Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in Jeddah, treating an armed attack on one as an attack on all three amid heightened regional tensions and the US-Iran conflict.
The US-Iran conflict has entered a complex phase focusing on hybrid warfare and internal destabilization rather than direct military defeat, according to Russian expert Oleg Akulinichev.
Russian Senator Grigory Karasin predicts the US-Iranian conflict will be resolved by late 2026 or early 2027, citing discomfort among Middle Eastern countries living in confrontation. He also highlighted Russia's positive role in regional developments.
Joe Rogan, on his podcast with Annie Jacobsen, criticized the US's five-month conflict with Iran, calling it an "unprovoked attack" with "no clear way to resolve this." Both lamented the focus on financial cost over human toll, as recent polls indicate many Americans oppose the war.
Donald Trump is reportedly in 'revenge mode' over the ongoing US-Iran conflict, authorizing a military buildup in the Middle East and a 13th day of strikes. He announced frozen Iranian assets would compensate ships damaged by Iranian attacks, prompting escalation threats from Iran's foreign minister, as oil prices surge.
Trump threatened “major military punishment” over Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers as UN chief Antonio Guterres warned the Middle East situation is “out of control.” The blog also reported strikes on Iran, missile interceptions, and rising humanitarian and energy risks.
The US-Iran conflict has escalated with renewed strikes, effectively ending a June truce. Experts warn of a potential "forever war" focused on the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic efforts falter and both sides prioritize pressure over compromise, threatening global oil and gas supplies.
Iraq faces severe internal divisions and sovereignty challenges, caught between the US and Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's killing. Iran-backed Shia militias attack Iraqi oil infrastructure, impacting the economy and challenging the new PM's disarmament efforts.
Iran's IRGC representative Hossein Mohebi warned shipping companies that the southern routes through the Strait of Hormuz are mined, advising against passage due to the ongoing escalation in the US-Iranian conflict that began on July 8.
JSW Infrastructure anticipates handling 127 MT cargo this fiscal year, despite the US-Iran conflict impacting its Fujairah liquid terminal in the UAE. Operations are gradually normalizing, with insurance claims expected by October-end. The company also progresses with domestic port expansion plans, reporting an 8.2% drop in June quarter net profit.
US President Trump threatens to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for each ship attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to vow an 'eye for an eye' response amid escalating Middle East tensions
Houthi rebels threaten a blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital oil shipping route, in retaliation for alleged Saudi restrictions on Yemen. This could disrupt 7.4 million barrels per day of oil flow, potentially pushing global oil prices above US$100 and deepening uncertainty for Asian consumers.
Washington's Persian Gulf allies are increasingly frustrated by the US-Iran conflict, which threatens their security and economies. They hold differing views on US strategy, with some advocating escalation and others immediate de-escalation, while the UAE seeks European involvement in maritime security.
Yemen's Houthi militia, aligned with Iran, announced a naval blockade of the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait in retaliation for Saudi strikes on Sanaa airport. This comes as the US and Iran exchange fire for the tenth time, escalating their conflict, and Lebanon's president is set to meet President Trump regarding a peace roadmap with Israel.
Oil prices remained near a one-month high despite truce efforts between the US and Iran, as escalating conflict and new Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping routes fueled supply fears, with Brent crude at $88.87 and WTI at $82.47.
The US-Iran conflict is escalating, with attacks on military targets and critical infrastructure, and three US service members killed. Iran has reasserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, leading to rising US gas prices. An expert discusses the unraveling agreement, regional impact, and potential for renewed diplomacy.
European natural gas prices reached a four-month high, briefly exceeding €60/MWh, due to escalating Middle East conflict and fears of winter supply shortages. Disruption to Qatari LNG exports and reduced Gulf shipping are pressuring Europe's ability to meet storage targets, potentially requiring costly state intervention.
The South Korean won slightly strengthened against the U.S. dollar on Monday, driven by exporters selling dollars and overseas investors buying local stocks, despite ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions in the Middle East.
A preliminary deal between the US and Iran to end their war has collapsed, leading to escalating hostilities. An Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz initiated a series of strikes and counterstrikes, pushing the nations back towards full-scale conflict and destabilizing the Middle East.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry urged "all parties" to exercise restraint amid escalating US-Iran conflict following the collapse of a three-week ceasefire. The appeal came after renewed strikes and counterstrikes, with the US targeting Iranian sites and Iran retaliating against US bases. Pakistan reiterated its readiness to mediate.
President Trump stated Iran considers him its "number one target" and warned he could be assassinated. This comes amid collapsed ceasefire talks and renewed fighting near the Strait of Hormuz. US authorities accuse Iran of plotting to kill Trump, a claim Tehran denies.
NATO's summit in Ankara addressed defense budgets and Ukraine support, pledging 70 billion euros to Kyiv. US President Trump declared the US-Iran MoU 'over' following strikes, while also raising the issue of Greenland. Key takeaways include defense spending commitments, Ukraine aid, and renewed tensions over Greenland.
The US-Iran interim accord is "over," leading to US bombings in Iran and Iranian retaliation on US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. Gulf countries, hosting major US bases and relying on oil exports, face escalating tensions, economic risks, and internal challenges as they navigate the renewed conflict.
India's crude oil imports from Russia have reached an all-time high, exceeding 50% in June, driven by the US-Iran conflict and a lapsed sanctions waiver on Iranian oil. While Russia remains the dominant supplier, potential rebalancing towards Middle Eastern sources is expected as the Strait of Hormuz reopens and discounts narrow.
