U.S. job openings fell slightly to 7.36 million in June, but the labor market showed resilience despite energy price surges and geopolitical shocks from Iran.
Britain's BP reported a Q2 underlying replacement cost profit of $5.7 billion, beating analyst expectations of $5 billion, as high fossil fuel prices driven by the Middle East conflict boost major oil companies.
US President Donald Trump faces a series of political and legal setbacks, including a dropped vandalism case against an ex-Olympian, resistance from Republican senators over his attorney general nominee, and sliding public approval amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
Saudi Aramco reported a 33% year-on-year increase in second-quarter profit to $33.4 billion, beating expectations as oil supermajors benefit from higher prices driven by Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
U.S. Central Command emailed combat experts seeking unconventional ways to pressure Iran, as President Trump mulls symbolic airstrikes and a missile‑elimination plan, while Iran denies talks.
President Trump criticized Exxon and Chevron for excessive profits from rising oil prices after the Iran conflict, urging them to lower consumer prices. Crude prices rose 20% since Feb attack, gasoline up 40%.
President Trump demanded oil companies, including Chevron, lower gasoline prices for American consumers, criticizing them for not crediting his administration. This comes as he faces pressure over rising costs due to the US-Israel war on Iran, ahead of midterm elections.
Donald Trump criticized media polls as 'fake' on Truth Social, asserting his real numbers are high. This comes as multiple surveys show low approval, largely attributed to the ongoing war with Iran, rising gas prices, and a stalling agenda, impacting Republican support ahead of midterms.
California's highest U.S. fuel prices, exacerbated by the Iran war and global diesel shortages, are increasing costs for everyday products nationwide. The San Pedro Bay port complex, a major import/export hub, relies on transport powered by expensive California diesel, impacting the entire U.S. supply chain.
Experts warn the threat to oil ships in the Middle East is the worst since the Iran war began, following attacks in the Red Sea, an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has significantly decreased.
Houthi threats have disrupted Red Sea shipping, leading Saudi Arabia to divert crude exports, increase activity at its Yanbu terminal, and some tankers to transit the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with tracking systems off.
UK fuel thefts have surged to an estimated £194,000 daily since the Iran war began, a 48% increase, driven by soaring petrol prices. Incidents are up a fifth, leading to increased abuse at pumps, prompting Forecourt Eye to partner with Facewatch for crime reporting technology.
UK Chancellor John Healey warns retailers against 'profiteering' as the Iran war drives up prices, threatening economic security and household finances. The Bank of England fears inflation could exceed 4% next year if the conflict escalates.
The US faces a deepening quagmire in its five-month conflict with Iran, as bombing has failed to secure surrender and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz causes global economic strain. President Trump's military threats are ineffective, pushing the US towards diplomacy via Iran-Oman talks as the "least bad option" to reopen the vital strait.
Chancellor John Healey has warned big retailers that the government is closely watching for profiteering as the Iran war continues to drive up prices, reigniting the cost of living crisis. The Bank of England also cautioned that further escalation could push UK inflation above 4% next year.
Iran's embassy in Kenya accused the US and Israel of orchestrating a mass migrant crossing into Spain's Ceuta enclave to punish Madrid for its stance on Middle East conflicts. The crisis saw 50,000-60,000 migrants cross, overwhelming authorities and causing at least 86 deaths.
The U.S.-Iran war has driven massive short-term gains in the energy sector, with ExxonMobil and Chevron reporting significant quarterly profit surges. However, experts warn that holding onto these gains for too long could be a mistake, as oil prices are volatile and driven by geopolitics rather than long-term fundamentals.
Saudischer Kronprinz Mohammed bin Salman betont Dialog zur Spannungsabbauung im Nahen Osten, während Israel trotz US-Waffenruhe-Pläne im Gazastreifen angreift. Iran droht mit Gegenschlägen auf US- und israelische Einrichtungen.
Donald Trump announced the US would delay new strikes on Iran if a deal to end the conflict is quickly reached, following calls from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urging de-escalation and amid Iranian threats of retaliation after drone attacks in Kuwait and ship incidents off Oman.
Donald Trump announced the cancellation of an attack on Iran, agreeing to pursue a deal that would ensure the immediate opening of the Hormuz Strait and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Israel reportedly agreed to join the US in this commitment, while Iran offered no immediate public reaction.
Internationale Spannungen steigen im Nahen Osten: Iran droht USA und Nachbarländern mit Vergeltung, während Israel seine Angriffe auf Gaza fortsetzt. Mehrere Tanker sind betroffen und Kuwait meldet iranische Drohnenangriffe.
Iran warned the US against any 'adventurous action,' stating it would retaliate decisively to fresh attacks on Iranian targets. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi conveyed this to Turkish, Pakistani, and Saudi officials, hours after Kuwait's army reported destroying hostile drones. An Iranian media outlet also threatened strikes on regional oil and gas fields.
US embassies across the Middle East urged American citizens to consider leaving or prepare for departure due to potential "unforeseen escalation" in the intensifying conflict with Iran, citing unpredictable actions and expanded strikes.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, alongside Tucker Carlson, Rep. Thomas Massie, and Joe Kent, announced a new political "movement" on August 1. The group, composed of former MAGA allies, has broken with Donald Trump over the ongoing Iran war, citing his betrayal of the "no more foreign wars" promise and advocating for an "America First" agenda.
