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
Oil tumbles as Iran signals Hormuz could open within 30 days Traders continue to bet that a resolution to end the US-Israel-Iran war is near. Iran
Gulf celebrates Eid al-Adha under shadow of war The holiday marks the first time in decades that Gulf states are observing one of Islam’s holiest celebrations against the backdrop of a regional conflict. United Arab Emirates
Iran partially restores internet after 88-day blackout: What to know The move comes after a nearly three-month internet blackout, marking it as one of the longest outages ever. Iran
Analysis Israel pushes for full Iran blockade as it awaits Trump's next move Israel’s preferred strategy, sources told Al-Monitor, calls for a comprehensive naval, economic, land and air blockade of Iran, alongside tighter sanctions and covert activity aimed at destabilizing the regime. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver as Iran war squeezes supply The waiver temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil for 30 days. Iran
Iran confiscates assets of 129 alleged ‘traitors’ in West Azerbaijan province Iranian authorities have cracked down on people accused of collaborating with the US and Israel since the war erupted in February while fears of renewed fighting remain high amid stalled peace talks. Iran
Lebanon-Israel ceasefire extended 45 days as US opens security talks The Pentagon will host Israeli and Lebanese military delegations for a round of separate security talks later this month. Lebanon
Uptick in Chinese tankers transiting Hormuz amid Trump-Xi summit President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, a meeting closely watched in Iran. United Arab Emirates
In first, Lebanon files formal UN complaint against Iran: What to know The move comes as relations between Iran and Lebanon continue to deteriorate in light of what is perceived as ongoing Iranian interference in Lebanese affairs via its proxy group, Hezbollah. Lebanon
Aramco profits jump 26% as Hormuz disruption chokes supply Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said the market has already lost around 1 billion barrels of oil supply since the US-Israel-Iran war erupted on Feb. 28. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Netanyahu fears being left out as Trump pursues Iran diplomacy Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was not surprised by President Donald Trump’s suspension of Project Freedom and move toward talks with Iran, but analysts say Washington may not be fully weighing Israel's concerns in negotiations with Tehran. Israel
Egypt ramps up energy investments amid war-driven price pressures Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that Egypt has secured commitments exceeding $19 billion from international oil companies over the next three years. Egypt
