Iran Strikes Kuwait in Worst Attack Since June | Horizons Middle East & Africa 7/15/2026
Global markets are navigating another volatile session as President Trump announced a reduction in the proposed Strait of Hormuz transit fee to 20%, even as
Global markets are navigating another volatile session as President Trump announced a reduction in the proposed Strait of Hormuz transit fee to 20%, even as the US-Iran truce collapsed and military attacks intensified. The US carried out another round of strikes against Iran, while Iranian forces targeted US assets in Jordan and launched what officials described as the most severe attacks on Kuwait since June. Trump warned that US forces could target Iran's power plants and bridges if Tehran refuses to return to nuclear negotiations. In energy and geopolitics, Washington backed a proposed Iraq-Syria oil pipeline aimed at reducing dependence on the Strait of Hormuz and weakening Iran's influence over regional energy flows. The US also confirmed plans to complete its military withdrawal from Iraq by the end of September, while Iran-backed Houthi forces launched a major attack on Saudi Arabia, adding to concerns over regional stability.
Markets also reacted to encouraging US inflation data, with consumer prices falling for the first time since 2020, easing expectations for further Federal Reserve rate hikes. Kevin Warsh pledged to restore price stability, while China's economic growth unexpectedly slowed, raising concerns about global demand. In technology and corporate news, the AI rally resumed, IBM shares plunged after disappointing sales, Stripe and Advent reportedly made a $53 billion offer for PayPal, DeepSeek accelerated IPO plans, Warren Buffett announced he will give away $140 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock while pausing donations to the Gates Foundation, and Saudi Arabia became the largest buyer of Taiwanese drones. We also cover Wall Street's record trading activity, rising compensation costs at major banks, and Ethiopia's new national dialogue aimed at easing political divisions.
Guests Includes Nick Stadtmiller, Emirates NBD Chief Economist & Research Group Head; and Megan Sutcliffe, Sibylline Principal Analyst Middle East & Africa. 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 00:04:22 - Trump Drops 20% Hormuz Cargo Fee 00:08:48 - US CPI Falls for the First Time Since 2020 00:14:09 - Nick Stadtmiller, Emirates NBD Chief Economist & Research Group Head 00:27:44 - Megan Sutcliffe, Sibylline Principal Analyst Middle East & Africa 00:34:08 - China’s GDP Growth Unexpectedly Dips 00:37:34 - Ethiopia to Start Talks to Ease Political Divisions 00:40:29 - Wall Street Trading Records More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video?
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