Economy Iran war energy shock drives nuclear power plans in Asia and Africa The Iran war has exposed the fragility of global fossil fuel supply chains. Now dozens of countries across Asia and Africa are turning to nuclear power as their answer. 17/04/2026
Markets S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new all-time highs despite Iran war effects The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed at record highs on Wednesday despite the Iran war dragging on, the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely blocked and global economic growth forecasts being cut amid rising inflation. 16/04/2026
Economy IEA warns of historic oil supply shock as Iran war disruption persists The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned of an unprecedented energy shock, with global oil production plunging by over 10 million barrels per day in March, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran fail. 14/04/2026
Climate France is turning its back on fossil fuels – with a €240m plan French Prime Minister Sébastian Lecornu says electrification is now a concern of ‘national interest’ and no longer just about climate change. 10/04/2026
Markets Oil pushes past $97 again as markets eye ceasefire doubts Oil clawed back above $97 a barrel Thursday as investors bet the US-Iran ceasefire will not last, and the near-shut Strait of Hormuz is doing little to convince them otherwise. 09/04/2026
Europe News How long can the EU’s oil reserves last? The 400 million barrels of oil released by the International Energy Agency — of which 92 million barrels were contributed by 20 EU countries — could last about five months, according to analysts. The bloc also relies on storage reserves. 03/04/2026
Markets Gold and silver plummet then soar on Trump's Iran statement Middle East conflict was supposed to boost precious metals. Instead, oil and rate fears have sent silver crashing 40%, and gold is feeling it too. 23/03/2026
Economy Brent crude oil crosses $119 after Iran hit largest Qatari energy site Brent crude oil traded briefly above $119 a barrel after Iran struck Qatar’s largest energy site, the Ras Laffan gas field. The attack was in response to Israeli strikes against the Iranian South Pars gas field. 19/03/2026
Economy Oil surges to $110 after Israel hits Iran's energy facilities Brent crude oil prices surged to $110 a barrel after Israel attacked the largest gas plant and another oil facility in Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran (IRGC) reacted by announcing that some Gulf energy sites are "legitimate targets". 18/03/2026
Economy Explainer: Why Kharg Island is vital to Iran and the global economy Strikes have already hit military infrastructure on a small Iranian island in the Persian Gulf — but if oil facilities are targeted next, the global economy could face a serious shock. 16/03/2026
Earth News Fossil fuel shocks strengthen Gulf investment in African renewables Gulf oil money is flowing into African renewables – and the Iran war is only accelerating the trend. 16/03/2026
Economy Hormuz becomes world's costliest waterway after 300% premium surge Missile threats, soaring insurance premiums and suspended voyages are reshaping the trade that once went through Hormuz — and consumers will feel it within weeks. 16/03/2026
Economy Oil prices rise as Trump presses allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz Oil prices continue to rise as the Iran war enters its third week, with President Trump pushing allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz as investors react to threats facing Middle Eastern export facilities. 16/03/2026
Qatar The Iran war could trigger deeper economic fallout than markets expect Beyond the battlefield, the Iran war is exposing fragile economic chokepoints from energy routes to fertilisers and industrial gases, raising concerns among economists that supply disruptions could shape global prices and trade long after the conflict ends. 16/03/2026
Economy US expands Russian oil waiver to all countries in bid to cool prices The US has expanded a temporary sanctions waiver on the purchase of stranded Russian oil from India alone to all countries worldwide as part of ongoing efforts to ease pressure on global energy prices. 13/03/2026
Economy Could oil prices really reach $200 a barrel as claimed by Iran? As the Iran war approaches the two-week mark, energy markets are bracing for a potential "super shock". The IRGC has repeatedly threatened to push oil prices up to $200 per barrel, leveraging its control over the Strait of Hormuz, but how realistic is this scenario? 12/03/2026