US-Iran war

Egypt's inflation rate has accelerated for the first time since March. This change disrupts an easing trend of inflation that had been ongoing.

The government increased petrol prices by Rs4.45 per litre to Rs333.01 and reduced high-speed diesel (HSD) prices by Rs2 per litre to Rs383.86. Fuel prices will now be adjusted daily based on international market trends due to the US-Iran conflict, replacing weekly revisions. The Petroleum Division announced these changes effective August 6.

Trump is angry and struggles to understand Iran's defiant leaders. Mourners in Tehran held a funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in an airstrike that started the U.S.-Iran war in February.

Millions of Shiite Muslims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq amid regional tensions and fears of U.S.-Iran escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined the pilgrimage, highlighting Iraq's delicate balancing act between Washington and Tehran. Economic challenges, including disrupted oil exports due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, and efforts to disarm Iran-backed militias like Kataib Hezbollah further complicate the situation.

Millions of Shiite Muslims gathered in Karbala, Iraq, for the Arbaeen pilgrimage amid regional tensions and fears of U.S.-Iran escalation. Over 4.88 million pilgrims entered Iraq since the start of the Islamic month of Muharram, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi among notable participants. Reduced numbers of pilgrims from non-Iranian countries were observed due to regional conflicts.

Millions of Shiite Muslims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq, amid regional tensions and fears of U.S.-Iran escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined the event, highlighting Iraq's delicate position between Washington and Tehran. Reduced numbers of non-Iranian pilgrims were noted due to regional conflicts, while Iraq faces economic strain from disrupted oil exports and challenges disarming Iran-backed militias.

President Donald Trump blamed Minnesota's government for a cyber attack on 30+ water systems, despite intelligence agencies attributing it to Iran. Trump criticized Minnesota's 'incompetence' and dismissed the possibility of Iranian involvement, even as public opposition to the U.S.-Iran War and his policies rises.

Goldman Sachs warns that disruptions to Russian fuel exports and the US-Iran war are tightening diesel supplies, raising concerns about global refining capacity and fuel prices.

Iran and Oman are nearing a deal to manage shipping through Hormuz. The agreement is considered critical to preventing escalation of the US-Iran war.

Saudi Crown Prince MBS urged Trump to prioritize dialogue in the US-Iran war. The US president halted strikes after threatening Iran with unprecedented force.

Oil price volatility caused by the U.S.-Iran war created significant gains for investors, but long-term buy-and-hold strategies may benefit more from monitoring other energy themes. The conflict has introduced market uncertainty, making sustained investment in the trade more complex.

Iraq and Turkey signed a 1-year oil pipeline deal to increase exports through Turkey's Ceyhan port, aiming to diversify Iraq's export routes amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement includes a minimum daily export volume of 750,000 barrels of Iraqi crude via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline.

The government reduced petrol and diesel prices by 12 and 66 paisas per litre, effective August 1-3, while the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) announced a 32% increase in regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) prices for August, citing the US-Iran war as a supply disruption. Fuel price adjustments are now set daily due to international market fluctuations, sparking opposition from the All Pakistan Dealers Association.

The Bank of England kept interest rates at 3.75% for a fifth consecutive meeting, warning that inflation will rise again due to high energy prices from the U.S.-Iran conflict. Three BoE policymakers voted to increase rates, while the central bank projected inflation could peak at 3.2% by year-end or rise to 4.5% in 2027 if Middle East tensions escalate.

The number of U.S. unemployment benefit applications rose to 197,000 in the week ending July 25, up from 188,000, but remains within a historically low range. Analysts warn that prolonged U.S.-Iran tensions and rising energy costs could weaken the job market, while the Federal Reserve faces pressure to raise interest rates due to a 3.7% PCE inflation rate. Companies like Verizon, UPS, Amazon, and Microsoft have recently reduced their workforces.

US jobless benefits filings rose to 197,000 last week, a 9,000 increase from the prior week, but remain historically low. Analysts had expected higher applications, and factors like the US-Iran war and rising oil prices are cited as potential threats to the job market. Companies including Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, Walmart, and Microsoft have recently reduced their workforces.

The government increased diesel prices by Rs2.24 per litre to Rs390.62 and reduced petrol prices by 0.75 paisa to Rs335.06, effective July 30. Fuel prices are now adjusted daily due to international market fluctuations, a move opposed by the All Pakistan Dealers Association.

The US-Iran war has negatively impacted Egypt's economy, with new threats from the Houthi group in Yemen expected to worsen the situation. Egypt is striving to maintain good relations with all involved parties.

The government reduced petrol price by Re1 to Rs334.18 per litre and increased HSD price by Rs3.37 to Rs386.83 per litre, citing global oil price fluctuations and renewed Persian Gulf hostilities. Fuel prices will now be set daily by Ogra based on international markets, a move opposed by the All Pakistan Dealers Association.

Bitcoin traders are navigating volatility driven by US inflation data and US-Iran war-related triggers, which are causing uncertainty in risk-asset markets. The unpredictable environment highlights ongoing concerns about macroeconomic factors and geopolitical tensions impacting Bitcoin's performance.

The government maintained petrol and diesel prices for July 26 and 27 due to the non-publication of Platts prices on weekends. Petrol and diesel prices had increased by Rs3.66 and Rs4.80 per litre respectively the previous day, reaching Rs335.18 and Rs383.46 per litre. The Petroleum Division announced daily fuel price adjustments based on international market trends, a shift from weekly revisions, amid tensions between Iran and the US.

The US-Iran conflict is escalating as Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels exchange airstrikes in the Red Sea, a critical global shipping corridor. The violence raises concerns about further regional instability.

The article discusses how the US-Iran war's consequences, such as rising electricity bills, transportation costs, and food prices, are affecting Pakistan. It argues that Pakistan must adopt active neutrality to mitigate the impact of the conflict, which spreads through oil pipelines, shipping lanes, financial markets, refugee routes, and sectarian tensions.

Stocks ended mixed on Wall Street as crude oil prices fell for the first time in a week amid concerns over the U.S.-Iran conflict, rising tariffs, and inflation. Tech stocks like Micron Technology and Broadcom dragged down the Nasdaq, while the S&P 500 and Dow saw modest gains.

Stocks on Wall Street rose slightly on Friday as crude oil prices fell for the first week, but major indexes remain on track for weekly losses. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average gained, while the Nasdaq slipped due to declines in Micron Technology and Broadcom. The U.S.-Iran conflict and new tariffs are raising concerns about energy markets and inflation.

Equities tumbled after oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel, despite the stock market initially remaining flat as the U.S.-Iran war intensified. The market's reaction suggests heightened sensitivity to geopolitical tensions and energy price surges.

The European Central Bank maintained its benchmark interest rate at 2.25% amid uncertainty over energy price volatility's impact on inflation. Analysts suggest the decision reflects a pause to assess oil price swings, which have fluctuated due to conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized ongoing monitoring of inflation risks and hinted at potential future rate hikes.

The European Central Bank kept interest rates at 2.25% amid uncertainty over the inflationary impact of volatile oil prices linked to the US-Iran conflict and a collapsed ceasefire. Analysts suggest the bank may raise rates again in September as it navigates energy market instability.

The European Central Bank maintained its benchmark interest rate at 2.25% amid uncertainty over the impact of volatile oil prices on inflation. Analysts suggest the decision reflects a pause to assess energy price swings linked to the US-Iran conflict and Hormuz Strait disruptions, with a potential rate hike anticipated at the September meeting.

ASEAN foreign ministers will advocate for freedom of navigation in international straits, including the Strait of Hormuz, amid concerns over the US-Iran war and its economic impact on Southeast Asia. The draft communique emphasizes self-restraint in the Middle East conflict and unimpeded passage through strategic waterways.

The government increased petrol prices by Rs6.39 and diesel by Rs7.83 per litre, effective July 23, citing global price fluctuations and renewed Persian Gulf hostilities. The All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Owners Association deferred a strike after negotiations, and the Petroleum Minister announced daily fuel pricing to address market volatility.

Shipping disruptions in Middle East oil chokepoints have intensified due to the ongoing US-Iran war. Vessels in the Red Sea are making unusual maneuvers, and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has visibly declined.

Inflation has decreased to 2.6 per cent due to falling fuel prices, but is expected to rise next month following the resumption of the US-Iran war. The drop in fuel prices contributed to the easing of inflation, while renewed conflict between the US and Iran is projected to drive it higher.

Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia reversed course in the Red Sea after threats from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. The incident occurred amid a widening Middle East conflict disrupting shipping through critical energy chokepoints.

The Houthis have escalated threats against Saudi oil supplies, risking millions of barrels reaching energy markets amid the U.S.-Iran war. Markets have not yet priced in the growing crisis linked to this oil lifeline.

Overseas investors added $1.6 billion to Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange in Q2 2026, the only Gulf market with increased net foreign buying. The rise followed Saudi Arabia’s market opening to all overseas investors in February 2026, boosting foreign buying by 75% year-on-year. The Tadawul’s prospects may improve further if foreign ownership limits are lifted from 49%.

The Democratic energy platform is shifting in response to global geopolitical factors like AI development and the US-Iran war, with rising energy costs driving a blend of left and right policy approaches. New York Governor Kathy Hochul's actions, including a data center moratorium and support for gas pipelines, reflect this evolving stance, while natural gas is gaining traction as part of energy affordability strategies.

The Houthis, a Shiite militia in Yemen aligned with Iran, have announced a naval blockade of the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait. This move occurs amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

International airlines are increasing operations to Dubai, but some European carriers remain absent due to government travel advisories linked to US-Iran tensions and insurance challenges.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine are set to testify before the Senate on the White House’s supplemental funding request related to the U.S.-Iran escalation, which resulted in three service members’ deaths. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rolling is also involved in the testimony.