Europe News

Airspace over Iran, Israel and parts of Iraq closed after US-Israel strikes triggered regional security fears. Major airlines including Air India and IndiGo suspended Middle East flights, while many int'l carriers cancelled services or rerouted.

Crude oil rose to $66.95/barrel, rising from the day before and up sharply over past month. Prices are still below last year's levels. Markets are reacting to US-Iran talks, potential global tariff hikes and risks to suppliers near Strait of Hormuz.

Crude oil traded at $66.31 per barrel on February 20, slipping slightly but staying near a six-month high. Prices gained over 9% in a month due to rising geopolitical tensions, falling US inventories, and supply concerns.

Crude oil rose to $64.19 per barrel on February 18, gaining nearly 3% amid rising geopolitical tensions. WTI futures climbed to $63.7 as Ukraine-Russia talks stalled and Iran temporarily shut parts of the Strait of Hormuz during military drills.

Crude oil slipped to $62.78 per barrel on February 17, as progress in US-Iran nuclear talks reduced supply risk fears. Earlier gains from Strait of Hormuz tensions faded after constructive diplomatic signals. Prices are up 4.02% in a month. 

Russia has confirmed it is blocking WhatsApp after accusing it of refusing to follow national laws. The app has over 100 million users in Russia. Authorities had already slowed it down and blocked calls last year. Telegram is also being throttled.

Crude oil rose to $65.42 per barrel on February 11, up 2.29% from previous day. WTI futures climbed above $64 as tensions between the US and Iran supported prices. However, a sharp rise of 13.4 million barrels in US crude inventories limited gains.

French prosecutors have appealed for more witnesses after charging 79-year-old former teacher with rape and sexual assault of 89 minors between 1967 and 2022 across 9 countries. Investigators identified victims via detailed writings on a USB drive.

Crude oil climbed to $64.58 per barrel on February 10, 2026, marking a third straight gain. Ongoing US-Iran tensions, warnings over the Strait of Hormuz, and uncertainty around India’s Russian oil imports are keeping markets cautious.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Russia pitched a $12 trillion economic cooperation package to the US during peace discussions. Dubbed the “Dmitriev package,” the proposal quadruples Russia’s GDP and raises concerns for Ukraine’s national interests.