# oil markets
Latest news and articles about oil markets
Total: 4 articles found
IRGC Navy Conducts Major Drills in Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Rapid Closure Capability
Iran’s IRGC navy held major drills in the Strait of Hormuz on February 17, 2026, with its commander saying the force could close the strait rapidly if necessary. The exercise is a calibrated display of asymmetric maritime capability designed to deter adversaries and exert leverage, while full closure would be costly and escalatory for Tehran.
China Markets Rally as ByteDance Unveils Advanced AI Video Tool and Global Costs of Winter Games Reignite Debate
Chinese markets rallied on February 9, buoyed by gains in tech and semiconductor sectors even as gold and silver rose amid geopolitical caution. ByteDance launched Seedance 2.0, a generative AI video model that heightens both commercial opportunity and regulatory risk, while Italy’s Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics underscored the growing fiscal weight of hosting major events. Beijing also reported that its five‑year seed‑industry targets were met, strengthening agricultural self‑reliance.
Venezuela’s Oil Is Squeezing Washington: How a Strategic Prize Became a Market Burden
U.S. attempts to weaponize Venezuelan oil have produced unintended market distortions, turning a potential strategic asset into an operational burden. China's deepening ties in Latin America and the timing of oil flows have reduced Washington's leverage and increased volatility in global energy markets.
Iran’s Live‑Fire Drill at the Strait of Hormuz Raises Stakes for Global Energy and US–China–Russia Calculus
Iran has announced live‑fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz on 1–2 February, warning it could impose temporary closures and showcasing new capabilities including large numbers of drones. The move raises the risk of disruptions to global oil supplies and tests the responses of the United States, regional actors and potential backers such as China and Russia.