US July Challenger job-cut announcements 33,429, down from 45,849 in June.

Nigeria’s Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says at least 22 offshore projects are slated to enter production by 2030, representing potential investment of up to $50.0 bln. The regulator, noting Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, said it has approved more than $57.0 bln of field‑development plans since 2024. Planned investment is expected to raise oil and gas output, expand infrastructure and bolster upstream investor appeal. NUPRC said new blocks have been opened, with 37 blocks awarded to 31 companies in 2025 and a 2026 oil tender/licensing round being finalized. Nigeria aims to nearly double daily oil output to about 3.0 mln bpd by 2030.

IRNA reported Iran deputy foreign minister Gharibabadi said Tehran and Muscat are close to finalizing an agreement that would close the Strait of Hormuz’s two existing commercial transit lanes — the northern lane under Iranian control and the southern lane adjacent to Omani waters. Under the proposed passage regime, parts of commercial vessels’ entry to and exit from the strait would transit Iranian territorial waters. The arrangement is described as temporary and expected to be usable for about 2–4 months. Gharibabadi denied reports of direct US‑Iran negotiations but said Iran received US messages and that Washington indicated readiness to resume commitments under a previously signed memorandum of understanding.