Middle East

France to Halt Trade with Israeli Settlements in West Bank
France will join 11 countries in ending trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced.

US Intelligence: Iran May Escalate Conflict
American intelligence believes Iran has grown more confident in its capabilities and may intensify attacks in the Middle East, avoiding agreements with the US.

Diesel Prices in EU Rise Amid Middle East Crisis
In July, diesel in the EU rose 4.3% from June, and growth continued in August, increasing pressure on farmers and transporters.

Dubai Airport Passenger Traffic Drops 31% Due to Middle East Conflict
Dubai International Airport reported a 31% decline in passenger traffic in the first half of the year due to the war in Iran, leading to changes in flight routes worldwide.

Oil Prices Rise Amid Middle East Uncertainty
Brent and WTI oil prices are rising as investors assess risks of conflict escalation in the Middle East.

Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Iran has communicated to the US via intermediaries its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including ending wars in Lebanon and Gaza and unfreezing Iranian assets.

Bitcoin falls below $64,000 amid Fed rate uncertainty and geopolitical risks
The largest cryptocurrency trades below $64,000 as investors remain cautious due to unclear Fed rate prospects and tensions in the Middle East.

Global Trade Grows 3.2% in Q1 2026 Despite Middle East Conflict
Global merchandise trade volume rose 3.2% year-on-year in Q1 2026, beating WTO expectations, driven by demand for AI-related electronics.

US Redirects 30 Merchant Ships After Reimposing Iran Blockade
CENTCOM reported redirecting 30 commercial vessels and allowing passage for about 30 humanitarian aid ships after the naval blockade of Iranian ports was reinstated.

European gas price tops $750 for first time since March
The price of gas on the European market exceeded $750 per thousand cubic meters for the first time since March 19, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.