Themes
Iran War18
Ukraine War14
UK6
US8
China7
France4
Germany9
India7
Japan7
Turkiye8Africa7
Asia9
Europe7
Middle East8
South America11
Rest of the World4
Technology3
Business7
Climate3
Oil18
International (retired)4
Choose a theme above to see every event logged for it since 28 June 2026, newest first.
Iran WarLogged 3 September 2026
The US struck around 100 targets in Iran on 1 September in response to Iran attacking ships in Hormuz, ending a month-long pause.
Iran responded by attacking US bases in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan and Kuwait.
Ukraine WarLogged 3 September 2026
Mutual strikes stopped most of both Russia’s and Ukraine’s Black Sea shipping, as 2 Turkish commercial ships were also struck by Ukrainian sea drones in August.
A third of the world’s grain is exported through the Black Sea, and global food prices grew by 2% in August.
UKLogged 3 September 2026
Small boat arrivals across the English Channel have slowed to 48% below summer 2025 totals, as Labour closed the gap on Reform in public opinion polls.
Fewer crossings were partly attributed to increased policing on the French side, and partly to the weather conditions of the hottest summer on record.
USLogged 3 September 2026
The House and the Senate approved a law to delay the next federal budget to December, avoiding a potential shutdown before mid-term elections.
The US put up a 50% tariff on $20 billion (5.5%) of its trade with Canada, answered by a 15–50% rate on $20 billion of US exports to Canada.
ChinaLogged 3 September 2026
China tightened regulations on pre-sales of unbuilt houses and the financing of construction and mortgages.
Stalled housing projects have contributed to an economic slowdown since 2021 and strained the construction and banking sectors in China.
FranceLogged 3 September 2026
France’s economy did not grow in the first half of 2026, and its 10-year borrowing cost reached 4.24% on 2 September.
The French government, without a parliamentary majority, has struggled with a growing debt-to-GDP ratio of 110%.
GermanyLogged 3 September 2026
On 1 September, Germany officially attributed an earlier failed drone attack on Ukrainian military planes at a German airport to Russia.
The same day, explosives were found at a power plant substation, and another substation was deliberately short-circuited.
IndiaLogged 3 September 2026
The Supreme Court ended all police cases related to the youth exam protest movement, which called off its planned 5 September march in exchange.
The movement started with protests over the undergraduate exam system and gathered broad support, especially among Gen Z Indians.
JapanLogged 3 September 2026
The cost of government borrowing (bond yields) reached 3% per year on 10-year bonds, the highest since 1996, while the government increased its borrowing.
The growing inflation and weak currency applied pressure to increase interest rates, which would further raise yields.
TurkiyeLogged 3 September 2026
Turkiye summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to the Foreign Ministry over 2 Turkish container ships struck by sea drones in the Black Sea.
A framework law to progress the Turkiye-PKK deal was signed on 17 August but further rulings are awaited.
Africa
Logged 3 September 2026
In the Sahel, Niger’s ruling military junta put down a 24-hour mutiny starting at a military base, with the help of Russia’s Africa Corps (also stationed at this base).
The mutiny spread to the presidential palace and the state TV broadcaster before being contained.
Asia
Logged 3 September 2026
A flood in Nepal killed at least 1,252 people as 4,216 remained missing by 3 September, including 900 workers building underground tunnels for hydropower projects.
The flood was started by an ice-rock avalanche caused by high temperatures this summer.
Europe
Logged 3 September 2026
Iceland voted against re-starting talks to join the European Union.
Higher energy costs pushed euro-area inflation to 3.3% and government bond yields to their highest since 2011; the European Central Bank’s next interest rate decision comes on 11 September.
Middle East
Logged 3 September 2026
Israel captured Hamas’ head of internal security after a series of strikes that killed Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders in late August.
The Gaza ceasefire process remained stalled, with regular deaths and no Hamas disarmament.
South America
Logged 3 September 2026
Venezuela handed 100-year rights over 20% of its known oil reserves to a private firm in which the US government takes a 35% stake.
The 17 oilfields represent 65 billion barrels of mostly extra-heavy and sour crude oil, which is a larger volume than the US’s total known reserves.
Rest of the World
Logged 3 September 2026
After the election of a new president (49.66% to 48.70% in the 2nd round), Colombia intensified its military campaign against armed groups and drug cartels.
Security forces carried out over 12,000 arrests, seized 38 tonnes of cocaine (Colombia grows 65% of the world’s cocaine), and launched airstrikes that killed over 30 people.
Technology
Logged 3 September 2026
3 leading US AI labs (Anthropic, Google and OpenAI) have all released their latest models, with cyber-capabilities limited to a group of partners and US government entities.
This came after a series of incidents when AI models in training engaged in unexpected hacking.
Business
Logged 3 September 2026
Government bond yields (the rate investors earn per year on state debt) reached multi-decade highs in the US, the UK, the EU and Japan.
The Iran War, rising inflation and spending, as well as competition from AI-driven corporate bond issuance are among the causes.
Climate
Logged 3 September 2026
The El Niño effect over the tropical Pacific Ocean further intensified, predicted to be the strongest on record and to last until February 2027.
The El Niño increases global temperatures for about a year and changes where the rain falls, especially in the Americas and Pacific Asia.
Oil
Logged 3 September 2026
Crude oil jumped as US-Iran fighting re-started and the prices of fuels and other refined products reached record highs across the globe.
Iran WarLogged 14 August 2026
The Strait of Hormuz stayed closed and the US blockade of Iran continued, as the Houthis struck ships in the Red Sea and Saudi oil infrastructure.
Iran’s Supreme Leader announced new commanders for the country’s various military forces.
Ukraine WarLogged 14 August 2026
Ukraine attacked Russia’s grain loading terminals in the Black Sea, causing a spike in global food prices.
In July, Ukraine had to stop its grain shipments through the Black Sea after Russia’s strikes on ships and the port of Odesa.
UKLogged 14 August 2026
The next budget announcement was set for October 2026, as the government looks to find funding for already-made promises, including a part of a £15 billion rise in defence spending.
The new Prime Minister Andy Burnham inherited a slow-growing economy with above-target inflation, pushed up by the war in Iran.
USLogged 14 August 2026
The US authorised private companies to prepare and propose cyber-attacks against foreign criminal networks, with government oversight.
US politics are approaching the November mid-term elections with Republicans defending narrow majorities in both chambers of parliament.
JapanLogged 14 August 2026
The US and Japan coordinated to buy the Japanese currency yen, but its rate to the dollar remained near a 40-year low.
The low currency value has increased inflation in Japan through the higher cost of imports, pressuring the central bank to raise interest rates despite growing debt and spending.
Africa
Logged 14 August 2026
The latest outbreak of Ebola virus in DR Congo grew to 4,381 confirmed cases and 2,011 deaths (a mortality rate of 46%).
It became the 2nd largest Ebola outbreak in history, on track to exceed the 28,610 cases during the 2014–16 West African epidemic.
Asia
Logged 14 August 2026
Taiwan reported the first cyber-attack on a government run end-to-end by an AI agent, which took place in July.
The attack reached Taiwan’s nuclear safety agency and 7 energy companies.
Europe
Logged 14 August 2026
Europe faced drought and record heat, as low water closed some nuclear stations across the continent, including in France, Romania and Slovenia.
Repeated heatwaves in 2026 caused thousands of excess deaths and some of the largest wildfires on record.
Middle East
Logged 14 August 2026
A NATO-style mutual-defence treaty was signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan.
Turkiye, a NATO member, and Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation, both entered a collective-defence obligation with the region’s largest economy and a top-3 crude oil producer.
South America
Logged 14 August 2026
Colombia was hit by an earthquake (magnitude 7.4) on 10 August, killing at least 265 people.
The cost of reconstruction was estimated at 1% of the country’s GDP.
Oil
Logged 14 August 2026
US-Iran negotiations failed to produce a deal and the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea continued; refining costs neared record levels.
No oil was loaded for export in Iran in August, and only humanitarian ships sailed into the Persian Gulf.
Iran WarLogged 11 August 2026
Iran struck a UAE tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi rebels attacked a Saudi refinery as negotiations with the US looked unlikely to produce a long-term deal soon.
No oil was loaded for export in Iran in August, and only humanitarian ships sailed into the Persian Gulf.
Oil
Logged 11 August 2026
Oil prices fluctuated at high levels as US-Iran negotiations produced mixed signals, with refining costs near record levels.
The margin between the costs of crude oil and oil products grew.
Iran WarLogged 6 August 2026
The US did not strike Iran for a week, and a short-term deal over re-opening Hormuz was reported to be close to agreement.
The deal could give Iran control over incoming shipping, while outgoing traffic would pass through Omani waters.
Ukraine WarLogged 6 August 2026
Ukraine intercepted 2 out of 51 ballistic missiles fired at it by Russia in the first two attacks of August, as air defence interceptor stocks ran low.
Ukraine has so far failed to agree additional shipments of interceptor missiles for the US-made Patriot system.
UKLogged 6 August 2026
The next budget announcement was set for October 2026, as the government looks to find funding for already-made promises.
Around £5 billion out of the promised £15 billion rise in defence spending remains unfunded, as inflation was projected to remain above 3% until the 3rd quarter of 2027 due to the Iran War.
USLogged 6 August 2026
25 states started a legal appeal against the Trump administration’s new Section 301 tariffs that replaced the earlier tariff regime struck down by the Supreme Court.
The new tariffs cover over 99% of US imports, charging 12.5% on goods from countries that were deemed not to ban forced labour, and 10% on the rest.
ChinaLogged 6 August 2026
China introduced 5 new trade restrictions against the US, including export controls on drones and drone components.
This came after the US introduced export controls against Chinese 4-legged robots and banned 43 more Chinese companies from selling to the US.
GermanyLogged 6 August 2026
Low water levels in the river Rhine put more strain on Germany’s industrial sector, as some factories along the river corridor slowed production.
The sector has also faced pressure from the loss of cheap Russian gas, competition from Chinese firms, US tariffs and the war in Iran.
IndiaLogged 6 August 2026
India’s central bank held interest rates at 5.25% and raised its 2026–27 growth forecast to 6.7%.
India is looking to keep its economic growth at around 7% per year while importing 90% of its oil through the war-affected Red Sea, mostly from Russia.
JapanLogged 6 August 2026
The US and Japan coordinated to buy the Japanese currency yen, pushing its price up from a 40-year low.
The low currency value has increased inflation in Japan through the higher cost of imports, pressuring the central bank to raise interest rates despite growing debt.
Africa
Logged 6 August 2026
The latest outbreak of Ebola virus in DR Congo grew to 3,874 confirmed cases and 1,751 deaths (a mortality rate of 45%).
It became the 2nd largest Ebola outbreak in history, behind the 28,610 cases during the 2014–16 West African epidemic.
Middle East
Logged 6 August 2026
The US-led Gaza Board of Peace and Hamas signed a multi-stage disarmament agreement, but Israel did not join.
Israeli strikes on Gaza intensified in August and killed at least 19 Palestinians, as the withdrawal has stalled.
South America
Logged 6 August 2026
The US-Brazilian tariff dispute escalated as the US revoked the visa of the Brazilian ambassador.
The combined 37.5% tariff on over $35 billion of exports to the US has put pressure on the Brazilian economy and forced a delay in some planned reforms.
Oil
Logged 6 August 2026
Oil prices cooled on prospects of a US-Iran deal over re-opening Hormuz, as oil refining and fuel costs neared all-time records.
Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Bab el-Mandeb continued and traffic in the strait fell.
Iran WarLogged 30 July 2026
The US carried out new strikes on Iran, and Saudi Arabia struck Iraq-based militants.
The Iran-backed militants in Iraq previously fired drones at Saudi Arabia and US bases in the region.
Ukraine WarLogged 30 July 2026
Both sides continued missile and drone strikes on each other’s critical infrastructure.
Ukraine targeted oil refineries, e-commerce warehouses and Azov Sea shipping; Russia struck Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, cities and other targets.
USLogged 30 July 2026
The US stock of air defence interceptors was graded as “severely depleted” by CSIS.
The stock of Patriot missiles is below 1,000 and the stock of THAADs at around 250.
ChinaLogged 30 July 2026
China reportedly sold 300–400 hand-held air defence systems to Iran, with the first delivery expected within a week.
This was first reported by Reuters and later denied by China.
FranceLogged 30 July 2026
The French government, without a parliamentary majority, is struggling to reduce a deficit of over 5% and bring a debt-to-GDP ratio down from 110%.
The EU’s soft limit for a budget deficit is 3%.
GermanyLogged 30 July 2026
The Pride parade in Berlin was attacked by a terrorist who rammed a car into people, killing 1 and injuring 30.
The ISIS-linked attacker was shot by the police; he had been listed as dangerous for planning another attack earlier but was released from custody.
IndiaLogged 30 July 2026
The education minister resigned over youth protests against a poorly managed exam system.
The Supreme Court cracked down on the police for violence against the protesters, ordering counter-measures and the release of those detained.
JapanLogged 30 July 2026
Japan’s Kumamoto region was hit by a strong earthquake with at least 14 reported dead.
The earthquake had the highest rating on the Japanese seismic scale and caused the evacuation of around 10,000 people.
Africa
Logged 30 July 2026
The army of Sudan broke the siege of El Obeid held by the RSF for months.
The city and its 500,000 citizens had already been under a 22-month RSF siege in 2023–25.
Asia
Logged 30 July 2026
The South Korean Kospi stock market index, heavily influenced by microchips, is down 44% from the June peak.
Some investors grew concerned over a potential wider sell-off in AI-related stocks.
Europe
Logged 30 July 2026
A heatwave is causing drought and wildfires in Europe.
Romania’s only nuclear power plant shut down due to low water in the Danube river; Spain and France were fighting record-level wildfires.
South America
Logged 30 July 2026
Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, campaigned for a right-leaning Brazilian presidential candidate.
The candidate is the son of the former president, Jair Bolsonaro, who was placed under house arrest.
Technology
Logged 30 July 2026
China reportedly started the production of DUV lithography machines, critical for high-end microchips.
Previously this technology was believed to be unique to the Netherlands-based firm ASML.
Business
Logged 30 July 2026
China’s leading chipmaker became the most valuable company on the country’s stock exchange on the 1st day of trading.
Investors’ AI-related concerns grew as insurance against NVIDIA and Google failing on their debts became more expensive.
Oil
Logged 30 July 2026
Oil refining costs reached all-time records as global capacity and infrastructure continued to be strained.
The short-term fall in the price of crude oil ended after US-Iran fighting restarted.
Iran WarLogged 27 July 2026
The US and Iran agreed a pause in fighting after US bombing stopped on 25 and 26 July.
On 26 July, shortly before Iran announced it agreed to a pause, the Houthis attacked a Saudi oil facility with missiles, at least some were intercepted.
Oil
Logged 27 July 2026
Prices cooled down as the US and Iran agreed a pause in strikes; oil product prices climbed as refining remains strained.
Ukraine’s drone strikes stopped a Black Sea terminal shipping 80% of Kazakhstan’s exports, prompting President Tokayev to address Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine.
Iran WarLogged 24 July 2026
Iran-backed Houthis attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea, threatening another chokepoint: Bab el-Mandeb.
The US continued daily bombing of Iran and its blockade of Iranian ports; Iran attacked US-linked targets in the Middle East and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
USLogged 24 July 2026
Donald Trump’s temporary 10% tariff on all imports expired this week, replaced by 10–12.5% tariffs on 60 countries, accounting for almost all US imports.
The courts previously struck down most of Trump’s tariffs and the administration has been looking for a new legal basis for implementing them.
TurkiyeLogged 24 July 2026
A new party split away from the heavily pressured main opposition party (CHP), with 91 of its 135 parliament members joining.
The Turkish government continued its crackdown on the CHP with arrests and legal pressure, as it lost its status as the largest opposition party.
Oil
Logged 24 July 2026
Oil prices reached $100 over US–Iran escalation and the closure of Hormuz, as Iran-backed Houthis attacked commercial ships in the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint.
Crude oil loading was stopped at a terminal responsible for 1.5% of global supply after Ukrainian drone strikes in the Black Sea.
Ukraine WarLogged 23 July 2026
Both sides exchanged heavy missile and drone strikes, as Ukraine targeted oil infrastructure, e-commerce warehouses and Azov Sea shipping, while Russia attacked Kyiv and other targets.
Ukraine’s president faced protests over the controversial sacking of the defence minister, partly over his conflict with the top general, who has now also been sacked.
UKLogged 23 July 2026
Andy Burnham became the new prime minister and put together his cabinet, with its first meeting focused on the “cost-of-living agenda”.
In an unexpected move, John Healey, a veteran centre-left politician and ex-defence chief, was appointed as finance minister (chancellor).
TurkiyeLogged 23 July 2026
A new party broke away from the heavily pressured main opposition party, with 80–90 of its 135 parliament members preparing to switch.
The Turkish government continued its crackdown on the main opposition party with arrests and legal pressure.
Technology
Logged 23 July 2026
A US court approved a $1.5 billion copyright settlement against the AI lab Anthropic.
The settlement covers 500,000 pirated books the maker of Claude downloaded from the LibGen and PiLiMi shadow libraries.
Oil
Logged 23 July 2026
Oil prices continued to rise over US–Iran fighting and the closure of Hormuz, as Iran-backed Houthis announced a “blockade” of Bab el-Mandeb.
Brent neared $100 per barrel, up around 25% on the month.
Iran WarLogged 21 July 2026
The US continued daily bombing of Iran and its blockade of Iranian ports for the second week, after negotiations failed.
Iran attacked US-linked targets in the Middle East and killed 3 US soldiers, taking the total lost in this war to 17; strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz continued.
Ukraine WarLogged 21 July 2026
Both sides exchanged heavy strikes with missiles and drones, as Ukraine targeted oil infrastructure, e-commerce warehouses and Azov Sea shipping, while Russia attacked Kyiv.
Ukraine’s president Zelensky faced protests over the controversial sacking of the defence minister, partly because of tensions with the top general.
UKLogged 21 July 2026
Andy Burnham became the new prime minister and began putting together his cabinet.
In an unexpected move, he appointed John Healey, a veteran centre-left politician and ex-defence chief, as finance minister (chancellor).
GermanyLogged 21 July 2026
The leader of the CDU/CSU parties resigned after a scandal over his surrogate child born in the US.
The practice is banned in Germany, although raising a surrogate child is not illegal, but the CDU/CSU bloc campaigns against surrogacy.
IndiaLogged 21 July 2026
A free trade agreement between the UK and India, signed in 2025, came into effect.
Over 97% of Indian products are now imported duty-free, while India cut tariffs on major British exports like whisky, cars and cosmetics.
Asia
Logged 21 July 2026
In the South China Sea, a China Coast Guard boat crew clashed with Philippine Navy sailors, injuring one with a wooden baton.
The summit of ASEAN, the bloc of Southeast Asian countries, began this week in the Philippines, with Marco Rubio visiting.
Europe
Logged 21 July 2026
Hungary removed its Orban-era president as the political transition continues.
This came after the new ruling party passed a constitutional change through parliament that allows the unseating of a set of old-regime loyalists.
Middle East
Logged 21 July 2026
Israeli parliament ended its term, setting a new election for 27 October, as the Netanyahu-led bloc seeks re-election.
The parliament (Knesset) passed a series of laws in its final days, including on more government control over media, reduced power of the Attorney General, extended military service and constitutional protections for religious studies.
South America
Logged 21 July 2026
The US set a 25% tariff on most imports from Brazil, effective 22 July.
Brazil is the largest economy of the region and the US is its second-largest trading partner (after China), especially in food.
Rest of the World
Logged 21 July 2026
Cuba’s energy and economic crisis deepened, as around half of the island has no electricity during peak demand.
The country’s GDP is expected to fall by over 6% this year, as the US continued its diplomatic pressure.
Business
Logged 21 July 2026
Stocks of global chipmakers and tech giants declined, with the Nasdaq down 3% on the week and the PHLX semiconductor index down 20% from its June peak.
South Korea’s chip-heavy exchange index was also down 20% from its peak, though still up 70% in 2026.
Oil
Logged 21 July 2026
Oil prices continued to rise over US–Iran fighting and the closure of Hormuz, as Iran-backed Houthis announced a “blockade” of Bab el-Mandeb.
Brent neared $90 per barrel, up 5% on the week and 11% on the month.
International (retired)
Logged 21 July 2026
The 2026 football World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US ended last week with Spain beating Argentina 1–0 in the final.
England won 3rd place, beating France 6–4 in the bronze medal match.
Iran WarLogged 13 July 2026
Iran continued attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and targets in Bahrain, Jordan, UAE, Oman and Qatar.
The US carried out over 300 strikes on Iran last week, as negotiations over re-opening the Strait, frozen funds, nuclear and missile programmes and proxies broke down again.
Ukraine WarLogged 13 July 2026
Ukraine’s naval-drone campaign shut down shipping in the Sea of Azov, raising global wheat prices.
Naval drones were also used against Russian shadow fleet oil tankers, as strikes on refineries have caused a fuel crisis in Russia.
ChinaLogged 13 July 2026
China successfully landed a space rocket booster on a sea platform, becoming the 2nd nation to do so.
This was a step towards reducing the cost of orbital launches.
GermanyLogged 13 July 2026
Germany bought out a 40% share of KNDS, maker of the Leopard 2 tank, from the Wegmann family.
The country would have equal shares with France, with the remaining 20% owned by institutions.
IndiaLogged 13 July 2026
India’s imports of Russian crude oil reached a record level in June at $5.1 billion, up 34% on the month.
India refines crude oil into petroleum products and last week began exporting some to Russia because of the fuel crisis.
JapanLogged 13 July 2026
The Japanese government continued struggling with the rising cost of servicing its debt (one of the largest at 237% of GDP).
As inflation grew, the central bank has been looking to raise interest rates, which would increase the cost of debt, while the prime minister is planning to increase borrowing further.
TurkiyeLogged 13 July 2026
The Turkish government continued its crackdown on the main opposition party with arrests and legal pressure.
The party is effectively dismantled and its leadership is on trial for corruption and running a criminal organisation.
Africa
Logged 13 July 2026
Sudan’s RSF continued its siege of El Obeid, an army stronghold.
Around 500,000 civilians are trapped in the city as the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE try to negotiate a truce in a conflict that displaced over 13 million people.
Asia
Logged 13 July 2026
ASEAN, the political bloc of Southeast Asian nations, held its first foreign-minister meeting with Myanmar’s junta.
This was the highest-level diplomatic engagement with the government of Myanmar since it took power in a coup in 2021.
South America
Logged 13 July 2026
Venezuela officially ended the state oil company’s monopoly over the market, opening it to private and foreign firms.
The reform was designed in January 2026 after the US captured President Maduro and could unlock the world’s largest crude oil reserves for exploration.
Oil
Logged 13 July 2026
Closure of Hormuz, drone strikes on tankers, US airstrikes and sanctions on Iran pushed oil prices higher.
Previously, the market was recovering well from the Iran War price shock, especially as the US and OPEC+ increased their output.
Ukraine WarLogged 9 July 2026
Russia banned the export of diesel and the largest oil refinery was shut down as the drone campaign against oil refineries continued.
Most regions of Russia are facing restrictions on fuel sales because of the supply crisis.
Europe
Logged 9 July 2026
Anti-government protests in Albania continued into their second month.
The “Flamingo Revolution” began as a protest over a luxury resort project linked to Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and demands the prime minister’s removal and a constitutional change.
Middle East
Logged 9 July 2026
French president Emmanuel Macron visited the capital of Syria on 6–7 July, the first EU leader to do so since the fall of Assad.
Two bombings happened in the city during the visit, one near Macron’s hotel and another near the Ministry of Tourism, killing 1 and wounding 36.
South America
Logged 9 July 2026
Colombia’s presidential transition turned into a constitutional crisis.
The president-elect and the outgoing government have suspended the transition of power, as the new president is due to be inaugurated on 7 August.
Business
Logged 9 July 2026
SK Hynix, a South Korean microchip company, is preparing for the world’s second-largest share offering, at $28 billion.
The first day of trading on the US Nasdaq exchange is set for 10 July.
Iran WarLogged 8 July 2026 (run 2)
US-Iran fighting re-started after Iran struck 3 oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on 7 July.
The US struck targets including an oil export terminal on Kharg Island and Iran targeted US bases in the Middle East with drones.
Oil
Logged 8 July 2026 (run 2)
The US re-introduced sanctions against Iranian oil and struck Kharg Island where Iran's central export terminal for oil is.
Oil rose by over 10% and entered "High" price regime after US-Iran fighting re-started on 7 July.
Iran WarLogged 8 July 2026 (run 1)
The US carried out new strikes on Iran after it attacked tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, ending a pause in fighting.
The US restored sanctions on Iranian oil.
Oil
Logged 8 July 2026 (run 1)
Sanctions on Iranian oil were re-introduced and the US carried out new strikes after Iran attacked tankers in Hormuz.
The oil price increased by over 5% since 7 July.
Iran WarLogged 7 July 2026
3 tankers were struck by Iran’s drones in the Strait of Hormuz, ending a pause in US-Iran fighting.
The funeral of the killed Supreme Leader is expected to continue until 9 July.
Ukraine WarLogged 7 July 2026
Ukrainian naval drones struck 8 Russian “shadow fleet” tankers in the Sea of Azov.
The drone campaign against oil refineries has caused a fuel crisis in Russia with emergency measures in place to stabilise demand and supply.
FranceLogged 7 July 2026
Marine Le Pen, the leader of the main right-wing populist party in France, was allowed by the court to run in the 2027 presidential election.
Her conviction for misusing European Union funds was kept in place but the ban from public office was shortened.
South America
Logged 7 July 2026
Venezuela’s 24 June earthquake death toll rose to over 3,500, with over 16,700 injured.
Around 60,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Oil
Logged 7 July 2026
As Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz again on 7 July, the oil price rose over 4% on the day.
Donald Trump threatened to restart the war if no deal is reached.
TurkiyeLogged 6 July 2026
A mass-corruption trial of over 400 defendants, including Turkiye’s main opposition politician, is set to close on 9 July.
The same week, Turkiye is hosting the NATO summit, with country leaders, including Donald Trump, expected to attend.
Oil
Logged 6 July 2026
OPEC+ approved a 5th straight monthly increase in oil output, as global supply grows.
This month’s increase was 188,000 b/d (or 0.5% of total OPEC+ supply); next meeting on 2 August.
International (retired)
Logged 6 July 2026
The World Bank promoted Vietnam, the Philippines and Sri Lanka to upper-middle-income status, based on the latest data.
On 30 June, the United Nations ended a 75-year-old budget rule, saving $1.5 billion a year.
Iran WarLogged 4 July 2026
Negotiations and strikes both paused as Iran holds a week-long funeral for its killed Supreme Leader.
The US and Iran held indirect talks in Qatar with no specific progress or a date for the next meeting.
IndiaLogged 4 July 2026
Japan and India held an annual summit with 16 points agreed, including a joint defence project.
Issues included critical minerals, microchips and strategic oil reserves.
Europe
Logged 4 July 2026
The EU’s top court finalised the decision to fine Google €4.1 billion.
The case focused on Google requiring all Android phone makers to pre-install Google Search and the browser Chrome.
Ukraine WarLogged 3 July 2026
Russia began importing fuel, as Ukrainian drone strikes are causing a supply crisis in multiple regions across the country.
Delivery of oil products from India, Kazakhstan and Belarus was agreed on 1–2 July.
GermanyLogged 3 July 2026
German coalition government presented a reform package including income tax, pensions, labour laws.
Retirement age lifted beyond 67 after 2031, linked to life expectancy; €10 billion income tax relief for low- and middle-earners, a 2% rise for incomes over €280,000.
JapanLogged 3 July 2026
Japanese government hinted it could sell foreign currency to boost the yen, causing a 1% rebound from an all-time low.
The Japanese economy is facing a combined problem of high debt, low currency value and rising import costs.
Middle East
Logged 3 July 2026
Iraq set a 30 September deadline for all pro-Iran militant groups in the country to disarm.
This happened as 46 officials, including 12 members of parliament, were arrested in a corruption crackdown targeting Iranian influence.
International (retired)
Logged 3 July 2026
On 30 June, the United Nations ended a 75-year-old budget rule, saving $1.5 billion a year.
Under the rule, unspent assessed contributions were credited back to member states even when the cash had never arrived.
Iran WarLogged 2 July 2026
US and Iran held indirect talks in Qatar with no specific progress, as a pause in strikes continues.
The funeral of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s killed Supreme Leader, is planned for 4–9 July and needs a pause in strikes to go ahead safely.
Ukraine WarLogged 2 July 2026
Russia introduced fuel import subsidies, as Ukrainian drone strikes are causing a supply crisis in multiple regions across the country.
On 1 July a refinery 1,300 km inside Russia was struck, as country-wide output is down 20% on the year.
GermanyLogged 2 July 2026
German coalition government agreed on a large reform package to stimulate the economy.
It includes a decrease in tax on low and middle incomes, as well as measures on pensions, healthcare and bureaucracy; details expected today.
Asia
Logged 2 July 2026
Afghan Taliban carried out its first open cross-border drone strikes against Pakistan.
The Afghanistan-based group has been at the centre of a low-intensity conflict since February.
South America
Logged 2 July 2026
Venezuela’s 24 June earthquake death toll rose to over 2,200, with over 11,200 injured.
Around 50,000 people are still unaccounted for, as rescue operations continue.
Oil
Logged 2 July 2026
Oil price fell around 25% in June, erasing the spike past $100 caused by the start of the Iran War, with US production at an all-time high.
This was the sharpest monthly drop in oil price since the pandemic (March 2020).
Iran WarLogged 1 July 2026
US and Iranian negotiators arrived in Qatar, both meeting with Qatari mediators with no direct talks.
Discussion focused on realising the 17 June deal on Hormuz opening and Iranian frozen funds.
Ukraine WarLogged 1 July 2026
Vladimir Putin openly acknowledged problems with fuel supply as over 50 regions face restrictions.
Ukrainian drone strikes lowered the output of Russian oil refineries by over 20%.
USLogged 1 July 2026
US Supreme Court ruled on a number of key political and "culture wars" issues.
Transgender bans in sports approved; Federal Reserve's independence supported; president's power over agencies increased; birthright citizenship supported; campaign finance cap removed.
ChinaLogged 1 July 2026
A Politburo member, an ex-financial regulator and 6 generals removed from the National People's Congress.
This was one of the largest high-level political purges since the 1970s.
TurkiyeLogged 1 July 2026
The European Union sent its three most senior commissioners to Turkiye, the biggest diplomatic engagement since its accession process was frozen in 2018.
Turkiye announced a 13-day ban on all protests ahead of a NATO summit.
Africa
Logged 1 July 2026
Sudan's RSF continued its siege of the army stronghold El Obeid, with an assault disrupted by defenders.
The Sudanese army captured a major city in Darfur, as the initiative in the region shifts.
Business
Logged 1 July 2026
Space company Rocket Lab bought satellite-maker Iridium in a deal to position the company against SpaceX.
Rocket Lab aims to gain a similar advantage by owning both the satellites and the launch capabilities.
Climate
Logged 1 July 2026
The El Niño weather effect intensified over the Pacific Ocean, expected to drive more hot weather this summer.
A record heatwave across Western Europe in late June killed more than 1,300 people.
Oil
Logged 1 July 2026
Oil price declined by over 20% in June, erasing the spike past $100 caused by the start of the Iran War.
This was the sharpest monthly drop in oil price since the pandemic (March 2020).
Asia
Logged 30 June 2026
The Pakistan-Afghanistan war escalated over Afghan-based militant groups, with Pakistan striking 3 provinces on 29 June.
Australia and Vanuatu signed a $500 million strategic agreement that bans foreign bases in Vanuatu; China expressed concern.
Rest of the World
Logged 30 June 2026
Australia and Vanuatu signed a $500 million strategic agreement that bans foreign bases in Vanuatu.
It also requires consultation on foreign infrastructure projects, aimed at lowering Chinese influence.
Iran WarLogged 29 June 2026 (run 2)
Iran and the US pause attacks after renewed fighting over the weekend.
A deal between Israel and Lebanon signed 26 June links withdrawal to Hezbollah's disarmament, quick progress unlikely.
Iran WarLogged 29 June 2026 (run 1)
Iran and the US agree yet another pause in attacks after renewed fighting over the weekend.
A deal between Israel and Lebanon to restore the latter's sovereignty was signed on 26 June, but fighting with Hezbollah continues, as Israel occupies the south of the country.
Ukraine WarLogged 29 June 2026
Vladimir Putin openly acknowledged problems with fuel supply as at least 22 regions face restrictions.
Ukrainian drone strikes lowered the output of Russian oil refineries by over 20%.
USLogged 29 June 2026
US Supreme Court ruled that the president has authority to replace the leaders of 20+ independent agencies.
However, the Supreme Court supported the independence of the central bank (Federal Reserve) in a connected case.
ChinaLogged 29 June 2026
China added 40 Japanese organisations to its export-control blacklist.
Earlier, China put 10 US firms under export controls in response to tightened AI-chip sale controls.
GermanyLogged 29 June 2026
Volkswagen is planning to cut up to 100,000 jobs, 25% of its staff, and shut 4 factories in Germany.
The government announced its aim to prevent the closure of local factories.
TurkiyeLogged 29 June 2026
Turkiye announced a 13-day ban on all protests ahead of a NATO summit.
It detained 2 opposition mayors on 25 June, raising the total jailed or removed since 2024 past 40.
Asia
Logged 29 June 2026
The Pakistan-Afghanistan war escalated, with Pakistan striking 3 provinces on 29 June.
The attacks targeted Afghan-based anti-Pakistan militant groups, as a low-intensity conflict has continued since February.
Middle East
Logged 29 June 2026
47 officials, including 12 members of parliament, arrested in Iraq in an anti-corruption crackdown.
This is an action against Iranian influence in the country, including oil smuggling and political favours.
South America
Logged 29 June 2026
2 earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, killing at least 1,430 people, with nearly 68,900 missing.
Argentina and Brazil's leaders, Milei and Lula, clashed at a South American forum over re-admitting Venezuela.
Business
Logged 29 June 2026
US technology shares had their worst week since February, with the Nasdaq down 4.5% in the week to 26 June, up 1% on Monday.
Apple and Microsoft announced consumer price increases on items like iPhone and Xbox.
Oil
Logged 29 June 2026
After resuming strikes on each other over the weekend, the US and Iran agreed to another pause.
Another round of negotiations may happen in Qatar, as the oil market remains calm on Monday.
Iran WarLogged 28 June 2026
Iran fired missiles and drones at US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, after 2 nights of US strikes on Iran.
On 25 June, Iran hit a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, as peace negotiations were taking place.
Ukraine WarLogged 28 June 2026
Ukrainian drone strikes have cut Russia's petrol output to about 25% below a year earlier.
Russia downed a record 660 drones on 26 June, as restrictions on fuel sales are introduced in some regions.
UKLogged 28 June 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is stepping down, most likely to be replaced by Andy Burnham.
If not contested by other Labour members of parliament, he would become the new PM by 18 July.
USLogged 28 June 2026
US inflation reached 4.1% in the year to May, as higher oil prices in 2026 drive up prices.
Markets now predict an increase in US interest rates by December, not a cut.
ChinaLogged 28 June 2026
On 22 June China put 10 US firms under export controls and barred 46 companies from state contracts.
Earlier, the US tightened AI-chip sale controls towards China and restricted trading with 188 more Chinese firms.
FranceLogged 28 June 2026
Prime Minister Lecornu ordered ministers to cut 30-50 billion euros from the 2027 budget on 13 June.
French public debt reached a record 117.5% of GDP in the first quarter of 2026.
GermanyLogged 28 June 2026
Volkswagen is planning to cut up to 100,000 jobs, 25% of its staff, and shut 4 factories in Germany.
The carmaker is losing ground to Chinese electric-vehicle rivals and pays about 4 billion euros a year in US tariffs.
IndiaLogged 28 June 2026
US and India are reportedly close to agreeing a trade deal, with tariff rate central.
India wants to negotiate lower tariffs than neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, with reports suggesting it may succeed, at 18%.
JapanLogged 28 June 2026
US and Japan signal joint action to support the value of its currency, now near a 40-year low.
The Japanese economy is facing a combined problem of high debt, low currency value and growing cost of imports.
TurkiyeLogged 28 June 2026
Turkiye detained 2 more opposition mayors on 25 June, total jailed or removed since 2024 past 40.
Most were from the main opposition party, and the arrests came days before Turkiye hosts a NATO summit.
Africa
Logged 28 June 2026
Sudan's RSF has tightened its siege of El Obeid, killing about 50 civilians in 10 days of drone strikes.
There is a risk that more than half a million residents may be killed if the city falls.
Asia
Logged 28 June 2026
Indonesia has signed a deal to import 150 million barrels of Russian crude oil by the end of 2026.
South-East Asia's largest economy routed the deal through a state agency to avoid Western sanctions.
Europe
Logged 28 June 2026
The EU finalised its trade deal with the United States on 25 June.
It drops EU tariffs on US industrial goods for a 15% US cap on European exports, avoiding a threatened tariff on EU cars.
Middle East
Logged 28 June 2026
Aid is entering Gaza at under a third of the level promised in the ceasefire.
About 14,242 trucks arrived from January to the end of May, against the 45,000 the deal required.
South America
Logged 28 June 2026
2 earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, killing at least 1,430 people, with nearly 68,900 missing.
The United States eased its sanctions to allow relief and sent navy ships to help.
Rest of the World
Logged 28 June 2026
Cuba has begun its biggest economic overhaul since the 1959 revolution, legalising private banks and majority foreign ownership.
The government set out new taxes on 23 June, as its economy faces a 6.5% contraction in 2026.
Business
Logged 28 June 2026
US technology shares had their worst week since February, with the Nasdaq down 4.5% in the week to 26 June.
US share valuations sit near their dot-com-era peak, and the fall hit markets from South Korea to Japan.
Climate
Logged 28 June 2026
A record heatwave across Western Europe in late June killed more than 1,300 people, the WHO reported.
In Venezuela, a dual earthquake killed at least 1,400 people (see South America section).
Oil
Logged 28 June 2026
By Friday, oil fell back to its pre-war level, with Brent at $71.99 a barrel, down about 25% on the month.
After the US and Iran resumed strikes on each other over the weekend, the world awaits Monday's market reaction.
International (retired)
Logged 28 June 2026
World institutions have not acted on the US-Iran war, with the UN Security Council deadlocked and no resolution passed.
The IAEA has not checked Iran's uranium stock since February, and forecasters have cut 2026 world trade growth to 1.9%.
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Pf News - week 3
4 September 2026
Venezuelan oil
Venezuela handed 100-year rights over 20% of its known oil reserves to a private firm in which the US government takes a 35% stake.
The 17 oilfields represent 65 billion barrels of mostly extra-heavy and sour crude oil, which is a larger volume than the US’s total known reserves.
- The US has refineries on its south-east coast specifically for processing Venezuelan crude, built in the 1960s and 70s, before Venezuela turned anti-US under Chavez.
What to read:
Russian hybrid attacks
Germany officially attributed an earlier failed drone attack on Ukrainian military planes at a German airport to Russia.
The same day, explosives were found at a power plant substation, and another substation was deliberately short-circuited.
What to read:
Sahel mutiny
In the Sahel, Niger’s ruling military junta put down a 24-hour revolt (mutiny) starting at a military base, with the help of Russia’s Africa Corps (also stationed at this base).
The mutiny spread to the presidential palace and the state TV broadcaster before being contained.
What to read:
UK small boat arrivals
Small boat arrivals across the English Channel have slowed to 48% below summer 2025 totals, as Labour closed the gap on Reform in public opinion polls.
Fewer crossings were partly attributed to (1) increased policing on the French side, and (2) partly to the weather conditions of the hottest summer on record.
What to read:
Israeli operations in Gaza
Israel captured Hamas’ head of internal security inside Gaza City after a series of strikes that killed Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders in late August.
The Gaza ceasefire process remained stalled, with regular deaths and no Hamas disarmament.
What to read:
Iceland’s referendum
Iceland voted against re-starting talks to join the European Union.
Higher energy costs pushed euro-area inflation to 3.3% and government bond yields to their highest since 2011; the European Central Bank’s next interest rate decision comes on 11 September.
Events from around the world that have a real, lasting impact:
Check out the Data Hub for more key news, across 20 themes.
Post factum Pro subscribers can view all previously logged events and the archive of Pf News reports.
Pf News - week 2
7 August 2026
World’s AI and technology stocks declined in July after reaching record levels in June.
- South Korea’s market index fell 44% from its June peak.
The sell-off was the sharpest around 27–29 July on the news of China’s advancements in microchips:
- Home-made DUV lithography: first reports (including on our own News Hub) suggested that China re-created a machine needed for advanced microchip making, previously unique to the Dutch firm ASML.
- IPO of a memory maker: China’s CXMT raised $9B for 7% of its shares, then grew 500% on the first day of trading, and further to a $500B valuation.
The AI sell-off reversed in August, but not all types of companies benefited.
The global technology market has been affected by a shortage of memory chips, also called DRAM.
- Memory chips are the same in all smart electronic devices, from TVs to AI data centres.
The demand for DRAM jumped because of the exponential data centre build-out, as well as the growth of other sectors like electric cars.
The supply is limited, as new factories (fabs) take 3–4 years to build, which pushed up the prices.
Memory prices are expected to stay high until the end of 2027.
Because of this, investors have recently favoured companies that either (1) sell memory chips or (2) have profits unaffected by the DRAM deficit, such as selling computing capacity.
- Consumer electronic devices have increased in price due to the memory shortage since late 2025.
US Missile Stocks Run Low
This week, reports came out on the extensive use of various missile types by the US during the Iran War.
As a result, it is now facing a shortage of a number of needed munitions, especially air defence missiles for Patriot and THAAD systems.
Here is what we know about the stocks today:
- Patriot: around 800 left, out of around 2,200 pre-war.
- THAAD: 250 remaining, from the stock of 452.
There are also missiles used for attacking targets, including enemy launch sites and air defences.
- ATACMS: 3,700 is the absolute total made since 1988; around 800 remained in April 2026, and a Reuters source says most of that has been used since.
- Tomahawk: out of the 3,000 missiles pre-war, around half remains, according to that same source.
These missiles are expensive to make, and their production cannot be sped up quickly.
A Patriot missile used to take down a drone creates cost asymmetry that benefits the attacker.
Ukraine
Here is where this lack of air defence missiles shows.
Ukraine intercepted around 5% of Russian ballistic missiles launched at it so far this month.
President Zelenskyy has been campaigning for 300 US Patriot missiles to be sent to Ukraine, so far unsuccessfully.
President Trump promised Ukraine a licence to produce Patriot missiles itself but later went back on the promise; the licence would not have produced new missiles in the short term anyway.
Russia has been targeting Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, as well as logistics hubs.
Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil refineries, e-commerce warehouses and shadow fleet ships in the Sea of Azov.
An attack on Ukrainian planes carrying military munitions at Leipzig airport, Germany, was narrowly prevented this week, as a bus driver knocked down the explosives-laden drone.
Iran
The US has not struck Iran for over a week, and a short-term deal over re-opening Hormuz was reported to be close to agreement.
The deal could give Iran control over incoming shipping, while outgoing traffic would pass through Omani waters.
Oil prices cooled on prospects of a US–Iran deal, as oil refining and fuel costs neared all-time records.
Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Bab el-Mandeb continued, and the traffic in the strait fell.
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Pf News - week 1
24 July 2026
On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel started a bombing campaign against Iran.
Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, including 20% of the world’s oil supply.
It also attacked US-linked targets in allied countries:
- Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.
The fighting briefly paused in June but negotiations failed and the escalation continued.
The US has bombed Iran daily for the past 2 weeks.
18 US soldiers have been killed so far, with total deaths estimated at around 10,000 when including Lebanon and the broader region.
Chokepoints attacked
- A chokepoint is a narrow or isolated waterway where cargo shipping is concentrated (often a canal or a strait).
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage on the way out of the Persian Gulf.
Over 20% of the world’s crude oil and petroleum products pass here, mostly on their way to Asia, especially China and India.
Since the 1980s, Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait but this is the first time that it was blocked.
Iran uses drone strikes to target oil tankers and other ships in the Strait.
This week, the Iran-backed Houthis announced a “blockade” of another chokepoint: the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Bab el-Mandeb is the southern entry/exit point of the Red Sea.
Together with the Suez Canal they allow shipping to avoid going around Africa on the way between Europe and Asia.
Since 2023, the Yemen-based Houthis have attacked commercial ships with drones and missiles along the route.
Red Sea traffic dropped by 60% and has remained at the lower level since, despite a May 2025 deal that paused the strikes.
In March 2026, the Houthis renewed their attacks on Israel as the war in Iran continued.
On Thursday, the Houthis attacked 2 tankers in the Red Sea, pushing the price of oil to $100.
Saudi Arabia, a top-3 oil producer, has been actively re-routing its exports from the east coast to the west, to avoid Hormuz.
It is now facing risks along the only alternative trade route towards Asia.
Thank you for reading!