Speculation of attacks on Iranian oil supplies have caused global oil prices to spike. Fears of disrupted supply have led to sharp price fluctuations, raising concerns of a direct impact on supply and consumer prices.

The United States must consider its next steps, as the temporary license to ease restrictions on Venezuela’s oil sanction is set to expire on Thursday. The agreement's condition, which provides necessary breathing room for Venezuela's oil and gas sectors, would depend on President Nicolas Maduro making democratic progress by the upcoming election date of July 28.

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Biden administration announced the softening of its sanction on oil, gas, and gold exports from Venezuela. The deal came one day after Venezuela’s incumbent leadership met with its opposition and agreed to hold democratic presidential elections in 2024.

In 1965, China became the first non-Arab nation to forge ties with the Palestinians. A couple decades later in 1988, China officially recognized Palestinian statehood.

US officials have received new intelligence that suggests that a pro-Ukraine group was responsible for the North Stream pipeline attacks.

In light of the COP27 conference that was held this past month in Egypt, the focus on renewable energy has moved to the Middle East.