Donald Trump Says No Iran Talks as Hormuz Dispute Deepens

DUBAI/WASHINGTON, United States — US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that no negotiations with Iran were taking place or scheduled, while insisting that the Strait of Hormuz was open to shipping. Iran disputed that position, saying the strategically important waterway remained closed until conditions agreed with Washington were met.

Asian Shares Rise as Fed Rate Hike Bets Fade

SYDNEY, Australia — Asian shares moved higher on Monday, August 17, as Chinese stocks led regional gains while the U.S. dollar weakened toward a two-month low. Investors were reassessing the chances of an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike after softer U.S. economic data reduced expectations for tighter monetary policy.

Russia Economy Shows Growing Signs of Strain

MOSCOW, Russia — Russia’s economy has continued to grow despite more than four years of full-scale war with Ukraine, but economists and analysts say the headline figures are increasingly masking deeper financial pressures. Official data showed the economy expanded in the second quarter of 2026, while rising deficits, inflationary pressure, weaker energy revenues and the growing dependence on military spending point to mounting strains.

Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Reopening Hopes Face New Uncertainty

PERTH, Australia — Oil prices climbed on Monday as uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz continued to keep traders cautious, with Iran saying discussions with Oman on new shipping lanes were in their final stages but stressing that additional conditions involving the United States still needed to be met.