Experts from the Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade said US-designed air-defense systems used by Arabian Peninsula countries create a huge cost imbalance when countering Iranian drones. A Shahed-136 costs $20,000-$50,000, compared with $4 million for a PAC-3 missile and $3 million for an AMRAAM-ER.

Iranian dronesPersian Gulfair defensemilitary costs

Energy storage projects are flooding the interconnection queue, while the costly grid upgrades required to bring them online are extending the wait.

energy storageelectric gridinterconnection

National security analysts warn that Iran could launch military strikes against high-value targets as early as this fall as Washington intensifies economic sanctions. The warning follows reports that two vessels were struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US was preparing unprecedented economic measures, while talks between Washington and Tehran remain deadlocked and control of the waterway is a central dispute.

IranUS sanctionsStrait of HormuzUS-Iran relations

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the United States can sustain its blockade against Iran ‘indefinitely’.

Iran warUnited Statesnaval blockade

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the Navy could sustain an indefinite blockade of Iran by rotating ships. The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28; after a June cessation-of-hostilities memorandum, Washington resumed large-scale strikes on July 8, accusing Tehran of violating terms related to the Strait of Hormuz.

United StatesIrannaval blockadeStrait of Hormuz

The United States has enough military assets to sustain a naval blockade of Iranian ports for an unlimited period, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday. He said ships could be cycled into and out of the region as circumstances require.

United StatesIrannaval blockadePentagon

Sergey Rybalko of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council says the halt in maritime transport has left farmers unable to sell their harvest or secure funds for seasonal work. Ukraine’s agricultural exports could fall from more than 4 million tons a month to 2-2.5 million, and possibly 500,000 tons next month. Storage capacity could be exhausted by October, putting over 9 million tons of grain and oilseeds at risk.

Ukraine agricultureBlack Sea portsgrain exportsfarmer aid

The owners of Australia’s largest aluminum smelter, including Rio Tinto Group, have won A$2.5 billion ($1.8 billion) in government support to keep the facility running while dealing with elevated energy costs.

Rio Tintoaluminum smelterAustraliagovernment bailout

The International Energy Agency expects global oil supply to fall by 4.3 million barrels per day in 2026. Its estimates show that worldwide supply increased by 2.4 million barrels per day in July, reaching 101.5 million barrels per day. Gulf countries continued restoring oil production, contributing to the monthly rise.

oil supplyIEAGulf countries

The International Energy Agency lowered its 2026 global oil demand forecast, citing the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and high fuel prices. It now expects demand to fall by 1.6 million barrels per day, while oil supply is projected to drop by 4.3 million barrels per day as hostilities and maritime disruptions hinder recovery.

oil marketStrait of HormuzIEAfuel prices

US inflation eased for a second consecutive month, with gas prices putting less pressure on consumers. Despite that moderation, concerns about the cost of living have not disappeared. Some household expenses continue to weigh on people as inflation cools. The report presents the slowdown alongside persistent affordability worries.

US inflationgas pricescost of living

Russia has received its first shipment of gasoline from India as the country faces fuel shortages. Bloomberg reported the delivery, citing data from the Kpler service. The shipment marks the start of gasoline supplies from India to Russia. No details were provided on the size of the shipment or any future deliveries.

RussiaIndiagasolinefuel shortages