Syria
Iran pledges to help Syria's Assad counter surprise rebel offensive
Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi makes a visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, to meet President Bashar Assad. His visit comes as Syria’s army launched counterattacks to repel insurgents who’ve seized control of Aleppo, and areas in Idlib.
Markets
Oil rises as Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire violated, OPEC+ delays meeting
Oil prices rose nearly 1% Thursday after Israel reported ceasefire breaches with Hezbollah, reigniting Middle East tensions. Brent hit $72.90 a barrel, recovering recent losses. Meanwhile, OPEC+ postponed its meeting, with analysts noting stronger cartel cohesion and compliance.