Vesper has covered BZ in 26 stories since May 8, 2026. Recent coverage centres on Energy, Geopolitics, and Commodities.
26 related stories
Iran said it is prepared for the possibility of US ground operations as a temporary memorandum of understanding with Washington expires. The statement signals a new phase in the region's military tensions.
US President Donald Trump said he could "bomb" Oman if it "gets in the way" of talks over the Strait of Hormuz, as a temporary ceasefire with Iran expires. The remark marks a sharp new escalation after weeks of regional tension.
Iran said on Wednesday it had reached an agreement with Oman on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil exports. A foreign ministry spokesman gave no further details but said the agreement was "in the final stages". The strait has faced heightened tension after a string of attacks on vessels in the wider region.
Data from the first half of 2026 shows crude oil has overtaken corn and soy to become Argentina's top export. The shift reflects the rapid expansion of the Vaca Muerta oil and gas field and energy's growing role in the country's export economy. It marks a notable break from Argentina's traditionally agriculture-led export structure.
US embassies around the world renewed travel-risk warnings for American citizens on Saturday, citing media reports that President Trump is preparing a fresh round of military strikes against Iran. The advisories followed reports that tankers near Oman came under fire. Washington has not confirmed a timeline for any action.
Iran and Oman have exchanged proposals on managing the Strait of Hormuz, with Oman's plan based on the Strait of Malacca model, under which ships using the waterway pay voluntary fees. The talks come amid continued concern over how regional tensions are affecting maritime trade. The strait remains a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
The US said attacks on Iran have been halted to give 'talks some space,' a move that sent oil prices sharply lower. The pause has raised hopes for a resolution to the conflict. Markets are closely watching whether the halt in hostilities will hold.
International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol said oil security remains a critical issue and that the world should be worried if the situation does not improve. His comments come as tension in the Strait of Hormuz continues.
The United States carried out a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iran, with Iranian sources saying civilian infrastructure was hit. The prolonged confrontation is deepening concern about a wider regional war.
Oil prices rose Friday as investors weighed escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, which threaten crude supply routed through the Strait of Hormuz. Traders are pricing in the risk of disruption to regional shipments.
The third consecutive night of US strikes on Iran came as Trump announced a 20% charge as part of a new blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates condemned Iran's attack on tankers, calling it "brazen."
Brent Crude has climbed a further 1.5 percent to US$84.5 a barrel. The rise was recorded as a reflection of renewed tension between Iran and the United States.
A Norwegian chemical tanker was hit by an explosion caused by an unidentified device off the Omani coast early Tuesday, a crisis response company said. MTI Network said shipping company Stolt Tankers reported that its vessel, the Stolt Magnesium, suffered the explosion while on passage in the Arabian Sea.
U.S. President Donald Trump has abandoned a plan to impose a 20% "protection fee" on shipping traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices, which had climbed after the toll was first floated, pulled back from Tuesday's highs following the reversal.
The United States completed a third consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets, while Tehran hit US military facilities in the Gulf region in response. The exchange has further escalated tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Drones linked to Ukraine struck oil refineries in southern Russia and a port on the Sea of Azov, officials said. Russian authorities confirmed the strikes caused fires and infrastructure damage. The attack shows Ukraine's campaign targeting Russian energy and logistics infrastructure is continuing.
Oman is using strategic ambiguity as talks over possible Strait of Hormuz fees raise legal, diplomatic and oil-market concerns. According to CNBC, the issue is creating a "blind spot" for investors watching one of the world's most important shipping routes.
Iran's presidency has announced that the first funeral ceremony for late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be held in Tehran on 4-5 July. The funeral will take place in the shadow of ongoing military confrontation with the United States. The debate over Khamenei's successor marks a critical transition period for Iranian politics.
Following reported overnight Israeli attacks on Tehran and Isfahan, Al Jazeera's live feed described multiple explosions. President Trump urged restraint by both sides, and regional mediation channels entered intensive use.
Wall Street futures opened the week mixed as Brent crude jumped more than 3%, pricing in the risk that the April U.S.-brokered Iran-Israel cease-fire is unravelling. Investors are weighing the chance of a disruption to crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz, while gold extended its weekly advance.
Oil prices fell sharply after Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were proceeding in a constructive manner and that a deal covering the Strait of Hormuz could be announced soon. He cautioned there was 'no rush' to finalise it.
Chinese-owned supertankers have been leaving the Strait of Hormuz as US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance played up the prospects of a deal with Iran. Oil markets are reading the increased shipping activity as a tentative signal of easing tensions in the strategic chokepoint.
As the Iran war enters its 82nd day, Tehran has warned that 'new fronts' could be opened if negotiations stall. At the same time, US President Donald Trump set a fresh deadline for talks to make progress and called for keeping diplomatic channels open between the parties.
Brent and WTI prices rose after the International Energy Agency warned of greater volatility ahead and OPEC trimmed its 2026 demand forecast, CNBC reported. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Trump-Xi summit continue to dominate price action.
Libya's largest oil refinery, in Zawiya, has halted operations after fresh armed clashes in the city. The shutdown threatens new domestic fuel shortages in a country still rebuilding its hydrocarbon sector. Oil traders are watching closely amid wider Mediterranean supply jitters.
Russia and Ukraine have started a three-day US-mediated ceasefire announced by Donald Trump. Frontline clashes have visibly eased, even as the two sides trade accusations of violations. European capitals are pressing for the truce to be extended.