As Iran’s top trade partner and key energy importer, China can quietly push Tehran toward a deal, especially if it hints that oil purchases or investment flows could be affected by escalations.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have been ongoing for a long time.

Geopolitics will be the main theme of the day, with markets watching the high-stakes talks between the U.S. and Iran, as well as Ukraine and Russia.

Iran temporarily and partially shut down the Strait of Hormuz – the maritime entryway that handles over 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipping – ahead of a second round of nuclear talks with the US.

Something big is happening between Russia and Iran… and it’s happening in the sky. Over just three days, at least three massive Russian cargo planes quietly flew from southern Russia straight into Iran.

Supplies of Urals, along with other export grades such as Sokol and Varandey, have added to regular shipments of Russia’s flagship ESPO blend exported from the Far East port of Kozmino, which is geographically closer to China.

As U.S.–Iran tensions surge toward the brink of war, Russia and China are moving quickly to block any American military escalation in the Middle East. Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed strong strategic backing for Iran,

President Donald Trump confirms he is considering a limited strike on Iran to force a nuclear deal, with a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. Senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich reports.