Sikandar Khan · Page 2

Sikandar Khan, known as Piri, is a geopolitical analyst and writer. He covers international relations, security, and foreign policy, with a focus on how global developments impact our world.

Middle East

Iran Nuclear Chief Barred From IAEA Meeting After US Objection

Source: IRNA

Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami was barred from participating in the annual meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna when the U.S. objected to a UN sanctions waiver for Eslami to attend in Austria. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that Washington had made pressure “to prevent his [Eslami’s] entry” into Austria as he was a “sanctioned individual”… Continue reading Iran Nuclear Chief Barred From IAEA Meeting After US Objection

Middle East

Iran Says Oman Talks Cancelled at Saudi Arabia’s Request

Iran on Monday announced it had canceled a meeting with Gulf Arab countries in Oman at Saudi Arabia’s request in a blow to regional efforts to advance shipping talks through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said that Riyadh had requested to not hold the meeting “for the time being”. According to Iran’s state news… Continue reading Iran Says Oman Talks Cancelled at Saudi Arabia’s Request

Middle East

Iran and Oman Finalise New Shipping Routes for Strait of Hormuz

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 3, 2026. (REUTERS)

Iran and Oman have agreed the terms of new entry and exit routes through the Strait of Hormuz and will propose the deal during a regional meeting in Muscat on Monday. A source close to Iran’s negotiating team told Tasnim news agency that the agreement was the result of technical and diplomatic talks which were in a final stage in… Continue reading Iran and Oman Finalise New Shipping Routes for Strait of Hormuz

Middle East

Oman to Host Regional Talks on Strait of Hormuz Shipping

Photographer: Vahid Salemi/AP Photo

On Monday, Oman will convene a regional meeting on commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz that will include Iran, Iraq and Gulf States, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Friday. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the meeting would touch upon the result of the talks held in Muscat between Tehran and Muscat on the provision of… Continue reading Oman to Host Regional Talks on Strait of Hormuz Shipping

Economy

US Diesel Prices Surge Above $6 for First Time

Lauren Owens Lambert/Reuters

The average price of diesel in the U.S. exceeded $6 per gallon for the first time, exacerbating inflation worries amidst continuing fuel supply disruptions. AAA reported the national average on Friday was $6.06 per gallon, beating the record of $5.82 which occurred during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Fuel prices also went up, to $4.29 per gallon of gasoline.… Continue reading US Diesel Prices Surge Above $6 for First Time

Asia

India BRICS Summit Faces Unity Test Over Iran War

REUTERS/Bhawika Chhabra

The BRICS Leaders’ Summit is set to take place in September 12-13 in New Delhi as the grouping is grappling with internal differences on the war in Iran. This roundtop takes place over six months after U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, which joined BRICS in 2024. The war has caused a significant decline in the volume of oil passing… Continue reading India BRICS Summit Faces Unity Test Over Iran War

Middle East

Trump Says Iran War Could End After US Midterm Elections

Saul Loeb/AFP Pool/EPA

CAIRO: U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to attack the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain site in Iran, and stated that the war with Iran could come to an immediate end after the midterm elections in November. In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Trump stated that he thought Iran was attempting to affect the results of the American elections by… Continue reading Trump Says Iran War Could End After US Midterm Elections

Europe

Eiffel Tower Staff Protest After Female Workers Moved During Hindu Delegation Visit

Hindu monks take part in a religious ceremony in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. -- Reuters

In protest of the Hindu delegation’s visit, Eiffel Tower workers moved from their location, causing the staff to protest. The staff of the Eiffel Tower in Paris has raised objections after they were forced to relocate some women workers to other parts of the monument during a private visit by a Hindu religious group. About 100 people from the Bochasanwasi… Continue reading Eiffel Tower Staff Protest After Female Workers Moved During Hindu Delegation Visit

Middle East

Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Leave 73 Injured, Hit Oil Facilities

Smoke rises from a burning truck during what the Houthis say was an attack targeting trucks coming from Saudi territory, at Al Wadiah border crossing on the Saudi-Yemen border. -- Reuters

Some 73 people were injured and fires broke out at several oil facilities and utility sites as a result of a series of Houthi attacks on southern Saudi Arabia, the Saudi authorities said on Tuesday. Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al Maliki said the strikes were in the regions of Abha, Jazan, Najran and Khamis Mushait. Women and children… Continue reading Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Leave 73 Injured, Hit Oil Facilities

Asia

Russia and North Korea Open First Road Bridge Across Their Border

(Photo: Handout by the Russian Transport Ministry via AFP)

Russia and North Korea have opened their first road bridge linking the two countries, marking another step in their closer economic and political ties. The bridge spans the Tumen River and was officially opened during a ceremony Monday with officials on both sides. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin took part in the event via video link. The Russian government predicts… Continue reading Russia and North Korea Open First Road Bridge Across Their Border