Middle East 21 February 2026 - 11 March 2026

Iran Says Lavan Oil Refinery Hit, Israel Denies Role as Ceasefire Faces Early Test
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Iran Says Lavan Oil Refinery Hit, Israel Denies Role as Ceasefire Faces Early Test

Iran reported an "enemy attack" on its Lavan Island oil refinery Wednesday, igniting a fire but causing no injuries, days after a U.S.-Iran ceasefire was announced. Israel denied involvement. Brent crude fell 16% to $91.80 as traders anticipated Hormuz reopening, despite ongoing strikes on energy sites in the region. Shipping firms said full operations could take weeks to restore, with around 1,000 vessels still stranded.
April 8, 2026
Standard Chartered PLC Share Price Falls After Dubai Evacuation Raises Fresh Gulf Risk
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Standard Chartered PLC Share Price Falls After Dubai Evacuation Raises Fresh Gulf Risk

Standard Chartered shares fell 1.25% to 1,664 pence in London after sources said the bank evacuated staff from Dubai amid Iranian threats to U.S.- and Israeli-linked banks. The move follows U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and wider Gulf firms shifting to remote work. Barclays dropped 1.5%, HSBC 0.5%. Standard Chartered traded between 1,657.5 and 1,680 pence on volume of 3.9 million shares.
March 11, 2026
HSBC Holdings Sticks With Gulf Bet Despite Iran Conflict as Markets Slide
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HSBC Holdings Sticks With Gulf Bet Despite Iran Conflict as Markets Slide

HSBC said its confidence in Gulf economies remains unchanged despite the Iran conflict, citing continued long-term promise in the region. The bank’s UAE and Saudi operations have contributed about 5% of group profits annually over five years. Dubai’s main share index fell 2.8% Monday as oil surged 11% on Strait of Hormuz disruption fears. Some rivals have told staff to work from home or delay travel to the region.
March 9, 2026
Qantas rolls out fee-free rebooking as Middle East airspace closure snarls Australia-Europe travel
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Qantas rolls out fee-free rebooking as Middle East airspace closure snarls Australia-Europe travel

Qantas will offer fee-free changes, credits, or refunds for tickets on flights touching the UAE, Qatar, Israel, Jordan, or Oman between Feb. 28 and March 15. The airline is adding flights and refuelling stops to meet demand after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted regional airspace. Qantas shares rose 1% Thursday after some Emirates flights resumed, but most services remain cancelled. Oil prices above $83 a barrel are raising airline fuel costs.
March 5, 2026
American Airlines waives fees as Iran conflict keeps Gulf skies shut and hits airline stocks
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American Airlines waives fees as Iran conflict keeps Gulf skies shut and hits airline stocks

American Airlines expanded travel waivers for customers booked through Middle East hubs, Tel Aviv, and Cairo as airspace closures forced mass cancellations and longer routes. U.S. officials arranged charter flights for stranded Americans. Airline shares, including American, fell as oil prices rose and disruptions stretched into a fifth day. Dubai’s airport remained shut, with over 21,000 flights canceled at major Gulf airports since the strikes began.
March 4, 2026
Oil jumps, gas surges after Iran strikes shut Qatar LNG as Hormuz shipping stalls
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Oil jumps, gas surges after Iran strikes shut Qatar LNG as Hormuz shipping stalls

Qatar halted LNG production after Iranian drone strikes hit Ras Laffan and Mesaieed, threatening about 20% of global LNG supply. Brent crude spiked above $82 a barrel, and Europe’s gas benchmark jumped over 40%. Marine insurers withdrew war-risk cover, leaving around 150 ships stranded near the Strait of Hormuz. Maersk suspended transits through Hormuz and the Suez Canal.
March 2, 2026
Dubai stock market week ahead: DFM braces for a rough open as Iran strikes jolt Gulf assets
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Dubai stock market week ahead: DFM braces for a rough open as Iran strikes jolt Gulf assets

Dubai’s DFM General Index closed at 6,503.50 on Friday, down 1.83%, marking its second weekly decline. Regional stocks fell Sunday after strikes involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel heightened security risks. Oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and air travel disruptions are in focus ahead of Monday’s session. DEWA reported 2025 revenue of 32.84 billion dirhams and profit of 9.06 billion dirhams.
March 1, 2026
Saudi stocks head into Founding Day break after sharp Tadawul drop; oil and banks in focus
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Saudi stocks head into Founding Day break after sharp Tadawul drop; oil and banks in focus

Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed down 1.87% at 10,947.25, with banks falling 2.34% and decliners outnumbering gainers 253 to 14. Brent crude rose 1.9% to $71.66 a barrel amid U.S.-Iran tensions. Almarai’s board proposed a share buyback for an employee plan, while Saudi Fisheries posted a narrowed 2025 net loss of 25.35 million riyals. The next trading session is set for Feb. 23 after the Founding Day holiday.
February 21, 2026