peace treaty in speech
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated cryptically the path of the Shiite Imams is "the path of steadfastness and resistance" and their teaching is "the lesson of logic and reasoning," likely about US talks.
Israel concerned that US could enable Iran nuclear capabilities with "bad deal"
Israel has expressed serious concerns that the United States is nearing a "bad deal" with Iran that may not fulfil Jerusalem's core requirements for preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.