Interfax: Putin said Russia and Myanmar are discussing construction of an oil refinery.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closed up 7.70 points (+0.08%) at 9,080.90 on Aug 18 (Tuesday).

On the 18th, Iran's foreign minister Araqchi said recent clashes show countries without US military bases suffer less damage, and that US bases cannot shield US interests from strikes by resistance forces. He said Qatar and Pakistan played effective mediating roles between Iran and the US and that Tehran's ties with Qatar are currently very good. He urged a new Middle East security concept based on "common security" and addressing economic imbalances, warning the Persian Gulf cannot achieve lasting peace without comprehensive cooperation.