Iran
IRGC warns ships over Hormuz routes as Rubio draws line on tolls
The IRGC warned that any vessel navigating outside Tehran's designated routes was acting illegally, directly rejecting Oman's newly announced temporary corridor, as Rubio told a GCC meeting the US would not accept fees regardless of how they are framed.
Iran
Hormuz confusion deepens as Iran and US clash over who controls it
Trump said Tehran had promised no tolls or charges in the strait, hours after Iran and Oman announced a joint permit system asserting their authority over the waterway. Rubio flew to Abu Dhabi to reassure Gulf allies, as analysts warned control over Hormuz would be a major strategic victory for Iran
Iran
Iran calls framework deal 'US defeat' as Trump threatens to halt talks
Iranian key negotiator hailed the US–Iran framework deal as a “declaration of US defeat,” while Trump warned that talks would end immediately if reports that Tehran is seeking to impose tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz prove to be true.
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Economy
Brent crude falls below $74 for first time since Iran war began
Brent crude dropped below $74 a barrel on Wednesday for the first time since the start of the Iran war in late February, as investors continued to price out the geopolitical risk premium that had driven energy markets higher during the conflict.
Iran
Iran and US make progress on Hormuz despite Trump's explosive threats
JD Vance said 18 hours of talks in Switzerland had "laid a very good foundation" after both sides agreed a mechanism to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and maintain Lebanon's ceasefire, even as Trump threatened to hit Iran "only harder".
Markets
Oil slips on US-Iran talks progress as pound falls on Starmer exit
Oil prices retreated on Monday after signs of progress in US-Iran negotiations eased fears of ongoing supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. In the UK, market watchers turned their attention to the departure of the country's prime minister.
Iran
Trump warns of Hormuz tolls as ships pass despite Iran's closure claim
Iran's IRGC said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz over Israeli strikes on Lebanon, but CENTCOM said 55 ships carrying 17 million barrels of oil transited unhindered. Trump meanwhile warned of US tolls if a final deal was not reached within 60 days.
Iran
US and Iran sign deal, but who really won? Here's what to know
Trump signed the framework deal at Versailles while Pezeshkian signed in Tehran, pledging to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and triggering 60 days of further talks. Analysts say the terms leave Tehran in a stronger position than the deal's framing suggests.
Europe News
Shipping industry wary of resuming Strait of Hormuz navigation
The world's most important energy chokepoint may soon reopen, but insurance markets must regain confidence for the shipping sector to resume normal navigation. Meanwhile, Germany has dispatched two naval vessels for a possible mine clearance operation.
Markets
Oil sinks further as US and Iran strike deal to end war
Crude prices fell further on Thursday after the US and Iran formally signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while equity markets gave a mixed verdict in the wake of the Federal Reserve's latest decision.
Economy
Oil sinks to three-month low as IEA warns stocks at 35-year low
Oil prices fell below $80 per barrel as markets grew increasingly confident that the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is coming to an end. This comes as strategic oil reserves in advanced economies have fallen to their lowest level since 1990, according to the IEA.
Qatar
Qatar 'cautiously optimistic' on US-Iran deal before Friday's signing
Qatar said the framework agreement to be signed on Friday was a first step rather than a final settlement, adding that it would take time to return to "business as usual" even once the Strait of Hormuz reopens. Trump separately praised Qatar's mediating role and its "great bravery".
Iran
Ships start to trickle through Hormuz, but question of control lingers
Trump said the strait would be "completely open" by Friday, but key details over who will manage the crucial waterway remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Iran has made further claims that it will control Hormuz in the future based on its interpretation of the framework deal with the US.
World News
US allies propose to lead demining mission of Strait of Hormuz
Trump appeared hesitant to accept the European proposal, stressing that the strategic waterway will become open and safe thanks to his tentative deal to end the war with Iran, but remained open to the idea of some naval presence to ensure water safety for commercial passage.