US IRAQ RELATIONS
US asks Iraq to shut most Iran border crossings, Iraqi foreign minister says
The US Treasury has requested Iraq to close most border crossings with Iran for increased economic pressure. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein mentioned the challenges of implementing these closures due to economic concerns. Currently, Iraq is negotiating with the US regarding the border situation. Recently, Iraq closed the Sheeb border crossing for security and anti-smuggling measures. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between the US and Iran affecting Iraq's border policies.
Trump discusses West Asia de-escalation with Qatar's emir; at least 30 killed in airstrikes in Yemen
US President Trump spoke with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim about reducing tensions in West Asia. They focused on Qatar's mediation efforts to achieve security and stability in the region. In Yemen, airstrikes on a market resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people amidst ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Italy's Foreign Ministry is seeking the release of detained Italians in the West Bank.
US Midterm Election 2026 Results: List of Republican candidates who have won seats in the Senate
In the midst of the midterm elections, Republican candidates are poised to gain several Senate seats. Florida’s Ashley Moody has narrowly edged out Democrat Angie Nixon, while Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia appears set for her third term after overcoming Rachel Fetty Anderson. Additionally, Harriet Hageman has secured her Senate position in Wyoming, taking over from Cynthia Lummins.
Bombs, billions, and household bills: How much is the US-Iran war costing America and its people? Here's all about the war's price tag
By mid-October 2023, the US-Iran war had incurred costs totaling $47 billion, not counting damages to military bases following Iranian assaults. American households are bearing the brunt, each incurring around $2,000, mainly due to skyrocketing energy expenses. With the Pentagon reporting an ammunition deficit amid this escalating conflict, concerns are growing regarding the long-term economic fallout from sustained military engagement.
Oil Price Today (October 28): Crude oil at $116 as Saudi Arabian refinery comes under attack $120 in sight?
Crude oil price : Oil prices have risen due to an attack on Saudi Arabia's largest oil refinery by Yemen's Houthis. Concerns regarding supply disruptions have intensified amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The missile strike and previous Houthi attacks on oil facilities have affected Saudi operations. Analysts project varying future trends for oil prices based on potential disruptions and geopolitical developments. The situation continues to evolve, impacting market expectations and production strategies.
Donald Trump approval ratings improve ahead of November 3 US midterm elections. Will it help Republicans?
With Donald Trump approval ratings touching historic lows, he has left little doubt, despite his public claims to the contrary, that he sees the straight line voters are drawing between his foreign policy and their cost of living.
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Oil Price Today (October 23): Crude oil ticks over $114, jumps nearly 8% this week as energy attacks intensify. What are experts saying?
Brent crude futures rose 50 cents, or 0.45%, to $114.02 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 40 cents, or 0.42%, to $100.
Oil Price Today (October 22): Crude oil above $112 as energy infra attacks heighten supply fears. More tension ahead?
Brent crude traded 3% higher at $112.38 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading more than $100 a barrel. Brent had settled largely unchanged on Wednesday, while WTI had eased 67 cents.
US announces new Iran-related sanctions targeting 16 people, 10 entities
The United States has imposed sanctions on 16 individuals and 10 entities connected to Iran's financial operations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that these measures target Iran's military funding sources and financial networks. The sanctions aim to dismantle offshore banks and shadow financiers aiding Iran's economy. Entities like the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance have been implicated in supporting Iranian activities.
Strong majority of voters believes Trump is failing at home and abroad: AP-NORC poll
Federal authorities are investigating suspicious mailings received by congressional and election offices across the country. With Election Day approaching, the mailings are deemed potentially hazardous by law enforcement. In time, US President Trump plans to host rallies in support of Republican candidates in Iowa. Candidates are also navigating fundraising challenges as the midterm elections draw near. The political landscape appears increasingly competitive with various races across states tight.
Trump's ‘mother of all bombs’ hit on Iran could be a fireworks show
The US military is contemplating a potential strike against Iran using the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as MOAB. Proposed targets include Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, particularly at Pickaxe Mountain. Despite its destructive capability, the MOAB may not effectively disable deeply buried nuclear facilities, raising questions about its effectiveness.
Pakistan pilots banned: Why Air France and other airlines are restricting crew from Pak
Pakistan pilots along with some other nationals have been banned by Air France, United Airlines and Smartwings. The rules apply to pilots and cabin crew, including those with dual citizenship, and have come under scrutiny after an Ethiopian Airlines flight returned to Addis Ababa to replace an Indonesian pilot.
Could Iran target the Gulf’s digital backbone? The risks to data centres and internet cables explained
Iran's warning raises concerns about the vulnerability of Gulf data centres and digital infrastructure to potential attacks. Recent escalations have already disrupted Amazon Web Services facilities in the UAE and Bahrain, highlighting the risk. The Gulf has invested significantly in emerging technologies, making security a critical focus for governments and companies. Developing alternative routes for connectivity will be essential to mitigate these threats.
IMF raises 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%, warns of rising risks from war and debt
The IMF projects global growth of 3.1% in 2026, supported by AI infrastructure investment, but warns that prolonged Middle East conflict, elevated energy prices, rising debt and uneven growth pose mounting risks to the global economic outlook.
Iran-US war: Is key Donald Trump ally Saudi Arabia losing battle against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen?
Iran-US war: The latest attack on the Saudi airport drew condemnations from Arab countries, including Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, as well as U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Saudi Arabia extends closure of airport after 12 killed in suspected Houthi missile attack
Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of its main international airport due to Houthi missile threats. A recent missile strike on Riyadh airport resulted in 12 deaths and over 300 injuries, marking a significant escalation. International leaders have condemned the attack, expressing concern over regional stability. The Houthis warned that their attacks would continue against Saudi airports and other targets. Meanwhile, U.S.
‘We have all of those elements’ in India, says BP CEO Meg O’Neill as firm weighs oil and gas bids under Samudra Manthan scheme
India's government has introduced the Samudra Manthan policy to enhance energy security through increased oil exploration. BP's CEO Meg O'Neill highlighted India's attractive conditions for foreign investment and exploration. This policy involves significant funding to support the development of discovered resources. BP is actively exploring current opportunities, aiming for growth and development in its portfolio. The company intends to remain independent while adapting to evolving global energy landscapes.
A 2009 military base massacre, 13 deaths and a live-streamed execution: The Nidal Hasan case explained
Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, faces execution by firing squad scheduled for December 3, 2026. The execution will mark the first military capital punishment since 1961 and involve a livestream broadcast. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims the public must witness the consequences of Hasan's crimes. The plan raises ethical questions about the nature of public executions and their implications for capital punishment.
US military to livestream firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, Pentagon official says
The US military will execute Nidal Hasan by firing squad at Fort Hood. Hasan, responsible for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, will be the first to face this execution method since 1945. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the execution will be made public and livestreamed. This decision underscores the seriousness of the consequences for such actions in the military.
Trump approves firing-squad execution of 2009 Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan
The US military has moved closer to executing Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding more than 30 in the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting in Texas.
Trump’s diesel squeeze may put Indian refiners in a sweet spot, and a bind
A potential US diesel export ban could worsen an already tight global fuel market by removing about 1.2 million barrels a day of supply at a time when Middle Eastern, Russian and Chinese exports are constrained. Europe would be particularly exposed, while India could gain export opportunities for its refiners but also face higher crude and domestic fuel costs as global buyers compete for scarce diesel.
India's crude imports hit 2026 high in September as Gulf supplies surge despite Hormuz risks
India’s crude oil imports rose to a 2026-high of 5.26 million barrels per day in September as Gulf supplies surged, with Iraq becoming the country’s second-largest supplier after Russia. Increased flows through the Strait of Hormuz have offered Indian refiners more access to Middle Eastern crude amid pressure to diversify from Russian oil.
Putin sees ‘very big potential’ in India ties, backs joint use of global trade corridors
Vladimir Putin highlighted significant potential for economic collaboration with India, particularly in transport and shipping corridors. He expressed readiness for joint maritime initiatives following successful pilot voyages with China and South Korea. Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts towards resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding. Meanwhile, discussions about alternative trade routes to the Indian Ocean are gaining traction to mitigate regional transit risks.
School assembly news headlines for October 1: Top India, international, sports and business updates
School assembly news headlines for October 1 bring the latest updates from India, international affairs, sports and business. Key stories include India’s Asian Games gold medals, major government decisions, global developments, security operations, Mumbai’s property market, automobile price changes and important developments in the energy and cement sectors.
Explained: How the US controls Iraq's oil revenues
US troops are set to leave their last bases in Iraq, but Washington will retain significant economic leverage through Iraq’s oil revenues, which remain held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The arrangement supports financial stability and dollar access, but has also given the US influence over Baghdad and helped enforce pressure on Iran-linked financial networks.
Oil Price Today (September 30): Crude oil at $104 as Trump rejects easing Iran sanctions. What are experts saying?
Brent crude futures rose $1.14, or 1.11%, to $103.73, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 15 cents, or 0.30%, to $89.50 a barrel. Brent is on track for a monthly gain of around 14%, which would be its biggest rise since July. WTI is set for a 4% monthly increase after earlier crossing $106 a barrel for the first time since May.
India's Russian crude imports fall to five-month low as refiners diversify supplies
India's crude oil landscape shifted in September as imports from Russia plummeted to their lowest since April, prompting refiners to seek alternatives. Despite this drop, overall crude imports surged, bolstered by robust refinery activity and rising fuel requirements. Increased supplies from Iraq and Saudi Arabia have effectively offset the reduction of Russian crude. This scenario underscores the flexibility of Indian refiners to navigate geopolitical uncertainties and evolving market demands.
Iraq seeks exemption from US ban on Iran airlines
Iraq is currently negotiating with the United States for an exemption from the recent ban on Iranian airlines. This ban has caused significant travel disruptions at airports, especially in Najaf, impacting patients and students. Many Iraqis are expressing concern over losing access to medical treatment and the potential for long land journeys home. The Iraqi government cites humanitarian reasons for requesting the exemption to restore necessary flights.
‘India’s UNSC claim is strong — big powers are failing their UN role’
Richard Caplan emphasizes the limited role of the United Nations in current conflicts like Ukraine-Russia and US-Iran. He highlights how the UN struggles to enforce collective security due to actions by permanent members of the Security Council. While the UN has made some humanitarian contributions, significant issues remain unaddressed. Caplan also critiques the diminished institutional power of the UN under recent US administrations.
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