Explosions were heard on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, Al Mayadeen reports

The reported explosions near Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan could elevate regional tensions, potentially impacting oil supply routes and markets, particularly for WTI and Brent crude.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 7 May 2026, 08:53 UTCOn the live feed at 08:33 UTC — 6 more headlines followed before this page went public

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08:37

BofA Weekly Total Card Spending (w/e May 2) +2.7% (prev. +7.2% W/W); adds that with the tax refund tailwind fading, higher gas prices might also be taking their toll

08:35

Saudi Arabia's PIF is offering three-, seven- & 30yr USD benchmarks bonds, Bloomberg reports citing sources; IPTs are USTs +130-170bps

08:33

Explosions were heard on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, Al Mayadeen reports

08:30

UK S&P Global Construction PMI (Apr) 39.7 vs. Exp. 46.2 (Prev. 45.6)

08:28

On the 4th May, a Chinese oil tanker was attack in the Strait on Hormuz, Caixin reports

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Context

This incident adds uncertainty to energy prices, especially if it suggests a broader escalation in conflict in the area. Traders may want to monitor oil market reactions and safe-haven assets for shifts in sentiment as the situation develops.

Energy · last 90 days

Recent headlines that moved markets

ENERGY/8 Sept · 05:23 UTC

Saudi Energy Minister says a number of energy facilities and utilities were hit; are temporarily halting some operations.

Brent Nov'26, after we published+1.0%

Steady upside of around 1% was seen across the crude complex following this update.

ENERGY/3 Sept · 08:03 UTC

Russian President Putin says that Russia and Ukraine should agree first; he notes that there is an opportunity to reach a peace agreement.

with Brent Nov, after we published−1.3%

ENERGY/1 Sept · 16:17 UTC

Initial reports of an American attack on Iran, reports i24's Stein.

- Brent (V6), after we published+1.2%

ENERGY/27 Aug · 17:46 UTC

The Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it has no interest in going back to the terms of the MoU it reached with Iran in June, reports WSJ citing sources

Brent crude, after we published+1.4%

ENERGY/25 Aug · 19:26 UTC

A ceasefire between the US and Iran has been agreed upon, it includes free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and will be announced in the coming days, reports Ria citing Pakistani and Iranian sources

Brent crude, after we published−2.4%

ENERGY/7 Sept · 10:54 UTC

Saudi Aramco Jizan oil facilities were reportedly hit in new strikes, the FT reports citing sources; hit on Monday, damage is being assessed.

Brent Nov'26, after we published+0.5%

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