Iran and Oman have signalled that they are close to reaching an agreement on arrangements for commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes of a breakthrough in the crisis that has disrupted one of the world's most important energy corridors.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has announced that one of its vessels was targeted by a missile today while transiting the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday (August 8). The incident resulted in no injuries, and the situation has been brought under control, said ADNOC in a statement.
The UAE joined the trade ministers from the BRICS group as they met in India to discuss ways to strengthen the multilateral trading system, improving trade resilience and market connectivity, as well as supporting SMEs amid growing challenges to global commerce owing to Strait of Hormuz shutdown.
Saudi Aramco reported a strong financial performance for the first half of 2026, posting adjusted net income of $67.2 billion, as the world's largest oil producer maintained crude supplies despite unprecedented disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran called on the US to accept defeat while President Donald Trump blasted Tehran as 'very evil' and told Americans to brace for continued high fuel prices as progress toward peace talks and oil tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz gateway remained halted, said a report.
Bulk carriers carrying elemental sulphur cargoes in the Strait of Hormuz are at significant risk of accelerated structural corrosion, with some vessels having remained at anchorage for more than three times the standard cargo protection period, according to a leading marine consultancy expert.
Oil prices rose more than 4% at settlement on Friday, hitting their highest levels in over a month amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Brent Crude futures surged by $3.87 (4.59%) to settle at $88.10 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures surged by 4.48% to $82.49.
The United States launched fresh waves of air strikes against Iran on Wednesday, targeting military infrastructure linked to Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated with attacks on US military sites across the region, pushing the Gulf closer to a broader conflict.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday abandoned a proposal to impose a 20% transit fee on cargo shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington would instead pursue trade and investment agreements with Gulf states amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Oil prices are climbing once again, and with them, fears that inflation could make an unwelcome return. Renewed tensions between the US and Iran have shifted investors' attention back to the impact of higher energy costs on the global economy, said a leading global market strategist.
