Iraq
Brent rose by 6. 1% over the week, while WTI gained 8.3%. In the United States, diesel reached a record price due to supply disruptions.
Brent fell to $95. 04, while WTI fell to $90.63 per barrel. Investors are assessing the risks of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, official Minsk is deepening ties with authoritarian regimes against the backdrop of its isolation from the West. In particular, Belarus is preparing a visa-free regime with North Korea and has also received Afghan Taliban members.
SOMO has put Basrah Medium and Heavy up for transshipment off Oman next month. The decision was made amid the war and threats in the strait.
Putin signed decrees No. 605–607, which were not published. Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow may have concerned mobilization, a provocation against NATO or an exchange.
Beijing promised to protect its interests after the U. S. plans to expand sanctions against Iran and its partners. China buys most of Iran’s oil.
Brent fell to $93. 38 and WTI to $85.64 per barrel after investors took profits. Markets are expecting new U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Tehran warned neighboring countries of strikes for participating in the US economic war. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped.
Brent and WTI rose amid the threat of tougher U. S. sanctions against Iran. Twice as few vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The cost of supertankers has exceeded $130 million - the highest level since 2008. Middle Eastern exporters are seeking vessels to circumvent problems in the region.
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.
Iran said it was close to reaching an agreement with Oman on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but stressed that additional conditions, including compensation from the United States, are needed to resume traffic. Washington expects an agreement soon.
Saudi intelligence warns of possible coordinated strikes by Iraqi groups and the Houthis with Iran's support. The Kingdom promises to take all measures to counter the aggression.
U. S. President Donald Trump demanded an explanation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a meeting in Camp David regarding the acute shortage of ammunition, which threatens to limit military operations against Iran.
Turkey’s ruling coalition has submitted to parliament a bill providing immunity from prosecution for some PKK members. The document is intended to facilitate the return of thousands of fighters from Iraq, but does not apply to the group’s leader, Öcalan.
In July, OPEC countries increased oil production by 1. 16 million barrels per day, to 19.44 million. The main growth was driven by Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Supplies remain below the pre-war level due to the war with Iran.
Millions of Shiite Muslims took part in the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq, amid regional tensions and fears of an escalation of the war between the US and Iran. The arrival of pilgrims continues, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
On August 3, World Watermelon Day is celebrated and the memory of the victims of the Yazidi genocide is honored. In Ukraine, according to the new calendar, the Venerables Isaac, Dalmatius and Faustus are commemorated.
According to Reuters, Yemeni Houthis may have attacked Saudi Arabia from Iraqi territory jointly with Iraqi groups. The coordination was carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Gold prices rose by 0. 8% after the Fed left rates unchanged. Tensions in the Middle East exacerbate inflation risks.
The United States has begun airstrikes against Iran following a missile attack on an American base in Jordan. These are the first strikes after a pause announced by President Trump.
Iran launched missile strikes on US facilities after the US and Saudi Arabia attacked Iraqi militias, killing 20 fighters. In Egypt, two gas vessels caught fire following drone attacks.
US President Donald Trump said that the US is preparing a response to Iran's attempt to attack American troops. He emphasized that now "it's our turn" to deliver a powerful strike, despite Iran's apology.
The fire in the port of Damietta was caused by a drone strike on the American gas tanker Energos Winter. Reuters confirmed the incident, but no one claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq accused the US of attacking the PMF and pilgrims, resulting in casualties. The group set a deadline until August 7 for a response, threatening direct action.
US President Donald Trump vowed revenge for Iran's missile strike. He called the Shiite militias a "cancerous tumor" and did not rule out further actions.
Brent oil prices surged 6. 8% to $89.79 due to the resumption of US and Saudi strikes on Iran. US oil inventories fell by 3.3 million barrels, and OPEC+ may suspend production increases.
The US and Saudi Arabia conducted joint precision strikes against Iranian proxy force facilities in eastern Iraq. The strikes followed more than 30 drone attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the past 72 hours.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine rejected the groundless accusations of the Iraqi advisor, calling them the influence of Russian propaganda. Ukraine called on Iraq not to spread disinformation.
The Iraqi government has authorized the signing of a memorandum with Syria for the construction of oil pipelines to the Mediterranean Sea. A tender for the development of oil infrastructure and an agreement with Turkey on water resources have also been approved.