Central Asia Is Escaping The 'Backyard' Label

Israeli forces killed a five-year-old boy in Gaza on Thursday, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported, as IDF attacks have continued across the Strip amid the US-Israeli war against Iran. Sources told WAFA that the boy, identified as Samih Shehab Samih Marou, was killed by Israeli fire in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. On Wednesday night, […]

US-Iran MOU Eases Energy Prices But Faces Sharp Pushback From Israel And GOP Hawks Summary: The US and Iran signed a preliminary cease-fire agreement at the G7 summit in France. Energy prices fell as some Saudi supertankers resumed crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The deal includes a $300 billion private reconstruction fund and temporary Iranian oil export waivers. Iranian officials declared themselves the clear winner. The agreement has opened significant new divisions within the Republican Party. Israel described the deal as a major strategic setback. US Vice President Vance will meet Iranian officials in Switzerland on Friday. Energy...

Chinese Refiners Pay Record Premiums For Russian ESPO Crude Authored by Irina Slav via OilPrice.com, Chinese refiners are paying a hefty premium for Russia's ESPO crude to replace Iranian crude that independent refiners were importing before the U.S. installed its naval blockade on the country. East Siberia-Pacific Ocean crude, or ESPO, for delivery in November is trading at a premium of over $7 per barrel, with offers reaching as high as $10 per barrel over Brent crude, Bloomberg reported today, citing traders. The blend is loaded from Russia's Far East coast and...