Iran

Prisma Photonics raises $30mn to expand its optical fibre infrastructure monitoring platform

Israeli company Prisma Photonics has raised $30mn in a funding round led by Protego Ventures to develop its artificial intelligence-based detection system for power grids and critical infrastructure.

Brent under pressure: traders expect prices to fall towards $60

Major global oil traders anticipate a continued decline in Brent prices, citing the fading geopolitical premium and rising supply, particularly from non-OPEC producers.

China’s crude oil imports rise 3.9% in September

China imported an average of 11.5 million barrels of crude oil per day in September, supported by higher refining rates among both state-run and independent operators.
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Washington targets Iranian oil with new sanctions on phantom fleet

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on more than 50 entities linked to Iranian oil exports, targeting Chinese refineries and vessels registered in Asia and Africa.

Chinese refineries cut Iranian crude purchases by 46% in September

Import quotas exhaustion and falling demand push Chinese independent refineries to sharply reduce Iranian crude volumes, affecting supply levels and putting downward pressure on prices.

Beijing transfers up to $8.4bn to Iran through parallel oil network

China has established a clandestine oil-for-projects barter system to circumvent US sanctions and support Iran’s embargoed economy, according to an exclusive Wall Street Journal investigation.
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Project InnerSpace unveils GeoMap in the Middle East with 14,000 GW geothermal potential

The new GeoMap tool identifies vast geothermal potential in the Middle East, notably for urban cooling, long-duration storage, and large-scale power generation.

Putin calls for new financing models for global nuclear energy

At World Atomic Week in Moscow, the Russian president advocated for a reform of civil nuclear funding mechanisms, urging stronger involvement from multilateral financial institutions.

UN sanctions on Iran reactivated, increased pressure on trade

The activation of the snapback mechanism reinstates all UN sanctions on Iran, directly affecting the defence, financial and maritime trade sectors.
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North Korea reportedly holds two tonnes of weapons-grade enriched uranium

Seoul estimates Pyongyang holds enough highly enriched uranium to produce up to 50 atomic bombs, reigniting concerns over its growing nuclear arsenal despite international sanctions.

Tehran faces heavy sanctions 48 hours before nuclear deal expiration

Iran has less than two days to avoid the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions, as Europeans and the United States deem its nuclear commitments insufficient.

Iran signs agreement with Rosatom to develop small modular reactors

Iran and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding for the design and construction of small modular nuclear reactors, strengthening their cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy.
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European and Iranian ministers meet in New York to avoid return of sanctions

European and Iranian foreign ministers meet in New York to try to prevent the reinstatement of UN sanctions linked to Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Iran withdraws nuclear resolution under US financial pressure

Tehran withdrew a resolution denouncing attacks on its nuclear facilities, citing US pressure on IAEA members who feared suspension of Washington’s voluntary contributions.

Imminent sanctions: Iran faces the European nuclear ultimatum

Talks between Iran and the E3 group have not succeeded, leaving the return of economic sanctions looming, which could heavily affect Iran’s oil sector.
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Oil industry could unlock 1,000 billion barrels through AI recovery methods

A new analysis estimates that existing oil fields could yield up to 1,000 billion additional barrels without major new discoveries, using proven methods supported by artificial intelligence.

Paris, Berlin and London give Iran ten days to avoid reinstated sanctions

European powers demand concrete steps from Tehran on nuclear issue or United Nations sanctions will be reinstated, as IAEA inspections remain blocked and tensions with Washington persist.

Eco Wave Power deploys BladeRanger drones to automate wave maintenance

Eco Wave Power and BladeRanger have unveiled a first-of-its-kind drone-powered maintenance system for onshore wave energy infrastructure, aimed at reducing operational costs and improving system performance.
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UK sanctions 70 tankers to reinforce Russian oil price cap

London has expanded its sanctions against Russia by blacklisting 70 new tankers, striking at the core of Moscow's energy exports and budget revenues.

Iran and IAEA sign technical agreement to restart nuclear inspections

Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.

Washington imposes new sanctions on Iranian oil

The U.S. government announced new sanctions targeting 22 individuals, companies, and 13 vessels accused of circumventing sanctions on Iranian oil, as part of its "maximum pressure" policy.

OCI Energy and Arava Power partner to develop a 260 MW solar plant in Texas

OCI Energy, based in San Antonio, and Arava Power, an Israeli company, announce a partnership to build a 260 MW solar plant in Wharton County, Texas, with construction set to begin in 2025.

Yemen’s Oil Minister Urges Iran to Halt Houthi Support as the Country Eyes Gas Exports Again

Yemen's Oil Minister, Saeed Suleiman al-Shamasi, recently urged Iran to stop supporting Houthi rebels, as the war-torn country seeks to revive its natural gas exports. This plea was made amid a dire energy crisis and a deteriorating geopolitical situation.
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Ormat Technologies Signs Tolling Agreements for Two Energy Storage Facilities in Israel

Ormat Technologies has signed tolling agreements for two new energy storage facilities in Israel, further strengthening its diversification and resilience in the energy sector.

Turkey Secures a New Gas Agreement with Turkmenistan

Ankara strengthens its energy supply with an agreement signed on February 11, 2025, with Turkmengaz. The first deliveries of Turkmen natural gas are scheduled for March, marking a strategic step in diversifying gas sources for Turkey and Europe.

Joseph Saddi Appointed as Minister of Energy in Lebanon: Challenges and Priorities

Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
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Russia: IAEA Praises Safety Efforts at Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant

A mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed safety practices at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant, operated by Rosatom. The audit highlighted advancements in operational safety while recommending targeted improvements.

Harel and Amitim Acquire 44% Stake in Partnership Holding Solar and Energy Storage Projects in Israel

Harel Insurance and Amitim Senior Pension Funds invest $50 million to acquire a 44% stake in a renewable energy project portfolio in Israel, including solar and storage facilities.

ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy Relaunch Gas Exploration in Cyprus

ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy begin a strategic drilling operation off the coast of Cyprus, targeting new natural gas deposits. This initiative reflects the European Union's quest to diversify its energy supply sources.
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Qatar pledges technical support to rebuild Syrian infrastructure

Qatar announces technical assistance to restore essential infrastructure in Syria, severely affected by years of conflict. This aid includes an energy contribution as well as support for the electricity sector, which is undergoing restructuring.

Rise in oil demand in 2024 under the threat of US sanctions

Global oil demand reaches 102.9 million barrels per day in 2024, driven by a cold winter. US sanctions on Russia and Iran weigh on supply prospects for 2025.

Historic Agreement Between Iraq and BP to Develop Kirkuk Oil Fields

Iraq and BP finalize an ambitious agreement to rehabilitate four oil fields in Kirkuk and exploit flared gas, aiming to boost energy production and reduce dependence on Iranian gas.
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Iran enriches 60% uranium under international oversight

Discussions in Geneva between Iran and the E3 group aim to regulate uranium enrichment now reaching 60%, while adhering to international regulatory frameworks.

Eco Wave demonstrates wave energy reliability with 26 kW produced in Israel

At Jaffa Port, Eco Wave Power’s EWP-EDF One project produced 26 kW continuously, even under challenging conditions, confirming the potential of waves as a reliable renewable energy source.

Israel and the United States invest 7.5 million dollars in collaborative energy projects

Israel and the United States are funding five collaborative projects in sustainable energy, including hydrogen, recycling, and energy efficiency, for a total contribution of 16 million dollars.
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United States Targets Houthis in Yemen with Seven Drones Destroyed

Recent U.S. strikes in Yemen targeted critical Houthi infrastructure, resulting in the destruction of seven drones and missiles amid heightened tensions over Red Sea maritime routes.

Iran announces 60% uranium enrichment ahead of Geneva meeting

Iran will meet European diplomats in Geneva on January 13 amidst controversy over its 60% uranium enrichment, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Houthi: Drone Attack on a Maersk Ship off Yemen’s Coast

A Maersk vessel was struck by a drone attack claimed by Houthi rebels near Socotra, reigniting concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea amidst escalating regional tensions.
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OPEC+ Faces Uncertainty: Geopolitics and Oil Market Challenges in 2025

Amid geopolitical volatility and oversupply, OPEC+ must navigate critical decisions to stabilize oil prices while preserving market share against hesitant demand.

US Sanctions Prompt 33% Increase in Turkey’s LNG Imports

Sanctions against Gazprombank drive Turkey to boost LNG imports. December sees a 33% rise, highlighting a strategic move to secure energy supply for winter.