Oil and gas

A general view shows the Awad oil field in the eastern Qamishli countryside in northeastern Syria, on Feb. 9, 2026.

Explainer

Oil’s slide wavers as Trump warns US-Iran deal ‘not final’

Brent crude prices briefly jumped back above $80 per barrel on Wednesday as traders digested conflicting signals about efforts to end the war and reopen Hormuz.

Amirhossein KHORGOOEI / ISNA / AFP via Getty Images

3 Iranian tankers with 4.8M barrels of oil pass US blockade: What to know

At least three US-sanctioned Iranian-flagged tankers have exited the Gulf of Oman as the Trump administration eyes Tehran's moves ahead of sanctions waivers expected to begin Friday.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

A general view shows the Awad oil field in the eastern Qamishli countryside in northeastern Syria, on February 9, 2026. (Photo by Amjad Kurdo / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)

Exclusive

US firm HKN Energy takes over 7 oil fields from Syria's Kurds

HKN Energy has begun operating seven oil fields under a 25-year agreement with Damascus, marking the first major production-sharing deal between Syria's new government and an international oil company.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Explainer

US strategic oil stockpile nears four-decade low as Iran war drags on

The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 349.2 million barrels amid the global energy shock caused by the war in Iran.

Latest News

Syria says Iraqi oil shipments surge as Damascus courts foreign energy investment

A long convoys of Iraqi diesel-laden tanker trucks line up along the highway Tartus-Baniyas highway as they wait to unload their cargo at the Baniyas port refinery on the Mediterranean Sea, on April 15, 2026.

Explainer

Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez meets Erdogan in surprise Turkey visit: What to know

https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/06/will-pashinyans-victory-armenia-be-enough-unlock-peace-turkey-azerbaijan

Algeria begins work on Trans-Saharan gas pipeline to Europe

BOUREIMA HAMA/AFP via Getty Images

Oman denies disruption at key oil hub after reported drone attack

AFP via Getty Images

The Barakah nuclear plant, seen here in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi.

UAE expands nuclear power plant, doubles electricity production

The UAE is still reliant on oil and gas, though nuclear energy is rising in the country and across the region.

United Arab Emirates

Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek el-Mulla attends the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 16, 2020.

Egypt seeks to boost gas exports to Europe as Russia-Ukraine war drags on

Egypt hopes to boost its natural gas exports at a time when European countries are gradually giving up reliance on Russian hydrocarbons, including gas, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez (2nd-L) and Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov (2nd-R) attend the Turkey-Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan) Natural Gas Pipeline Project signing ceremony at the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Ministry headquarters, Ankara, Turkey, Dec. 15, 2020.

No magic tap for Europe to replace Russian gas via Turkey

Europe has been looking to Azerbaijan, Israel and other countries to transit gas via Turkey, but assuming political obstacles can be overcome, the massive investments needed will take time to realize.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) and Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa.

Saudi GDP grew 3.2% in 2021, highest in seven years

Saudi economic progress includes growth in the non-oil sector, as foreign direct investment moves more slowly.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (R) shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian

Iran says Russia won't block nuclear deal

Iran's top diplomat was in Moscow in what appeared to be a push to bring Russia back onboard the nuclear talks after they were stalled presumably by Russia's "unrelated" demands.

A flame from a Saudi Aramco oil installation known as "Pump 3" is seen in the desert near the oil-rich area of Khouris, 160 kilometers (99 miles) east of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 23, 2008.

Saudi cooperation with China continues with finalization of long-planned refinery deal

Saudi oil giant Aramco has made a few agreements with Chinese companies in recent years.

US President Joe Biden announces a ban on US imports of Russian oil and gas, March 8, 2022.

Breaking | Last Updated: March 9, 2022, 6:16 pm

Oil price dips as UAE endorses increased production

Global oil prices have skyrocketed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

United Arab Emirates

US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines testifies.

Analysis

The Takeaway: Russia, Iran major cyberthreats targeting US, says intel community

Turkey as alternative European gas route; Russian Syrian mercenaries in Ukraine; Palestinians claim double-standard in Western response to Ukraine; Egypt balances US, Russia in dealing with Ukraine war.

Andrew Parasiliti

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Joe Snell

By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell

US President Joe Biden announces a ban on US imports of Russian oil and gas, March 8, 2022, from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

Biden bans Russian oil imports as Iran talks hit snag

The embargo on Russian energy supplies comes as negotiators in Vienna appear close to striking a deal that would ease sanctions on Iran’s oil sector.

The prices for gas and diesel fuel.

Saudi, Emirati oil prices reach record highs

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to historically high oil prices.

AL-MONITOR Staff

By AL-MONITOR Staff

Leviathan natural gas platform in the Mediterranean Sea

Analysis

Israel, Egypt tighten energy ties

The natural gas pipeline agreement signed in Cairo mid-February has geostrategic importance that extends far beyond financial benefits to Israel.

Danny Zaken

In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel

A picture taken on June 21, 2017, shows the Omantel Tower in the Omani capital, Muscat.

Fitch upgrades Omantel’s credit rating, citing high oil prices, reforms

The leading Omani telecommunications company has grown its customer base and agreed to sell its towers to a British firm, but a new cell service provider in the Gulf state could provide some competition.