IEA Executive Director Birol said he is concerned about Europe’s gas outlook this winter due to low inventories, disruptions to Middle Eastern supplies and the end of Russian LNG shipments.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Ghalibaf's trip to Iraq is very important.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II visited China Aug. 18-24, 2026, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The leaders held substantive talks and agreed to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership into broader pragmatic cooperation across sectors. They urged maintaining a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and called for dialogue and negotiations to reach a comprehensive settlement that addresses the root causes of regional tensions while respecting the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of regional states. They said normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be restored given its importance for international trade and energy flows. The leaders witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding.