LONDON — Oil prices fell on Thursday as the United States considered easing restrictions on certain oil tankers linked to Russia, raising hopes of lower shipping costs and improved flexibility in global fuel supplies. Brent crude futures fell $2.28, or 2.2%, to $103.78 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined $1.34, or 1.4%, to $93.75 a barrel, according to Reuters market data reported at 0729 GMT.

The decline followed reports that the U.S. administration was considering relaxing sanctions on some vessels associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” These vessels are used to transport oil and petroleum products outside conventional shipping arrangements and are often linked to efforts to evade international restrictions.

A U.S. official said the proposed measures could help reduce freight costs and provide greater flexibility for transporting diesel and other petroleum products. The discussions come days after President Donald Trump temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian diesel fuel in an effort to ease pressure on global fuel prices.

However, geopolitical tensions continued to pose risks to energy supplies. Attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and escalating conflict involving Iran and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have raised concerns about the security of one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes. Two commercial vessels reportedly sank near the strategic waterway after being struck by projectiles, according to maritime officials cited in reports.

Meanwhile, Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including a strike on an oil refinery in the Ryazan region, adding another layer of uncertainty to global energy markets. U.S. crude inventories also fell by 11.1 million barrels in the week ending October 9, according to preliminary data from the American Petroleum Institute. Official inventory figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration were awaited.

The oil market remains caught between expectations of increased supply flexibility and fears of further disruptions caused by geopolitical conflict. Any decision by Washington to ease tanker restrictions could influence shipping costs and fuel availability, although the overall impact will depend on the scope and implementation of the measures.

DUBAI — Gulf stock markets declined on Thursday as Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatened further attacks on Saudi Arabia, intensifying concerns about regional security, energy infrastructure and disruptions to shipping. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index fell 0.6%, marking its sixth consecutive weekly decline, while shares of state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco also dropped 0.6%, according to Reuters.

The latest threats followed an attack that damaged Saudi Aramco’s headquarters in Dhahran. The strike reportedly sparked a fire across several floors of an office building within the complex, raising concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s critical energy infrastructure.

The market downturn extended across the Gulf. Qatar’s benchmark index fell 1.2%, reaching its lowest level in more than six years. Dubai’s index declined 0.7%, while Abu Dhabi’s benchmark fell 0.4%. Oil prices also moved lower despite the escalating regional tensions. Brent crude futures dropped $2.28, or 2.2%, to $103.78 a barrel.

Investors remained concerned about maritime security after reports that two ships had sunk near the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by projectiles. The strategic waterway is a vital route for global oil shipments.

The International Monetary Fund has warned that a prolonged conflict and disruptions to energy supplies or shipping could have serious consequences for economies across the Middle East and Central Asia.

The latest market movements highlight the growing economic risks posed by the conflict, particularly for countries dependent on energy exports and regional trade. Further attacks on energy facilities or commercial shipping could deepen market volatility and increase uncertainty across global energy markets.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a quarterly open debate on Thursday on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, amid continuing regional tensions and concerns over the future of peace efforts.

The meeting is expected to focus on developments affecting Palestinians, the broader Middle East situation and international efforts to advance peace. The debate comes shortly after the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

Ramiz Alakbarov, the Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Resident Coordinator, is expected to brief the Council, according to Security Council meeting previews. The debate also comes approximately one year after Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-brokered framework to end the Gaza conflict in October 2025. The UN Security Council subsequently endorsed the framework through Resolution 2803 in November 2025.

Council members are expected to discuss the implementation of peace efforts, the situation affecting Palestinians and the prospects for a lasting political settlement. The meeting is taking place under Greece’s presidency of the Security Council for October. The outcome of Thursday’s debate, including any new commitments or formal Council action, had not been confirmed in the available information at the time of writing.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has warned of continuing security challenges along the Israel-Lebanon border as the future of its peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon remains uncertain ahead of the expiration of its current mandate at the end of 2026.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, has highlighted the importance of maintaining stability and ensuring that arrangements are in place to prevent renewed hostilities as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) approaches the end of its mandate.

Established in 1978, UNIFIL monitors the situation along the Blue Line, the UN-designated boundary separating Lebanon from Israel. The mission also supports efforts to reduce tensions, facilitate humanitarian access and help maintain stability in southern Lebanon.

The future of the peacekeeping operation has become a significant concern amid continuing tensions in the region and questions about how security monitoring will be maintained after the mission’s mandate expires.

The Israel-Lebanon border has experienced repeated periods of violence, including exchanges of fire and military operations that have threatened civilians and damaged infrastructure. UN peacekeepers play an important role in monitoring developments, reporting violations and maintaining communication between the parties to reduce the risk of escalation.

The possible withdrawal or restructuring of the mission raises questions about how these responsibilities would be handled in the future. Any transition would require careful coordination to avoid creating a security vacuum along the sensitive border.

The United Nations has emphasized the importance of respecting the Blue Line and implementing Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to help end that year’s Israel-Hezbollah conflict and establish arrangements for lasting security in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon continues to confront significant political, economic and security pressures. Instability along its southern border has contributed to displacement, damaged communities and complicated efforts to restore normal life in affected areas. Civilians remain particularly vulnerable to renewed fighting, while damage to homes, roads and essential services can make recovery difficult.

International diplomatic efforts have focused on preventing further escalation and strengthening the Lebanese state’s authority in the south. The role of UNIFIL remains part of wider discussions about implementing existing security arrangements and supporting long-term stability.

The future of UNIFIL will depend on decisions by the UN Security Council and consultations with relevant parties. Any changes to the mission will require consideration of the security environment, the needs of local communities and the arrangements necessary to preserve stability. The United Nations continues to stress that a lasting solution requires full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, respect for the Blue Line and sustained diplomatic engagement.

As discussions over the mission’s future continue, international attention remains focused on whether effective security arrangements can be maintained and the risk of renewed conflict reduced. The decisions taken in the coming months could have significant implications for peacekeeping, civilian protection and stability along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has warned that escalating violence, restricted humanitarian access and worsening living conditions are deepening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, leaving vulnerable families struggling to obtain food, clean water and essential medical care.

UN humanitarian officials have raised concerns about insecurity and access restrictions, particularly in areas around Taiz, where fighting and blocked roads are disrupting the delivery of lifesaving assistance. The situation is placing additional pressure on communities already affected by years of conflict, displacement and economic hardship.

Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges reaching people in need as insecurity limits movement and interrupts aid operations. Restrictions on access can prevent emergency supplies from reaching displaced families and other vulnerable populations, increasing the risk of hunger, disease and further displacement.

Yemen remains one of the world’s most serious humanitarian emergencies. Years of conflict have damaged essential infrastructure, weakened public services and disrupted the country’s economy. Many families face severe food insecurity as rising prices and declining purchasing power make basic necessities increasingly difficult to afford. Hospitals and health facilities continue to face shortages of medical supplies, while access to clean water and sanitation remains a major concern in many communities.

Children, displaced people and households headed by women are among those particularly vulnerable to the crisis. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that interruptions in food assistance and healthcare can have devastating consequences for people who have few alternatives.

The United Nations is urging all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and allow humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance safely and without unnecessary restrictions. UN officials have also stressed the importance of protecting humanitarian personnel and ensuring that aid workers can carry out their duties without intimidation or violence.

Continued access restrictions threaten to undermine relief operations at a time when humanitarian needs remain substantial. The UN has called for cooperation to ensure that food, medicine and other essential supplies reach affected communities. Humanitarian agencies depend on international funding to provide emergency food assistance, healthcare, clean water and shelter to vulnerable populations in Yemen. However, the scale of the crisis continues to place considerable demands on available resources.

The UN has emphasized that emergency assistance must be accompanied by sustained diplomatic efforts to reduce violence and support a lasting political settlement. Without improved humanitarian access, adequate funding and progress toward peace, millions of Yemenis risk facing further hardship. The situation highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to protect civilians, support humanitarian operations and address the underlying causes of Yemen’s prolonged crisis.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has reported encouraging progress toward ending Libya’s prolonged political deadlock but warned that continued divisions among rival political institutions, economic difficulties and fragile security conditions threaten the country’s path toward national elections. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for Libya and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), delivered the warning during a briefing to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, October 14.

Tetteh said an agreement signed in Tripoli on August 30 by participants in a smaller political dialogue marked an important step toward overcoming the country’s prolonged institutional stalemate. The agreement outlines a path toward parliamentary and presidential elections under a unified executive authority within two years.

However, she cautioned that the progress remains fragile, with disagreements among political stakeholders threatening to undermine efforts to establish stable and unified national institutions. The agreement has received support from several Libyan and international actors, but the High Council of State rejected it on October 5. The disagreement has raised concerns about whether the parties can reach the consensus needed to advance the political process.

Tetteh warned that inflammatory rhetoric and disinformation could further harden political positions, weaken the willingness to compromise and encourage unilateral actions that could undermine the agreement or trigger renewed violence. She called on Libyan political leaders to engage constructively, overcome their differences and support a credible, peaceful electoral process. She also urged the international community to continue supporting diplomatic efforts and hold those obstructing progress accountable.

The UN envoy also highlighted the country’s deteriorating economic conditions, warning that political divisions are contributing to declining living standards and growing public frustration. Despite Libya’s substantial oil resources, many citizens continue to face rising prices and declining purchasing power. Tetteh cited inflation of approximately 14%, alongside concerns about fuel subsidies, widespread fuel smuggling and disruptions to oil production.

She warned that the closure of oilfields and pipelines was causing significant financial losses and threatening energy supplies and electricity generation. Libya’s dependence on oil revenues makes the economy particularly vulnerable to disruptions in production and exports. Political disagreements over state institutions and public resources have further complicated efforts to improve economic management and ensure that oil wealth benefits the wider population.

The envoy also drew attention to protests and strikes in the education and healthcare sectors over delayed salary increases and unpaid allowances, underscoring the pressure on public services.

Despite continuing instability, Tetteh welcomed recent efforts by military leaders from eastern and western Libya to strengthen cooperation. She highlighted initiatives to establish joint information-sharing and border-security coordination centers in Tripoli and Benghazi. Such measures could help improve coordination between security institutions that have operated under competing authorities.

However, she stressed that the overall security environment remains fragile and that sustained cooperation will be necessary to prevent renewed confrontations and support broader political reconciliation. The UN also expressed concern about inflammatory rhetoric and disinformation targeting migrants, refugees, humanitarian workers and UN personnel. Tetteh called for a halt to executions and a review of judicial procedures to ensure compliance with fair-trial standards.

Libya has struggled to restore unified political authority since the 2011 uprising that ended Muammar Gaddafi’s rule. Rival power centers, competing institutions and disputes over the legal framework for elections have repeatedly obstructed efforts to establish a stable political system. The country’s national elections, originally scheduled for December 2021, were postponed indefinitely amid disagreements over electoral rules and the eligibility of candidates.

The latest agreement offers a possible route out of the stalemate, but its success will depend on whether the principal political actors accept the process and implement the necessary institutional reforms. Tetteh emphasized that progress toward elections cannot be separated from the need to strengthen the judiciary, unify state institutions and address broader security and economic challenges.

The UN is continuing consultations with Libyan stakeholders to build on the agreement and explore ways to make the political process more inclusive. The latest Security Council briefing underscored both the opportunity and the risks facing Libya: diplomatic progress has created renewed hope for a political settlement, but lasting stability will require compromise, institutional unity and sustained international support.

WASHINGTON DC — The White House has asked U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign following allegations of improper conduct involving a political donor and questions about her behavior during her diplomatic tenure. Guilfoyle subsequently resigned on Tuesday, October 13, according to the Associated Press. White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia announced the administration’s decision during a briefing on Tuesday, saying Guilfoyle had been a valued member of the team and wishing her well.

The move followed several days of growing scrutiny over allegations that Guilfoyle sought financial assistance from a supporter of President Donald Trump before her Senate confirmation hearing. President Trump had indicated a day earlier that he was considering dismissing Guilfoyle, telling reporters that the administration was unhappy with the situation.

The controversy centers on allegations reported by The Wall Street Journal that Guilfoyle asked businessman and Trump supporter Eric Deters to pay approximately $100,000 toward her American Express bill in July 2025, shortly before her Senate confirmation hearing.

According to reports, Deters said Guilfoyle sought the payment while discussing his desire for access to senior Trump administration officials. The allegations raised questions about whether money was being sought in connection with political influence. Deters characterized the request as a potential pay-to-play arrangement. However, the allegations have not been established as proven wrongdoing.

Guilfoyle’s lawyers have denied that she engaged in improper conduct. They have argued that the money she sought was payment for previously arranged speaking engagements and public appearances that had not been paid for before her nomination as ambassador. The competing accounts have intensified scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction.

The financial allegations are part of a broader set of reports concerning Guilfoyle’s conduct before and during her time in Athens. The Wall Street Journal has reported allegations involving gifts and services, interactions with Greek officials, and possible efforts to use her diplomatic position to advance particular interests.

Guilfoyle’s legal representatives have disputed allegations of wrongdoing. The reported claims remain subject to scrutiny and should not be treated as established findings. Reports also indicated that the State Department’s Office of Inspector General was examining aspects of the matter. The precise scope and status of any formal investigation were not immediately clear.

Guilfoyle’s departure marks a significant development for a political ally of Trump who previously worked as a television personality and prosecutor. She was also formerly engaged to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son.

Her appointment as ambassador to Greece placed her in a strategically important diplomatic role. Greece is a NATO member and a key U.S. partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, with military facilities and maritime security cooperation that are important to American regional interests.

The ambassador’s departure comes at a time when Washington continues to prioritize security cooperation, energy partnerships and regional stability with its European allies. The White House has not publicly detailed all the considerations behind its decision beyond confirming that Guilfoyle was asked to resign.

The case has renewed attention on ethical standards for public officials, financial relationships with political donors and the importance of maintaining public confidence in diplomatic appointments.

SANAA, Yemen — Tensions in the Middle East intensified Tuesday after reports of Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeting oil facilities west of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened retaliation against Saudi Arabia. Houthi-affiliated broadcaster Al-Masirah reported that airstrikes had hit oil facilities in the area.

The reports followed a warning from the Saudi-led coalition urging civilians to evacuate the Yemen Oil Company’s Sabah central station and nearby areas ahead of a planned military operation. Witnesses in Sanaa reported hearing explosions, but the full extent of the damage and any casualties had not been immediately confirmed, according to the Associated Press.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that any Saudi attack on Sanaa would prompt a forceful response against the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The Houthis also warned employees and civilians near Saudi Aramco oil facilities to evacuate, declaring the facilities potential targets for their forces. The exchange of threats raises concerns about further attacks on critical infrastructure, including oil facilities, airports and other strategic sites across the region.

The latest developments come amid an intensifying military confrontation involving Saudi Arabia, Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Houthi movement. Saudi Arabia has renewed military operations against the Houthis while backing a government-led counteroffensive following the group’s seizure of strategic territory along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

The conflict has also expanded against the backdrop of wider tensions involving the United States and Iran. Recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure have disrupted air travel and heightened security concerns across the Gulf.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, remains a critical passage for international shipping and energy transportation. Further escalation around the waterway could threaten commercial shipping, increase transportation costs and add pressure to global energy markets.

The escalating confrontation raises fresh concerns about civilian safety, regional stability and the risk of a broader conflict. Military operations near oil facilities and other critical infrastructure could have consequences beyond Yemen and Saudi Arabia, particularly if attacks spread to major transport routes or energy installations.

Diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation remain important as regional governments confront growing security risks and the potential economic consequences of prolonged hostilities. The situation remains fluid, and further confirmation is needed regarding the reported airstrikes, damage and possible casualties.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The number of people living in acute multidimensional poverty has risen to 1.2 billion for the first time since the global index was launched in 2010, according to a new United Nations report, highlighting the continuing struggle of millions of families to access basic necessities. The findings were published on October 12 in the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), prepared by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) at the University of Oxford.

The report estimates that 1.2 billion people across 108 developing countries are experiencing overlapping deprivations in health, education and living standards. This represents 18.9 percent of the 6.3 billion people covered by the study. The number is 51.5 million higher than in the previous update on a comparable basis, marking the first increase recorded since the index was introduced in 2010.

Children account for more than half of those living in multidimensional poverty. The report estimates that approximately 617 million children are affected, while 83 percent of all people experiencing multidimensional poverty live in rural areas. The findings underscore how poverty extends beyond household income. Families may face several disadvantages simultaneously, including inadequate nutrition, limited access to education, unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and a lack of electricity.

UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo described the increase as a wake-up call for the international community, stressing that millions of people continue to endure hardships that reinforce one another. The report also highlights the importance of coordinated policies that address health, education and living conditions together rather than treating poverty as an income problem alone.

Despite the overall increase, the report points to examples of meaningful progress. Among 89 countries with data suitable for measuring trends, 33 reduced their multidimensional poverty index values by at least half in fewer than 15 years. The latest update also found mixed results among the 13 countries with newly updated estimates. Some countries recorded significant improvements, demonstrating that sustained policy efforts can reduce deprivation even in challenging circumstances.

The index uses household survey data to measure disadvantages across health, education and living standards. A person is classified as multidimensionally poor when their household experiences deprivation in at least one-third of the index’s weighted indicators. The findings reinforce the urgency of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of substantially reducing poverty in all its forms by 2030. The report calls attention to the need for targeted investment, stronger public services and coordinated action to ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — The United States, the United Kingdom and 28 partner countries have jointly condemned what they describe as Iran-linked hostile activities, while backing Britain’s attribution of Iran’s involvement in an incident at Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford on September 27. In a joint statement released Monday, the 30 governments said they recognized the United Kingdom’s attribution of Iran’s involvement in the incident. The statement also cited Britain’s assessment that the event demonstrated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)’s continued willingness to project hostile activity beyond Iran’s borders through covert networks and proxy actors.

The statement was issued by the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The governments condemned what they characterized as Iran’s use of violent attacks and other hostile activities, including lethal plotting, arson, sabotage, cyberattacks and other forms of hybrid operations against their countries and partners.

The joint statement linked the RAF Fairford incident to a broader series of recent attacks across Europe targeting Jewish communities, Iranian journalists and U.S. interests. According to the statement, the attacks were claimed by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI). The governments cited these developments as part of their broader concerns about threats and hostile activities allegedly carried out through proxies or other means.

The statement did not provide further operational details about the September 27 incident at RAF Fairford, identify suspects, or outline the evidence supporting the British attribution. Those details would require confirmation from official investigative sources.

The 30 governments warned that attempts to threaten, silence, intimidate, harass, harm or coerce people within their territories would not be tolerated, regardless of whether the activities were conducted directly or through proxies. They pledged to coordinate efforts to identify, investigate and disrupt hostile activities, prosecute those responsible where appropriate, and strengthen cooperation to protect their communities and national sovereignty.

The statement also emphasized the importance of improving national resilience, strengthening international coordination and ensuring accountability for those responsible for hostile acts. Although the governments issued a strong collective warning, the statement did not announce specific new sanctions, arrests or military measures against Iran.

The joint declaration underscores the signatories’ stated concern about alleged covert operations, threats against journalists and attacks affecting Jewish communities and U.S. interests in Europe. The reference to the IRGC is particularly significant because the statement attributes the alleged broader pattern of hostile activity to Iran’s capacity to operate beyond its borders through covert networks and proxy actors.

The declaration represents a coordinated diplomatic position among the participating governments. However, the specific circumstances of the RAF Fairford incident, the evidence behind the attribution and any potential legal or diplomatic consequences remain matters requiring further official clarification.