Iran
Naphtha shortages leading to petrochemical plants force majeures and record prices
Petrochemical producers across Asia have begun shutting down operations after disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz reduced supplies of the critical naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) feedstocks.
Iran's military warns forces 'on the trigger' as Islamabad talks set to begin
Iran's central military command says forces remain "on the trigger" and vows to keep control of the Strait of Hormuz, hours before US-Iran ceasefire talks are due to begin at Islamabad's Serena Hotel.
Iran's former foreign minister Kamal Kharrazi dies following Israeli strike on home
Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's former foreign minister and head of its Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, has died from injuries sustained when his home was hit in a US-Israeli strike. His wife was killed in the same attack.
US-Iran ceasefire eases oil prices but Gulf economies showing strain – Oxford Economics
A fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran has led to a sharp fall in oil prices, but fresh data points to mounting economic damage across Gulf economies and rising uncertainty in Egypt.
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Marine data shows vessels beginning to move through the Strait of Hormuz on April 9, a day after the ceasefire, but Iran is pushing ahead with toll plans regardless.
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Did America just hand the Gulf to Russia?
The Iran war has turned Russia from a sanctioned energy pariah into an indispensable supplier for half the planet. With Urals crude at 13-year highs and sanctioned LNG going at 40% discounts, Moscow may be the war's real winner.
Iranian hackers leak personal photos of former Israeli military chief
The Handala Hack Team has leaked photographs and videos from former IDF Chief of Staff General Herzi Halevi's electronic devices, uploading the material to Telegram and other social media platforms.
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Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian oil hit a 13-year high before the ceasefire as Moscow pivots to "strategic energy partner" for the Global South. Kremlin says it is fielding "an enormous number" of requests for energy supplies as trade flows shift.
Trump warns US forces will remain in place around Iran until 'real agreement' is complied with
Trump warns all US military forces will remain deployed around Iran until the ceasefire agreement is fully met, threatening that otherwise "the shootin' starts." He says Iran must not pursue nuclear weapons and Hormuz must stay open.
Hungary shared intelligence with Iran after 2024 Hezbollah pager incident
Shortly after Israel detonated thousands of pagers used by members of the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah in a deadly operation in September 2024, the Orban government offered its assistance to Iran.
US-Europe relations strains bring Nato alliance close to breaking point
The West is discussing a new defence alliance format to replace Nato that would include Ukraine. Nato's current form is ineffective, so it is worth creating a new defence structure.
COMMENT: Should the ceasefire fail, we could expect a ‘digital Hormuz’ scenario
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait have collectively attracted hundreds of billions of dollars in technology investment, transforming themselves from hydrocarbon exporters to AI powerhouses. It could all unravel if peace is fleeting.
UAE demands Iran be held 'fully liable' for damages missiles and drones attacks
The UAE says Iran fired 2,819 missiles and drones at the country over 40 days and demands Tehran be held fully liable for damages. Abu Dhabi seeks clarification on the ceasefire and calls for unconditional reopening of Hormuz.
Iran accuses US of violating three clauses of 10-point framework before Islamabad talks begin
Iran accuses the US of violating three clauses of its 10-point framework before Islamabad talks begin, citing continued Israeli operations in Lebanon, an airspace breach and denial of its right to uranium enrichment.
Ukraine’s hope for a peace deal with Russia rekindled by Iran ceasefire
Ukraine’s hopes for restarting peace talks with Russia have been rekindled after a two-week ceasefire deal in Iran was agreed on April 7.
Oman rules out transit fees in Strait of Hormuz despite ceasefire proposal
Oman has said it will not impose the $2mn transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz that were part of the two-week ceasefire deal agreed on April 7, reaffirming its adherence to longstanding international agreements.
TEHRAN BLOG: Ceasefire brings quiet relief to Iran, but few believe it will hold
Iranians remain split in the early hours of the two-week ceasefire between their government and US and Israel on the otherside, but as things stand any return to normality is better than nothing.
UAE, Kuwait intercept Iranian drones targeting oil and energy infrastructure
Kuwait says its air defences dealt with 28 Iranian drones since 8am, with strikes causing significant damage to oil infrastructure, power stations and water desalination plants in the south of the country.
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Saudi Arabia welcomes US-Iran ceasefire
Saudi Arabia welcomes the US-Iran ceasefire and praises Pakistan's mediation by PM Sharif and Field Marshal Munir.
UK's Starmer welcomes US-Israel-Iran ceasefire
Starmer welcomes the US-Iran ceasefire and heads to the Gulf for talks on permanently reopening the Strait of Hormuz.