A UK-sanctioned tanker carrying nearly 1 million barrels of oil has become further submerged off Oman's coast after being grounded for several weeks, with the oil spill expanding to over 232 square miles and threatening the Hallaniyat Islands marine protected area and endangered wildlife.
Iran announced that negotiations with Oman on new shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz are in final stages, but insisted the waterway will not reopen until the U.S. provides compensation, lifts sanctions, and meets other demands. The announcement came as the UAE reported an Iranian missile strike on one of its ships in the strait.
Following U.S. warnings, Ukraine has agreed not to target certain non-Russian oil tankers and Black Sea infrastructure critical for Kazakhstan's crude oil exports, including the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal. The agreement comes after Ukrainian strikes in July halted loadings and disrupted energy supplies to Europe.
The Senate overwhelmingly approved sweeping Russian sanctions legislation Friday that would allow President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on the world's top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China. The bill, championed by Sen. Lindsey Graham before his unexpected death in July, now heads to the House of Representatives.
The Senate overwhelmingly approved sweeping Russian sanctions legislation Friday that would allow President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on the world's top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China. The bill, championed by Sen. Lindsey Graham before his unexpected death in July, now heads to the House of Representatives.
Britain announced a fresh package of sanctions on August 6, 2026, targeting six Russian banks, six shadow fleet tankers, and rare metals importers in an effort to disrupt oil revenues and financial networks funding Russia's war in Ukraine. The measures add 19 new entries to the UK's Russia sanctions list.
Iran's parliament is considering legislation that would prohibit vessels linked to the United States, Israel, and other "hostile countries" from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while imposing fines of up to 20% of cargo value on violators. The Trump administration has rejected the proposed restrictions on the strategic waterway through which significant global oil traffic passes.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on August 6, 2026, targeting five Cuban entities and eight individuals accused of procuring military equipment from China and Russia, including Cuba's senior military representative in Beijing.
The U.S. Treasury Department removed counter-terrorism sanctions from Iraq's Fly Baghdad Airlines and two of its aircraft that were imposed in 2024 over alleged links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, citing changes in the airline's behavior. The airline's owner, Basheer Al-Shabbani, remains under active U.S. sanctions.
China's Commerce Ministry announced retaliatory measures against seven US entities, imposed stricter export controls on drones and related technology bound for the US, and restricted US agencies' role in Chinese factory inspections. The actions come in response to recent US moves targeting Chinese companies and ahead of a scheduled visit by President Xi Jinping to meet President Trump.
Damascus has committed to significantly reducing imports of Russian crude oil as part of ongoing discussions with Washington over lifting Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism designation. Russian oil shipments to Syria had jumped 75% to approximately 60,000 barrels per day this year before the agreement.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on August 3, 2026, imposing sanctions on 23 companies and 20 individuals connected to Russia's defense industry, targeting suppliers of components for ballistic weapons production. The sanctions list includes one Ukrainian-registered company.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine will seek to generate sufficient diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Moscow to end the war before winter 2026 begins. The announcement comes amid continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries and warehouses.
An EU naval mission led by Italy boarded a tanker from Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' in international waters off Pantelleria, between Sicily and Tunisia, marking the second such operation in less than two weeks. The operation was conducted with support from Greek and Polish forces as part of arms and oil trafficking monitoring efforts.
The US Senate advanced sweeping sanctions legislation targeting Russia's energy revenues as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington. The bill, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham who died earlier this month, cleared its first procedural hurdle.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the United States for what he called 'genocidal' practices and accused Washington of seeking to seize control of the island, as Cuba endures severe economic hardship from a US oil embargo imposed in January 2026 and additional sanctions.
The European Union approved its 21st package of sanctions against Russia on July 23, 2026, imposing transaction bans on 14 cryptocurrency platforms and operators accused of helping Russia evade sanctions, including entities tied to the A7 Network. The package also targets 48 individuals and 170 organizations across energy, financial services, and shipping sectors.
China announced it is banning exports of dual-use items to 14 European Union entities, including German defense company Rheinmetall, effective immediately. The move is in direct retaliation for the EU's latest round of sanctions against Russia that penalized 14 Chinese enterprises.
President Donald Trump said Iranian money in the possession or control of the United States would be used to pay for damage to ships, cargo or related property. Trump did not specify the amount of money involved, the legal authority for using it, or how claims would be assessed and compensation distributed.
The U.S. State Department released a 100-page report alleging that Cuba has operated a sophisticated intelligence network that penetrated the Pentagon, National Security Council, and State Department, while also promoting far-left extremism and cultivating American activists. The report, titled 'Cuba Report: The Capital of 21st Century Communism,' comes as the Trump administration expands sanctions against the communist government.
Greece vetoed the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package to shield Dynagas, a Greek LNG shipping company owned by George Prokopiou, from a proposed ban on transporting Russian LNG to third countries. Athens' objection delayed the package by at least a week after three days of failed negotiations.
A Ukrainian drone attack on July 14, 2026, forced the shutdown of the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat petrochemical complex in Bashkortostan, which handles approximately 2.7% of Russia's oil refining capacity. Two main refining units were damaged, with repairs potentially taking weeks or months.
The US announced it will enforce a maritime blockade on Iran effective July 14, 2026 at 2000 GMT, applying restrictions to all vessel traffic regardless of flag. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) indicated that force may be used against non-compliant vessels.
The United States Department of the Treasury has sanctioned Cuba's Ministry of Tourism and other state-owned companies, expanding existing sanctions to target a key sector of Cuba's economy amid growing tensions between the two countries.
President Donald Trump declared the United States will become the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the strategic waterway, while simultaneously announcing the reimposition of a naval blockade on Iran. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions with Iran and includes U.S. military strikes.
A bipartisan group of senators announced they have reached an agreement with the Trump administration to advance new Russian sanctions legislation, raising the prospect of increased U.S. economic pressure on Russia.
Russia has imposed a full ban on diesel exports following systematic Ukrainian drone attacks on its oil refineries that caused widespread domestic fuel shortages and price spikes. The move comes as global energy markets face additional strain from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump said he would remove Syria from the state sponsor of terrorism designation during a bilateral meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Turkey, clearing the way for private-sector investment in Syria.
Ukraine launched a sustained campaign of drone attacks targeting Russian refineries, oil depots, and fuel tankers, striking over 20 vessels and multiple facilities in recent days. The offensive has triggered fuel shortages across Russia, prompting Moscow to ban diesel exports to stabilize domestic supplies.
NATO leaders convened in Ankara for their annual summit amid escalating tensions, as Russian attacks on Ukraine killed seven people and U.S. President Donald Trump rejected proposals for new sanctions against Russia, highlighting divisions within the alliance.
President Donald Trump stated he will lift sanctions on Turkey and make a decision on selling F-35 fighter jets to Ankara during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a NATO summit. The move represents a significant policy shift despite concerns from Israel and questions about Turkey's S-400 missile defense system.
The United States military conducted air strikes against targets in southern Iran in retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Trump administration simultaneously revoked sanctions waivers on Iranian oil sales. Iran has vowed a 'crushing response' to the strikes.
Ukrainian forces have attacked 19 tankers from Russia's 'shadow fleet' over three days, targeting vessels delivering fuel to Russian-occupied Crimea in the Sea of Azov. The strikes represent an intensified effort by Kyiv to isolate the peninsula.
Russia is experiencing widespread fuel shortages leading to extensive queues at petrol stations, rising prices, and growing public frustration. The crisis, linked to Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries and the ongoing war's economic toll, has forced Putin to publicly acknowledge the problem in a rare admission of domestic difficulty.
The UN General Assembly held a debate on the decades-long US embargo against Cuba after an overwhelming vote approved Havana's request. The session featured heated exchanges, with Cuba's foreign minister denouncing the 'ruthless' blockade and accusing the US of committing an 'act of war' over fuel shipment restrictions, while US Ambassador Mike Waltz delivered a sharp rebuke to the Cuban delegation.
Authorities have identified a suspect and issued an arrest warrant following a parcel bomb attack in Monaco that seriously wounded sanctioned Ukrainian-born oligarch Vadym Iermolaiev and two others. The bombing occurred outside an apartment building in the wealthy principality, shattering the city-state's sense of security.
Months of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have created a severe fuel shortage, forcing the Kremlin to take the rare step of importing gasoline while long lines form at gas stations across the country. The crisis has compelled Russia to tap into fuel reserves as refinery capacity remains crippled.
Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran in Doha, Qatar, mediated by Qatari and Pakistani officials, concluded with both sides agreeing to establish a communication channel to report violations of their memorandum of understanding. However, the talks ended in stalemate over broader issues, with US officials stating that $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets will not be released until Tehran fulfills the terms of the agreement.
Iran's president announced that $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar would be released, as negotiations with the United States face challenges following weekend attacks across the Persian Gulf region.
Ukraine has launched major drone attacks on Russian targets including a Moscow satellite communications center, killing civilians, while weeks of strikes on refineries have created a severe fuel shortage forcing Russia to import gasoline and implement rationing in Siberia. The escalation comes as Putin indicates willingness to host U.S. negotiators.
French naval forces intercepted and seized a Russia-linked oil tanker named Deliver off the coast of Sicily on Tuesday, according to President Emmanuel Macron. The seizure is part of escalating European efforts to enforce sanctions and disrupt Russia's shadow fleet operations that help circumvent oil export restrictions.
Multiple oil tankers sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday using a UN-recommended route despite Iranian threats, as oil prices dropped to pre-conflict levels following US-Iran talks in Switzerland that resulted in partial sanctions relief. One cargo ship was reportedly hit by a projectile during the passage.
Technical negotiations between Iran and the United States in Switzerland have concluded successfully, with both sides expressing optimism and reaching an agreement to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The talks, aimed at implementing a ceasefire and ending hostilities, were followed by cyber attacks on Iranian state-owned banks.
Ukraine has escalated attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea, causing fuel shortages for civilians, power outages, and forcing authorities to cancel the tourism season as part of a strategy to cut off the peninsula from mainland Russia and increase the cost of occupation.
The United States has authorized Iranian oil sales through August, easing decades-old sanctions following productive negotiations in Switzerland. The move comes as part of a broader push toward a final peace deal involving nuclear inspections and free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Vice President JD Vance met with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland, describing the talks as laying a "good foundation" for a deal to end hostilities. However, Iran disputed Vance's claim about allowing nuclear inspectors back, while President Trump threatened further attacks even as his administration waived sanctions and pursued financial concessions.
Russian-occupied Crimea suspended civilian gasoline sales and restricted public services following intensified Ukrainian attacks on oil facilities, while Russia weighs a diesel export ban to address domestic fuel shortages. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the government is considering export restrictions as refineries face continued strikes.
The United States and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire and 'road map' for negotiations following nearly four months of conflict, with Pakistan and Qatar mediating talks in Switzerland. The agreement includes partial lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil but leaves unresolved questions about Iran's nuclear program.
President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit in France, signaling a renewed focus on ending the Ukraine war as the Iran conflict moves to the "rearview." G7 leaders pledged to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and tighten sanctions on Russia, with French President Emmanuel Macron welcoming a "re-synchronisation" of U.S. positions on Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Cuba claims its healthcare system is struggling under US energy sanctions affecting children's health and daily life, even as US exports to Cuba have jumped dramatically in 2026 through businesses exploiting a trade loophole to send fuel, food, vehicles and other goods past Trump administration sanctions.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled fresh energy sanctions on Russia and a £210 million deal to support Ukraine's nuclear plants for two years at the G7 summit in France. The announcement came as the BBC reported that arson attacks targeting Starmer last year have been linked to Russia.
Royal Marine Commandos and specialist forces intercepted the Russian shadow fleet vessel SMYRTOS attempting to pass through the English Channel in a six-hour operation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the interception, marking a significant enforcement action against Russia's sanctions-evading oil transport network.
Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that escalating Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries, fuel depots, and infrastructure are impacting Russia's economy and society, while new polling shows Russian citizens increasingly critical of his economic policies amid ongoing sanctions and military pressures.
Iran has exported 40 million barrels of oil at a 20% premium following the end of U.S. sanctions enforcement, while its strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz appears to be diminishing as Gulf Arab oil reaches markets through alternative routes.
The UK, Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and New Zealand announced joint sanctions targeting Israeli settlers and entities involved in violence in the occupied West Bank, including a far-right Israeli cabinet minister. However, human rights groups and Palestinian campaigners criticized the measures as insufficient, arguing they fail to address systemic Israeli state complicity in what Amnesty International has characterized as ethnic cleansing.
The European Commission announced plans to ban current and former Russian soldiers from entering EU territory as part of its next sanctions package, which also targets Russian banks, cryptocurrency firms, and oil revenues. The proposal has sparked debate about why the measure is limited to military personnel rather than all Russian citizens.
Iran's football federation announced that its ticket allocation for the 2026 World Cup has been withdrawn just days before the tournament begins, leaving Iranian supporters who had already made travel arrangements unable to attend matches. FIFA says it is working to resolve the situation and maximize opportunities for Iranian fans to attend.
A US fighter jet fired on the oil tanker Settebello (also reported as MT Marivex) in the Gulf of Oman for violating a US blockade on Iran, sparking a fire that forced evacuation of the Indian crew. Three sailors remain missing while 21 were rescued, prompting India to summon a US diplomat in protest.
The Russian government is preparing to introduce fees and trade restrictions on cryptocurrencies issued by companies based in Western jurisdictions, potentially affecting billions in annual trading volume and marking a geopolitical shift in crypto regulation.
The European Union has proposed its 21st package of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, targeting the country's banks, cryptocurrency networks, drone production, oil traders and refiners. The package includes 80 proposed listings aimed at Russia's military industrial complex, human rights violators and propagandists, adding to what the EU estimates is a $1.5 trillion cumulative economic hit on Russia.
The European Union sanctioned two Iranian individuals and an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unit for restricting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway handling approximately one-fifth of global oil flows. The blockade has escalated tensions amid broader conflict with Israel and reports of vessels evading restrictions through covert routes.
The United States plans to make Iranian assets available to compensate Gulf allies for damage caused by Iranian attacks, following an assessment by US Treasury Secretary Bessent's team of the costs inflicted by Iran on regional partners.
Negotiations between the United States and Iran have reached a deadlock over the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, according to a senior Iranian adviser, while Tehran organizes nightly pro-government demonstrations amid internal tensions and warnings of potential wider conflict.
Iran's navy fired warning missiles and drones at US warships in the Gulf of Oman on Friday, accusing American forces of harassing maritime traffic, one day after the US Treasury imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian entities and LPG tankers. The confrontation comes amid broader geopolitical tensions as the House separately approved Ukraine aid and Russian sanctions.
The Trump administration announced new economic sanctions targeting Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife, and members of the Castro family, marking the latest escalation in US pressure on Cuba's leadership amid ongoing food shortages and blackouts on the island.
French naval forces boarded and detained the Tagor, a Russian oil tanker circumventing international sanctions, in the Atlantic Ocean. President Macron announced the operation as part of enforcement efforts against sanction violations.
Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating three individuals suspected of smuggling at least one shipment of Nvidia AI chips to China by first routing them through Japan, according to people familiar with the matter.
The UK government designated Huobi Global S.A. (operating HTX exchange advised by Justin Sun) and other crypto entities under its Russia sanctions regime, marking the first time crypto exchanges have been sanctioned under this framework for alleged sanctions evasion and ties to Russian financial networks.
The UK government quietly relaxed sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports as energy prices surge following the Strait of Hormuz closure. The move has drawn criticism from EU allies and opposition parties, with Brussels complaining about the surprise decision.
Britain has postponed implementing sanctions that would ban imports of diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude oil in third countries, citing supply issues and rising fuel prices caused by the Iran war. The ban was originally announced in October.
Iran's state-backed 'Hormuz Safe' platform offers Bitcoin-settled maritime insurance for cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with the country projecting $10 billion in revenue. The service allows sanctioned shippers to pay premiums in cryptocurrency for instant digital coverage.
EU foreign ministers agreed to sanction Israeli settlers over violence against Palestinians, ending a years-long deadlock after Hungary's new government dropped its veto. The decision also includes sanctions on Hamas leaders.
Britain sanctioned 12 individuals and entities linked to Iran, accusing them of involvement in hostile activity including plotting attacks and providing financial services to groups seeking to destabilize the region.
The US Treasury sanctioned 12 entities for facilitating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps oil sales to China, warning of potential secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions, including those connected to China's independent oil refineries.
EU foreign ministers formally green-lighted sanctions targeting violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating 'extremisms and violence carry consequences.' Israeli PM Netanyahu condemned the move as 'moral bankruptcy.'
President Trump rejected Iran's latest response to US peace proposals, calling the terms 'totally unacceptable' and stating the ceasefire is on 'life support.' Iran had reportedly sought permanent end to hostilities while leaving contentious issues like sanctions for later negotiations.
EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels are set to approve sanctions on Israeli settlers, with the breakthrough coming after Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar replaced Viktor Orbán, who had previously blocked such measures.
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Iraq's Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij al-Bahadly and leaders of pro-Iran militias, accusing them of facilitating Iranian oil sales in violation of US sanctions. The move represents continued American pressure on Baghdad to distance itself from Tehran and crack down on Iran-backed armed groups.
China has invoked blocking measures prohibiting Chinese entities from complying with US sanctions on Iranian oil refineries, escalating tensions ahead of President Trump's planned visit to Beijing. The move directly challenges US enforcement efforts targeting Iran's oil trade.
Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez called on the EU to activate its blocking statute against US sanctions, specifically targeting those imposed on officials defending international justice. The blocking law was previously applied against US sanctions during the Trump administration.
China's Ministry of Commerce issued an injunction blocking US sanctions against five Chinese refineries, including Hengli Petrochemical, that were accused of purchasing billions in Iranian oil. The move marks a significant escalation in the US-China dispute over Iran sanctions enforcement.
The Trump administration imposed economic sanctions on a major China-based oil refinery and approximately 40 shipping companies and tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil, as the global energy trade remains in turmoil from the Persian Gulf conflict.
The European Union formally approved its 20th package of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, targeting additional Russian banks, cryptocurrency operations, and trade restrictions. The package includes measures to cut sanctioned banks from SWIFT and further restrictions on financial services.
China unveiled new regulations aimed at countering 'unjustified' extraterritorial use of foreign laws, threatening EU firms with reciprocal measures if the bloc targets Chinese companies under proposed cybersecurity regulations. The move is seen as reinforcing China's 'legal shield' against external pressure amid the Iran war and Panama port dispute.
The Trump administration issued a one-month sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil already loaded at sea, despite Treasury Secretary Bessent previously indicating no such waiver would be granted. The move underscores how the Iran war fallout has made it easier for Moscow to profit from energy exports.
The Ketman Project, funded by an Ethereum Foundation stipend, identified approximately 100 North Korean IT workers who had infiltrated 53 different crypto projects over a six-month investigation period.
The International Monetary Fund and World Bank announced they are resuming formal engagement with Venezuela, which had been suspended since 2019, paving the way for financial support and legitimizing the country's interim government.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the US will temporarily allow the sale of Iranian oil shipments already in transit, estimated to add 140 million barrels to the market. The move comes as oil prices hit their highest settlement since July 2022 amid Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
President Donald Trump has signed multiple executive orders threatening to impose tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran or provide oil to Cuba, escalating economic pressure on both nations and potentially affecting major trading partners like Mexico.
The United Arab Emirates has agreed to unlock billions of dollars for Iran after weeks of Iranian attacks on the Gulf state, marking a significant tactical shift in regional relations during the US-Israeli conflict period.
