US Secretary of State Rubio says Venezuela's oil market is dominated by Russia and Iran.

CUSTOMS: China imported 10.327 mln tonnes of natural gas in August, down from 10.54 mln tonnes in July.

Japan foreign minister MOTEGI and Iranian foreign minister Araghchi held a 20-minute phone call at 16:30 Beijing time on Sept. 8, the Japanese foreign ministry said. MOTEGI voiced serious concern over a renewed escalation in U.S.-Iran military tensions, urged urgent de-escalation and a resumption of U.S.-Iran dialogue, and pressed Iran to show maximum flexibility. On the Strait of Hormuz, Japan said future management should be discussed under international law by coastal states, strait users and the IMO. MOTEGI also stressed the need to ensure stability in the Bab al-Mandeb, said Japan would cooperate with the Yemeni government, and called on Iran to exert strong influence on the Houthi to exercise restraint. Araghchi outlined Iran’s position.