Europe News
EU pursues 'deeper' Gulf partnerships, Costa tells Euronews in Doha
In the highest-level EU visit to the Gulf since the Iran war started, European Council President Antonio Costa reinforced the EU’s strategic partnerships with the Gulf states and pushed for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of “disastrous consequences”.
Europe News
Energy prices set to rise as last Gulf Tankers reach Europe
Energy analysts have warned of surging energy prices beyond already elevated levels, as the last vessels carrying oil and natural gas from the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict have reached Europe. Supply forecasts for oil and gas remain optimistic as US deliveries are expected.
Economy
IEA warns of historic oil supply shock as Iran war disruption persists
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned of an unprecedented energy shock, with global oil production plunging by over 10 million barrels per day in March, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran fail.
Iran
Hormuz standoff turns into cautious waiting game as US blockade begins
Trump claims Iran made new contact for a deal, as the first hours of the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz show an apparent cautious approach from all sides as the fragile ceasefire is still holding. But China announces its own shipping transit agreement with Iran, warning the US not to interfere.
Iran
Trump says US military blockaded Iranian ports to pressure Tehran
The US blockade comes in an attempt to economically pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic after its six-week closure caused global oil prices to surge. Roughly 40 vessels have passed through since the start of the ceasefire, down from 100 or more per day before the war.
Qatar
Overlooked IRGC body holds key to Iran's Hormuz approach, expert says
The fragile US-Iran ceasefire is already faltering, with Tehran still blocking the Strait of Hormuz navigation in protest against Israel’s attacks in Lebanon. A leading Iran expert indicates Tehran's Hormuz strategy could be part of a well-established strategy.