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Monday March 16 2026
Oil artery at risk: US-Iran clash turns Strait of Hormuz into global energy flashpoint

Oil artery at risk: US-Iran clash turns Strait of Hormuz into global energy flashpoint

Since late February 2026, the Strait of Hormuz has become the central theatre of the US–Iran confrontation. Following joint US–Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the Gulf and issued warnings to vessels attempting to pass through the strait. The consequences have been very 'dramatic'. But US has forgotten that geography cannot be destroyed.

Nation
Could oil really hit $200? Iran’s Hormuz threat faces market reality

Could oil really hit $200? Iran’s Hormuz threat faces market reality

When Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), declared that oil prices could surge to $200 a barrel if tensions escalate in the Persian Gulf, markets understandably took notice. His warning, coupled with threats to block the Strait of Hormuz, was not the first time an Iranian official has invoked the specter of triple-digit oil shocks. Yet the question remains: how realistic is this scenario, and what would it mean for the global economy?

Oil & Gas
Energy markets under pressure as Middle East conflict triggers emergency oil measures

Energy markets under pressure as Middle East conflict triggers emergency oil measures

One of the most vital steps came from the International Energy Agency (IEA), whose member states unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to the global market. The decision followed an extraordinary meeting of the agency’s 32 member governments convened by Executive Director Fatih Birol to assess rapidly evolving market conditions and coordinate a response to supply disruptions caused by the regional conflict.

Business
UK, UAE and Türkiye among top foreign investors in Azerbaijan’s economy

UK, UAE and Türkiye among top foreign investors in Azerbaijan’s economy

The countries with the largest share in foreign investments in fixed capital in Azerbaijan in 2025 have been revealed, AzerNEWS reports.

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Pashinyan: Mentioning “Artsakh” in churches is call for war and threatens peace with Azerbaijan

Pashinyan: Mentioning “Artsakh” in churches is call for war and threatens peace with Azerbaijan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that references to “Artsakh” during religious ceremonies in churches amount to calls for war and undermine the ongoing peace process with Azerbaijan.

Armenian Aggression
Mine clearance accelerates across Azerbaijan’s liberated territories

Mine clearance accelerates across Azerbaijan’s liberated territories

Mine clearance efforts in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan continued at a significant pace in 2025, with 69,200 hectares of land cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance during the year, AzerNEWS reports.

World
Japan’s oil reserve release – how could China benefit?

Japan’s oil reserve release – how could China benefit?

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global energy flows, Japan has announced plans to release 80 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves starting March 16, highlighting concerns over the country’s dependence on Middle Eastern energy supplies, AzerNEWS reports.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Lifestyle
Nearly 1,500 trees planted in Shaki and Gabala within Green Marathon [PHOTOS]

Nearly 1,500 trees planted in Shaki and Gabala within Green Marathon [PHOTOS]

The next activities of the mass tree-planting campaign "Green Marathon," initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, were organized in the Shaki and Gabala districts during the spring season of 2026, AzerNEWS reports citing the IDEA Public Union.ts during the spring season of 2026, AzerNEWS reports citing the IDEA Public Union.

Culture
Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation holds media roundtable in Baku [PHOTOS]

Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation holds media roundtable in Baku [PHOTOS]

On 13 March, a roundtable meeting between the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Aktoty Raimkulova, and representatives of Azerbaijani media outlets was held at the Foundation’s headquarters in Baku.

Events
Expo 2025: Azerbaijani Pavilion wins Architectural Design Award

Expo 2025: Azerbaijani Pavilion wins Architectural Design Award

The Azerbaijan Pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka World Expo has won another prestigious award, AzerNEWS reports.

Sports
Azerbaijani Women’s 3x3 basketball team wins silver at FIBA Champions Cup

Azerbaijani Women’s 3x3 basketball team wins silver at FIBA Champions Cup

The Azerbaijan women's national 3x3 basketball team finished second at the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup held in Bangkok, Thailand.

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