EIA hikes 2026 oil price forecasts 22% as Hormuz fuels long-term market fallout In its latest update, the agency said international benchmark Brent crude is now expected to average $96 per barrel in 2026, up from $79 previously, with higher prices now expected to last through 2027. Iran
Iran threatens energy shock, ups Gulf strikes ahead of Trump deadline: What to know Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war in response to US threats to target key Iranian civilian infrastructure. Iran
Israel, seeking wider war, hits Iranian railways, bridges as Trump deadline nears Since the Trump administration announced its deadline, Israel has prepared for a potential US escalation, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure or ground operations. Israel
Turkey remains defiant in row with US over pastor as deal falls through A possible deal to end the US-Turkish row over an American pastor detained in Izmir appears to have failed after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heaped additional demands on an agreement. Turkey
How regional politics is restraining Kurdish militancy in Iran While some Iranian Kurdish armed opposition groups are intent on raising the heat on Iran amid ongoing US pressure, other groups are careful not to enter a conflict that may spiral out of control. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Zarif says US primary goal is to ‘create chaos’ in Iran Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif believes Iran can weather the storm of US sanctions. United States
Culture alert: Music mixed with history in August Some of the August festivals in the Middle East take place in spectacular settings, from Cairo to Byblos to Troy. Egypt
As ringmaster, Russia runs Israel-Iran balancing act in Syria A deal brokered by Russia has something for everyone involved — Syria, Israel, Iran and, of course, Russia itself — and has defused at least temporarily what could have become a deadly showdown between Israel and Iran. Israel
China set to fill vacuum left by French carmakers exiting Iran The exit of French automakers from Iran is leaving a vacuum that appears set to be filled by Chinese auto manufacturers. Iran
Iraq's Basra plans dam on vital river After angry demonstrations against the government in Basra about the lack of potable water, the southern Iraqi province is preparing to tackle the problem by building a dam on the Shatt al-Arab River. Iraq
US reimposes sanctions as Iran deal crumbles With the Donald Trump administration set to reimpose Iran sanctions after exiting the nuclear deal, it’s looking less and less likely the rest of the world can salvage the accord. United States
Iranians flock to greener pastures on Caspian coast The nationwide drought in Iran is triggering internal migration and its water-rich areas are already suffering shortages. Iran
Senior Iranian clerics ask Rouhani to fight corruption Grand ayatollahs in Iran are asking the judiciary and the Rouhani administration to fight corruption rather than blaming sanctions. Iran
Idlib takes center stage at Sochi Syria talks The latest round of Syria talks between Russia, Iran and Turkey held in Russia's Sochi discussed important issues, but deadlocks remain. Syria
New generation of hard-liners move to seize control of Iran's state broadcaster A younger generation of hard-liners in Iran are increasingly maneuvering to secure institutional instruments of power and are targeting the state broadcaster. Iran
