Hormuz LNG shipments hit wartime high, but Qatar lags Some 31 LNG carriers transited the Strait of Hormuz in October, the highest number since February before the Iran war began, according to data from S&P Global Energy. Qatar
Slotkin, Van Hollen emerge as potential challengers to Schumer’s Senate leadership A growing number of Democrats are calling for new leadership in the Senate to replace Schumer, arguing that the party needs a leader who better reflects its generational and ideological shift to the left. United States
Iraq, Saudi Arabia face attacks as Trump pursues Iran deal Attacks took place in Iraq and Saudi Arabia over the weekend even as Washington signaled a potential de-escalation in the Iran war. Iraq
EU states back one-year delay for methane rules amid Iran war The decision illustrates the growing tension between Europe's climate ambitions and the immediate challenge of securing affordable energy amid the Middle East conflict. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Claude AI used for missile, influence projects in UAE, Iran, Yemen: Anthropic Military and government actors across the Middle East — from Iran to Yemen to the United Arab Emirates — have used Anthropic's Claude AI model for war planning and influence campaigns. Yemen
Saudi Arabia’s oil production slumps to lowest in 36 years as war bites The kingdom reported to OPEC that crude output fell by 1.9 million to 6.238 million barrels per day in August. Saudi Arabia
Brent crude sails past $100 as Middle East war intensifies The Iran war escalated this week as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked four southern Saudi Arabian cities and oil facilities. Saudi Arabia
Iran to announce new Gulf restricted zone, Hormuz route: What we know Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the restricted zone would begin at the point where the US blockade of Iranian ports starts and extend into the Gulf. Iran
Analysis Iran war tests Gulf's theme park ambitions Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with multibillion-dollar projects as the conflict disrupts regional tourism and exposes weaknesses in the Gulf states' entertainment strategies. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu President Donald Trump has stayed silent amid a spate of settler attacks on Palestinians and their property in the West Bank. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Saudi oil exports hit nine-year low as tanker attacks threaten recovery The country’s oil exports were around 3 million barrels per day in August. Saudi Arabia
Oil surges over 4% after US strikes Iranian mainland The strikes were Washington’s first on mainland Iran in just over a month and followed Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Oil prices fall after Iran steps up truce efforts, US says Hormuz mines cleared Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said in an interview on Thursday that Iran was preparing a list of conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
China warns US not to interfere with Iran trade: What to know China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing was firmly opposed to what it called “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights. Iran
China holds second air drill with Egypt: What to know China is seeking to strengthen ties with Egypt and Gulf states, including via joint air drills. Egypt
Oil falls 1.8% as traders await 'toughest' sanctions on Iran Traders are awaiting details about new US measures sure to further disrupt Iranian oil flows. Iran
