International News 28 July 2026
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Drone Attacks Across Middle East Underscore Fragile Pause in U.S.-Iran Conflict
Tensions in the Middle East remained high despite the United States' temporary pause in airstrikes against Iran over the weekend, as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq reported a series of drone attacks on Monday. According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones targeting oil facilities in the Eastern Province and the capital, Riyadh, blaming Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq and warning that it reserves the right to respond. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthi movement claimed responsibility for targeting oil transport routes to the Red Sea port of Yanbu in retaliation for alleged Saudi drone strikes. Separately, Jordan said it shot down two drones, while Iraqi security sources reported drone attacks on camps housing Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq. No group has claimed responsibility for those strikes. The incidents highlight the fragile security situation across the region, particularly around Jordan and northern Iraq, where four U.S. military personnel were previously killed during Washington's two-week air campaign against Iran.
Netanyahu Heads to Washington for First Post-Iran War Meeting With Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington on Monday for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking their first face-to-face meeting since the outbreak of the Israel-Iran conflict. The visit is also Netanyahu's eighth meeting with Trump since the latter returned to office and their first since February, shortly before Israel and the United States launched joint air operations against Iran. In a video statement before departing, Netanyahu said discussions with Trump would focus on a range of strategic issues, with Iran at the top of the agenda. He said Israel's objectives are to safeguard its national security while expanding the circle of peace in the region, adding that the current situation requires both firm resolve and prudent decision-making.
Oil Prices Plunge as U.S.-Iran Pause Raises Hopes for Diplomatic Breakthrough
Global oil prices fell about 7% on Monday, hitting their lowest level in a week after the United States and Iran refrained from launching new attacks over the weekend, raising hopes that diplomatic efforts could ease tensions and restore oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, Brent crude dropped US$7.55, or 7.8%, to US$89.23 per barrel by 11:02 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$6.01, or 6.7%, to US$83.30 per barrel. Both benchmarks traded at their lowest levels since July 20. Oil prices had previously surged above US$100 per barrel as the Middle East conflict disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and spread to the Red Sea, hindering Saudi oil exports via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Asia. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump decided to temporarily suspend U.S. military strikes to provide an opportunity for diplomatic negotiations.