Keywords: Middle East


European gas prices rise as Iran ceasefire deadline nears

European natural gas prices moved higher on Thursday as markets weighed uncertainty around ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, with a fragile ceasefire set to expire within days. The benchmark Dutch TTF contract climbed about 2 percent on April 16 to roughly 42.24 euros per......

Lebanon president rejects call with Netanyahu despite Trump announcement

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun refused to join a proposed phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, contradicting an earlier announcement by Donald Trump that the two leaders would speak for the first time in decades. The decision underscores persistent political barriers between Beirut......

Erdogan calls Israeli leaders “child killers” in sharp escalation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a direct verbal attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that no power could threaten Türkiye or its leadership while accusing Israeli officials of killing children. The remarks mark a new escalation in tensions between the two......

Refinery fire in Australia deepens Asia fuel supply crisis

A fire at a major Australian refinery has intensified fuel supply pressures across Asia, as regional markets already strain under disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. At the same time, Japanese refiners are resorting to complex offshore oil transfers to secure crude supplies while avoiding......

Israel army declares south Lebanon a “death zone” amid escalation

Israel’s army chief ordered that all territory south of the Litani River be treated as a combat zone targeting Hezbollah fighters. The directive marks a sharp escalation in a six week conflict that began on March 2 and has intensified across southern Lebanon. Israeli officials say more than 1,700......

Turkish Airlines extends suspension of Beirut flights until May 31

Turkish Airlines has announced the extension of its suspension of flights to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport until May 31, citing ongoing regional challenges affecting air travel. The airline had initially planned to resume operations at the beginning of May, but the timeline has now been......

Macron urges renewed US Iran talks as Hormuz tensions rise

French President Emmanuel Macron said he has urged US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to resume negotiations after ceasefire talks in Islamabad ended without agreement. He said he spoke separately with both leaders and called for renewed dialogue, reduced tensions, and......

Oman launches bidding round for new oil and gas blocks

Oman has launched a new bidding round for five oil and gas concession blocks as part of its efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen the development of its hydrocarbon sector. According to the country’s energy ministry, the initiative aims to enhance exploration activities and unlock......

US Vice President Jd Vance visits Pakistan for talks with Iran

U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad to lead a high-level delegation in sensitive negotiations with Iranian officials, as efforts intensify to end weeks of conflict in the Middle East. The talks, hosted by Pakistan, come amid deep mistrust between United States and Iran. Pakistani authorities......