As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies. Iran
Turkey launches first overseas drilling mission in Somalia: What to know A drilling ship has reached Somalia to start Turkey's first overseas drilling mission as regional rivalry heats up in the Horn of Africa. Turkey
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? The truce could pave the way for lost oil and LNG supplies to flow back to global markets, but restoring Gulf energy production to normal levels could take months, if not longer. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
EIA hikes 2026 oil price forecasts 22% as Hormuz fuels long-term market fallout In its latest update, the agency said international benchmark Brent crude is now expected to average $96 per barrel in 2026, up from $79 previously, with higher prices now expected to last through 2027. Iran
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey, Italy conduct joint submarine drill in the Mediterranean Other Mediterranean states have criticized Turkish actions in the sea recently. Turkey
Libya says armed group forces production halt at major oil field Libya's state-run oil company says the Sharara oil field had just resumed operations before it was stormed by gunmen. Libya
Qatar to begin phased reopening Coronavirus cases continue to rise in the Gulf country even as restrictions are eased. Originals
Aid flight arrives from Iran to Venezuela despite continued US pressure Economic and political relations between Iran and Venezuela continue to develop despite Washington's best efforts. Iran
Iraq still committed to energy ties with Saudi Arabia, Gulf states despite Iran electricity deal Iraq has signed an agreement with Iran to continue importing gas and electricity for two years. Saudi Arabia
EU criticizes Turkish energy exploration in Mediterranean Turkey disputes the European Union's position that the waters where Turkey hopes to drill for hydrocarbon belong to Greece and Cyprus. Turkey
Qatar makes massive LNG ship order The purchase by Qatar Petroleum from three South Korean companies comes as oil prices continue to rise from the lows earlier in the year. Qatar
Fourth Iranian tanker reaches Venezuela as US ups pressure A State Department official said it is warning companies about doing oil-related business with Venezuela as the ships continue to arrive. United States
Libya says oil blockade has cost $5 billion in lost revenue The Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation said the closure of oil facilities in January has led to billions in losses. Libya
Egypt announces international anti-Turkey alliance Egypt announced an international alliance that includes Greece, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates and France to confront Turkish provocative moves in Libya and the Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates
Is Turkey on moderation path in its foreign policy? Conciliatory messages coming out of Ankara recently may appear as an effort to moderate Turkish foreign policy vis-a-vis the United States, Europe and Israel, but they are likely to be just maneuvering to weather the many stalemates in Turkey's foreign ties. Egypt
Global oil prices at highest since March following OPEC cuts Oil prices have fallen significantly this year as a result of the coronavirus and the Saudi-Russia price war, but Brent crude has now risen past $36. Saudi Arabia
