Iran
Oil prices rose amid fears of supply disruptions following Iran's statements about taking an offensive position and the United States' refusal to continue the agreement. Brent reached $90.94, while WTI reached $85.03 per barrel.
Iran may strike in the Strait of Hormuz if talks with the United States fail. Negotiations on a peace agreement have reached an impasse, and the August 18 deadline has expired.
Trump's envoy Jared Kushner said that negotiations between the US and Iran are more active than ever, but the sides have not yet reached an agreement.
U. S. President Donald Trump said that Iran must capitulate and confirmed the existence of a direct communication channel with the IRGC. He emphasized that he is in no hurry to end the conflict.
U. S. President Donald Trump said he would bomb Oman if it gets in the way of American efforts in the Strait of Hormuz. This came after the end of a 60-day period of peace talks with Iran without any concrete agreements.
Geely Automobile's second-quarter profit rose 36% to 4. 9 billion yuan, in line with expectations. The company announced the resignation of Li Shufu as chairman, appointing him honorary chairman for life.
South Korea is reviewing Trump's comments about scaling back joint exercises, hoping for substantive negotiations. Pyongyang has not yet responded, while experts warn of possible high costs.
The price of Brent crude rose by 0. 5% amid new Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the possible tightening of US sanctions against Iran. Traders are assessing the risks ahead of the end of the ceasefire between the US and Iran.
US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said that the aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" has one of the lowest rates of mental health problems among the 11 aircraft carriers. The deployment has been ongoing for nearly nine months, and the ship is participating in an operation against Iran.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are outraged by the lack of a U. S. strategy toward Iran and Trump's inconsistency. Some states question the advisability of hosting U.S. military bases.
Iran stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened only on its command and advised Trump to accept the reality of defeat. Due to restrictions on vessel traffic, oil shipments have sharply declined; in particular, only two vessels passed through on August 14.
The US is considering new measures to economically isolate Iran, including pressure on China and the shadow fleet. This could exacerbate relations with Beijing and cause oil prices to rise.
U. S. President Donald Trump said that Washington is capable of completely destroying Iran but does not want to do so. Instead, the United States is strengthening economic sanctions against Tehran.
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier has departed Asia for the Middle East. This happened due to problems with supplies and the psychological state of the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for more than 240 days.
Iran and Oman have moved closer to an agreement on regulating shipping in the Strait of Hormuz following a series of attacks on vessels. Negotiations are ongoing; the next stage will address transit fees and security measures.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Russia’s federal budget deficit reached 6. 46 trillion rubles, while oil and gas revenues fell by 17%. The authorities are preparing a new tax increase due to the depletion of the National Wealth Fund’s liquid resources.
The Trump–Putin summit in August 2025 did not lead to a ceasefire or a peace agreement. A year later, the fighting continues, and Ukraine is once again submitting proposals to the United States.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the country had not made a decision on resuming talks with the US. He noted that exchanging messages through intermediaries does not constitute negotiations.
US President Donald Trump said that after the defeat of Iran is complete, he will "very soon" announce that the Strait of Hormuz is US territory. He stressed that the US has established a blockade, and that "no ship will pass without permission."
U. S. Vice President J.D. Vance said that the main priority is lowering fuel prices, not Iran's nuclear program. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that new economic measures against Tehran are inevitable.
Israel warned the US about possible Iranian attempts to assassinate Trump, but US intelligence did not confirm the threats. The warnings concerned attacks during Air Force One flights and public events.
Two vessels belonging to Abu Dhabi's national oil company were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz; there were no casualties. The UAE accused Iran of piracy, which threatens regional stability.
Basij commander Taeb said that the strait is under Iran's control, refuting U. S. claims. Iran's PGSA agency confirmed the blockade until Tehran's conditions are met.
CIA analysts did not consider Israel's intelligence about a threat to assassinate Trump convincing, prompting a secret departure from Turkey. The White House confirmed that measures had been taken to ensure the president's safety.
Democrats Warren and Coons are demanding an explanation of why the United States suspended sanctions against Russia for 17 months despite fruitless peace negotiations. They point out that the last serious restrictions were imposed in October 2025, and that Russia easily evades them.
The President of Ukraine said that only 5% of American interceptor missiles are needed to survive the winter. He added that 10% would make it possible to destroy all Russian ballistic missiles.
The U. S. military plans to fully leave Iraq by September 30, ending a presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The Iraqi prime minister called this date fixed, and the withdrawal from Erbil is already underway.
Oil prices are rising for the fifth consecutive day amid a lack of progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and an expected crude supply shortage. The IEA forecasts a deficit of 1.8 million barrels per day in the third quarter of 2026.
A group of 32 countries, including 29 European states, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, condemned Iran for sentencing participants in the protests to death. Since the beginning of the year, at least 56 people have been executed in Iran on charges related to national security.
Iran and the United States have made no progress in talks on restoring the temporary peace agreement concluded in June. The parties accuse each other of violating the agreements, while the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.