
Oil Nears $100 a Barrel as US-Iran Conflict Escalates
Brent crude hits $98.73 as US-Iran conflict escalates, Strait of Hormuz faces closure. Rally could bring Kazakhstan $20 billion in extra budget revenues.

Brent crude hits $98.73 as US-Iran conflict escalates, Strait of Hormuz faces closure. Rally could bring Kazakhstan $20 billion in extra budget revenues.

Floods in India's Assam kill over 40, affect 653,000 residents. Monsoon rains 436% above normal cause devastation; chief minister warns of historic destruction.

Explosion in Strait of Hormuz hits three oil tankers. Iran's IRGC claims control, accuses US of provocations, vows retaliation, no independent confirmation.

Dubai launches 'Invite Dubai' program offering residents $815 per tourist they bring from any country, including Kazakhstan. The reward package includes hotel stays, dining, and entertainment.

The trial of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will begin June 1, 2027 in New York. Maduro pleaded not guilty, calls himself prisoner of war.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores appeared in a New York court for the first time, with the trial scheduled to begin June 1, 2027.

Ebola deaths in DR Congo and Uganda exceed 1,000; 2,494 confirmed cases. The outbreak began on May 15, Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Italian police seized 770 kg of cocaine worth €250 million hidden in a banana container from Ecuador. The operation at Vado Ligure port is one of the largest in recent years.

The temporary trade pact between the EAEU and Mongolia took effect July 22, eliminating duties on 367 tariff lines and opening new opportunities for businesses

Global oil prices rose on Wednesday as US-Iran tensions escalate with 11th night of strikes and Kuwait intercepting drones. Brent hits $91.51, WTI $84.64. Read more on infohub.kz.

Venezuela reports first hantavirus deaths: three in Anzoátegui, two healthcare workers in Barinas. National health system normal. Details at infohub.kz.

Iran's IRGC claims to have destroyed a US F-15 fighter jet in Jordan and struck an Amazon data center in Bahrain, along with an attack on the At-Tanf base in Syria.

Saudi Arabia introduces a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for one year, allowing pilgrims multiple visits with total stay up to 90 days. Permits via Nusuk.

Turkish newspaper Türkiye reports alleged assassination plots against Erdogan, including one modeled on Anwar Sadat's killing, with FETO suspected. Unconfirmed.

An unknown projectile struck a tanker off the coast of Oman. The crew abandoned ship, and UKMTO is investigating. Amid the fresh Middle East escalation.

Three rock-cut tombs of New Kingdom officials with rare family inscriptions have been discovered in Saqqara, Egypt. This discovery adds to knowledge of ancient Egyptian nobility.

Iran detained two French diplomats working on civil society programs. France's foreign minister called it a violation of diplomatic immunity and intimidation.

The 48th UNESCO session in Busan will review Kazakhstan's nomination for the rock mosques of Mangystau. Unique underground temples could join the World Heritage list.

Yemen's Houthis announce naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, risking 7% cut in global oil supplies. Tensions rise amid US-Iran conflict; Riyadh yet to comment.

China Eastern Airlines plans direct flights from Shanghai to Astana this fall. The Chinese carrier confirmed interest after talks with Kazakh officials.

Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry says it has repatriated about 60 citizens from labor slavery in Southeast Asia over five years, naming Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia as main destinations.

China's Hainan province will ban sales of gasoline and diesel cars by 2030, targeting 45% electric vehicles. It leads in EV adoption with renewable energy.

Kazakhstan plans to expand capacity of three refineries and explore building a new 10 million ton plant; 2025 oil output rose 13.5% to 99.6M tons, gas up 15% to 68.2B m³.

A powerful earthquake in Venezuela has killed 5,119 people and injured 16,740, with 6,462 rescued. It is the strongest quake in the country since 1900.