Massive Oil Spill Threatens Oman Coast | Horizons Middle East & Africa 8/17/2026

Israel strikes Lebanon in the deadliest attack since June as the US prepares new sanctions on Iran, with the escalation complicating efforts to formally end the US-Iran ceasefire. Israel says it killed a senior Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon, while more ships come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz, including several Abu Dhabi National Oil vessels. Trump is also curtailing joint military drills with South Korea. Oil steadies as Gulf flows continue, while covert shipments through Hormuz help keep prices in check. Crude is transferred between tankers in the Gulf of Oman as a major oil spill off Oman spreads across an area reportedly the size of Manhattan, with monsoon conditions complicating salvage operations. Asian stocks edge higher, although Japan’s Topix falls and slower Japanese growth complicates the BOJ’s rate outlook. Yen traders watch for the BOJ’s next move, while Taiwan leads gains in Asian currencies. China’s July activity is expected to show weakness, with retail sales projected to rise, while the 10-year Chinese bond yield falls to its lowest level in more than a year. China also revises the timing of its July economic data as its high-tech boom struggles to offset a broader slowdown. Markets continue to assess global rate and tightening risks, while Israel’s economy rebounds and Jane Street reportedly records its first losing month in a decade, with a $15 billion loss. Berkshire Hathaway adds to its holdings of Dell and Alphabet. In AI and technology, Nvidia discloses a $21 billion SpaceX investment and a $30 billion Intel investment, Anthropic’s second-quarter revenue surges above $11.5 billion with its annualized run rate reaching $47 billion in May, while Alibaba plans to sell its gaming arm for $1.5 billion as part of its AI pivot. Alibaba’s AI model has surpassed 3 billion downloads, overtaking Meta and Google. In Africa, Hichilema widens his lead in Zambia’s election as he pledges pro-business reforms, while Nigeria’s ruling party loses a state election. Airtel is reportedly considering a dollar-denominated UK listing for its money business. Guests includes Trinh Nguyen, Natixis Senior Economist, Emerging Asia and Dimitris Maniatis, Maersk CEO.

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
00:06:10 – Israel Strikes Lebanon as US Prepares New Iran Sanctions
00:12:10 – Trinh Nguyen, Natixis Senior Economist, Emerging Asia
00:18:43 – AI Model Competition Intensifies
00:28:15 – Covert Mideast Flows Keep Oil Prices in Check
00:31:14 – Dimitris Maniatis, Maersk CEO
00:37:58 – China Revises Timing of July Economic Data Releases
00:40:35 – Hichilema Widens Lead in Zambia Election
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