Oil Supply Risks Rise as Hormuz Talks Stall | Horizons Middle East & Africa 8/13/2026
Global markets gain as softer US inflation reduces expectations for another Federal Reserve rate hike, while investors continue watching the standoff between the US and
Global markets gain as softer US inflation reduces expectations for another Federal Reserve rate hike, while investors continue watching the standoff between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Talks appear deadlocked, although Pakistan says Washington and Tehran may be moving toward a possible agreement. Hormuz traffic remains below prewar levels, Iran says users must address environmental damage, and President Trump insists the US has "total control" of the strategic waterway. Asian stocks advance on technology gains and easing rate-hike bets, with South Korea leading the region's tech rally. Tencent shares fall as investors assess rising AI costs despite hopes that WorkBuddy could drive an AI turnaround. Cisco's strong results also fail to impress investors, while Cerebras shares tumble after a weaker growth outlook.
Anthropic is reportedly in talks to acquire startup company Decart for $6 billion. In energy markets, oil prices edge lower after a si day rally, while the IEA warns of a potential supply squeeze as disruptions worsen. The UAE is using shuttle services to move Iraqi oil exports through Hormuz, while China's changing demand is helping cushion the broader oil market. In geopolitics, Palestinian officials call for changes to Israel's policies rather than simply a change in leadership. Japan's government is reportedly backing faster BOJ rate hikes, while the yen trades near ¥160 per US dollar amid renewed intervention concerns. Nigeria is expanding tax incentives to attract $50 billion in deepwater oil investment, while extreme weather disrupts Rhine shipping as record-low water levels threaten Europe's key commercial waterway and Germany's economy.
Guests includes Varsen Shahin, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister, Mahjabeen Zaman, ANZ FX Research Head and June Goh, Senior Oil Market Analyst, Sparta Commodities. Horizons Middle East & Africa is your daily spotlight on one of the world's fastest-growing regions. Live from Dubai, we bring you the latest global markets and analysis, plus news-making interviews, with a special focus on MEA. All that and more, as you head to the office in the Gulf, pause for lunch in Hong Kong, or start your day in London or Johannesburg. Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:40 - Subdued US Inflation Eases Pressure on Fed 00:08:43 - Talks Between the US and Iran Appear Deadlocked 00:13:01 - Varsen Shahin, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister 00:16:01 - Mahjabeen Zaman, ANZ FX Research Head 00:28:22 - IEA Doubles Oil Deficit Forecast as Supply Disruptions Worsen 00:31:22 - June Goh, Senior Oil Market Analyst, Sparta Commodities 00:38:22 - Nigeria Boosts Tax Breaks to Lure $50B in Deepwater Oil 00:42:26 - Rhine Shipping Stalls as Water Levels Hit Record Lows More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video?
The BriefWire