United States2026-10-02 00:46:34U.S. sends two additional Patriot systems to Saudi Arabia and QatarThe U.S. military has deployed two additional Patriot missile defense systems to the Middle East in recent weeks to help protect oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, according to an AXIOS report citing two U.S. officials and one regional source. The move was described as an effort to reassure both countries that the United States would defend critical energy infrastructure if former President Donald Trump decides to resume large-scale military action against Iran. Trump said on Thursday that he is considering restarting bombing operations in the coming weeks. He was quoted as saying that he now has to make a decision: either Iran signs an agreement, or it "will cease to exist." The report added that if large-scale military action resumes, Washington would need Saudi approval to use its airspace. If Riyadh believes its oil facilities cannot be protected, it is not expected to grant that access.50
Dubai Air2026-09-30 08:48:42Dubai Air flight FZ1073 hijack scare traced to cockpit fight between pilotsDubai Air flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, triggered serious alarm during the flight after transmitting the general emergency code 7700 and the unlawful interference or hijacking code 7500, while also making a sharp descent over Saudi Arabia. Israeli authorities initially treated the situation as a possible hijacking and scrambled fighter jets before the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. After landing, Dubai Air said an "incident" had taken place during the flight and confirmed that all passengers had disembarked safely and completed identity checks. Israeli authorities later moved away from the theory of an external hijacking or security attack. Israeli Channel 13 reported that the event stemmed from an argument between the two pilots inside the cockpit that escalated into a physical confrontation. CNN, citing sources, described the clash as "violent." Reuters, citing an unnamed Israeli official, said the emergency signals were sent after the altercation, though it remains unclear whether either pilot intentionally activated the codes. Channel 13 also reported that Saudi authorities had taken the two pilots in for investigation. A preliminary assessment said one was Russian or of Russian origin, while the other was Ukrainian or of Ukrainian origin.190
Goldman Sachs2026-09-30 03:17:40Goldman Sachs says Gulf oil exports have returned to the 2025 averageGoldman Sachs estimates that oil exports from the Gulf, including what it described as covert shipments, have returned to the 2025 average after doubling in September. Saudi Arabia led the rebound, with export volumes rising above the country’s 2025 average, while Iran did not export crude by sea during September, according to the estimate. Analyst Eamonn Sheridan said the bank’s assessment adds weight to the market view that supply is recovering, a theme he linked to the sharp drop in oil prices seen yesterday. Goldman had already argued in a report published in late August that even if Middle East supply disruptions lasted longer, rising volumes of so-called dark shipping could cap gains in crude prices. The latest figures, Sheridan said, add support to that view. The same report also said that if supply disruptions persist, refined products and European natural gas may have more upside than crude, which aligns with the market’s current focus on diesel supply. The item was cited by BlockBeats and attributed to Jin10.260
oil2026-09-28 11:20:23Oil Prices Slip After Report Says Saudi East-West Pipeline Resumed ExportsOil prices moved lower on Sept. 28, with both U.S. crude and Brent crude falling by nearly $0.8 in short-term trading, according to Bitget market data. U.S. crude was quoted at $94.21 per barrel, while Brent traded at $100.34 per barrel. The move came alongside a report saying Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline has resumed oil exports. The update points to a shift in the immediate supply picture reflected in intraday pricing. No additional details were provided in the source on the timing of the pipeline restart or export volumes.180
Saudi Arabia2026-09-27 00:19:41Saudi foreign minister says Strait of Hormuz should return to pre-Feb. 28 statusSaudi Foreign Minister Faisal said at the United Nations General Assembly that the Strait of Hormuz must be restored to the status that existed before Feb. 28, with no fees charged and no restrictions imposed. He said security in the Gulf is closely tied to global energy security and the stability of international trade. Faisal also called for safeguarding freedom of navigation in international waterways. The remarks were reported by ChainCatcher in a brief news update.220
oil prices2026-09-22 10:05:05Oil prices fall, with WTI slipping below $89 a barrelInternational oil prices moved lower on Sept. 22, according to market data cited by BlockBeats from Bitget. West Texas Intermediate, or WTI, fell back below $89 per barrel, down 2.88% on the day. Brent crude also dropped more than 2% and was quoted at $94.45 per barrel. The move came alongside two developments highlighted in the report. One said Saudi Arabia was preparing to resume crude exports from Yanbu later on Tuesday. Another involved comments from an Iranian official, who said the Iranian delegation had been given full authority to push for the restoration of diplomatic contact with the United States in New York. The report did not provide more detail beyond those market levels and statements, but it tied the day’s oil-price weakness to the latest supply and diplomatic headlines being watched by the market.490
Saudi Arabia2026-09-22 09:57:16Sources say Saudi Arabia plans to resume crude exports from Yanbu later TuesdayBlockBeats reported on Sept. 22 that, according to sources, Saudi Arabia is preparing to resume crude oil exports from Yanbu later on Tuesday. The brief update did not provide details on export volumes, timing beyond later Tuesday, or any operational arrangements tied to the restart. The report was published as a 7x24 flash item.480
Saudi Arabia2026-09-21 20:37:15Saudi Arabia leaves China-backed mBridge CBDC project, FT reportsSaudi Arabia has withdrawn from mBridge, the cross-border central bank digital currency project backed by China, according to the Financial Times. The Saudi Central Bank, or SAMA, told the newspaper that it joined the platform as a full participant in June 2024 and ended its involvement on May 13, 2025 after completing a proof of concept. SAMA said the exit had been planned. mBridge was launched in 2021 by the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub together with the central banks of China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The platform is designed to let participating central banks issue and transact in their own digital currencies on a shared ledger for cross-border payments and foreign exchange transactions, rather than relying on a single stablecoin. The project remained under the BIS until October 2024, when it was handed over to the participating central banks after reaching the minimum viable product stage. It has also drawn attention in Washington. A 2024 report from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission said mBridge could eventually offer an alternative cross-border settlement system for countries seeking to avoid US sanctions. Separately, China’s central bank has been paying closer attention to the role of stablecoins and CBDCs in cross-border payments.380
