Strait of Hormuz

6 stories since 25 October 2026, newest first

29 October 2026

El niño intensifies, threatening food security and energy markets

The United Nations aid chief warns that roughly 50 million people could face heightened hunger as the current El niño reaches unprecedented strength, according to the World Meteorological Organization head. Flooding linked to the phenomenon has killed two people and displaced over 2,000 in Argentina, while European natural‑gas futures hover near 90 euros per megawatt‑hour amid broader energy disruptions. In the United States, the National Weather Service projects a warmer‑than‑average winter with above‑average precipitation across several regions.

OilPrice.comPhys.orgRappler +2AI summary · 5 sources: Summarised with AI from 5 sources. Read our AI policy

World04:10

Iran and Qatar trade positions on a seven-day peace plan

Qatari mediators have presented Iran with a new draft to end the conflict with the United States and Israel. The plan sets a seven-day timeline with daily confidence-building steps and would involve several guarantor countries, possibly starting early next week. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is in close contact with intermediaries and could implement the plan in less than a week, while a senior Iranian official called Doha's ideas unacceptable and not an offer. Earlier talks in Tehran with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey ended without a deal, and US President Donald Trump suggested Iran may be delaying until after the 3 Nov midterm elections.

ABC News (US)Anadolu AgencyAl Jazeera English +2AI summary · 5 sources: Summarised with AI from 5 sources. Read our AI policy

28 October 2026

EconomyWed 22:10

US fuel prices climb sharply amid Iran war

US gasoline averaged about $4.29 a gallon on 26 Oct, according to AAA, up from $3.05 a year earlier and roughly 43% higher since the conflict with Iran began in February. Diesel averaged about $6.35 a gallon after hitting a record $6.53 in September. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan expects gasoline to stay above $4 and diesel above $6 through Election Day. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) estimates US consumers have paid an extra $471 in fuel costs since the war began. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said prices would fall once the conflict ends.

OilPrice.comThe Straits TimesFortuneAI summary · 3 sources: Summarised with AI from 3 sources. Read our AI policy

27 October 2026

WorldTue 16:09

Egyptian parliament backs military aid for Saudi Arabia with two‑thirds majority

Egypt’s House of Representatives approved a measure allowing President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia if requested, with at least two‑thirds of members supporting the vote. The approval follows secret parliamentary sessions and a postponed vote, and it permits coordination with Riyadh to protect Saudi territory, sovereignty and holy sites. President al‑Sisi said any Egyptian role would be limited to defending Saudi borders and would not involve attacks on Yemen. The Social Democratic Party abstained, while the Houthi‑run parliament warned the move threatens Egypt’s security.

The NationalAsharq Al-AwsatThe Straits Times +2AI summary · 5 sources: Summarised with AI from 5 sources. Read our AI policy

26 October 2026

WorldMon 00:08

Fire at Saudi refinery after Houthi missile claim

A fire near the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province was contained, Bloomberg News reports, citing a person familiar with the matter. The Houthi movement says it struck the refinery with a ballistic missile on 27 Oct, a claim Saudi authorities have not confirmed. Saudi-led coalition forces say they shot down three Houthi missiles aimed at the Eastern Province and intercepted two ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh, where shrapnel damaged a building, a construction project and a car. The refinery handles 550,000 barrels per day. Damage details remain unclear.

Asharq Al-AwsatAnadolu AgencyMiddle East Eye +2AI summary · 5 sources: Summarised with AI from 5 sources. Read our AI policy

25 October 2026

WorldSun 13:39

Saudi coalition reports intercepting Houthi missile and drone attacks

Saudi authorities say they shot down a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, while coalition officials report intercepting between one and ten missiles, including drones and a cruise missile, over various regions. Spokesperson Colonel Turki Al‑Maliki confirmed the action after civil‑defence alerts.