International media reports indicate the Middle East conflict is escalating once again. Following expanded clashes and attacks on Saudi oil tankers, Brent crude has exceeded US$100 per barrel. The international community is redoubling diplomatic efforts in hopes of finding a peaceful solution to stabilize the region and protect global trade.
Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026, marking the first military action after declaring a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. The attack coincides with a U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal, while Brent crude prices surge, threatening global energy supply and logistics.
Crude oil prices experienced their fourth consecutive day of gains, closing above $90 for the first time since June. Goldman Sachs warned of a risk scenario that could push the barrel above $120 if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea persist. Discover the market details and expert insights.
Despite global tensions, Argentina's financial market showed impressive resilience. On July 20, 2026, the S&P Merval index rose by 0.7%, while the country risk indicator fell to 416 basis points. This positive momentum was driven by a surge in oil prices and strong sovereign bond performance, supported by encouraging local macroeconomic data pointing towards a bright economic horizon.
The conflict in the Persian Gulf is deepening. While the United States carries out its tenth night of bombings against Iran, Yemen's Houthis declare a naval embargo on Saudi Arabia. Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts are advancing to reach a ceasefire.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening the crucial Bab el-Mandeb strait. This move, reported on July 20, 2026, expands the ongoing war involving the US and puts global oil supplies at risk, according to international reports.
Global financial markets will remain attentive to geopolitical developments. Brent crude oil has surpassed $90 a barrel following a new escalation between the US and Iran, while Wall Street experienced a decline due to sell-offs in Artificial Intelligence stocks. International mediation is expected to bring stability.
Wall Street reaccionó positivamente el 15 de julio de 2026 ante la inflación de EE.UU. en junio, que cayó al 3,5%. El S&P 500 y el Nasdaq avanzaron, mientras el petróleo subía por tensiones en Oriente Medio. PayPal se disparó e IBM intentó recuperarse de su peor caída en 50 años.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a stark warning regarding the global oil market following the Middle East conflict. Even if the strategic Strait of Hormuz reopens, oil supply could take up to three months to stabilize. The world's reserves that prevented massive price hikes are rapidly depleting.
Following Saudi aggression, Houthi militias in Yemen threaten to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital route for 12% of global maritime trade. Experts warn this could drive crude oil to $200 per barrel, though hope for diplomacy remains alive.
Tensions in the Middle East are expected to escalate further as the United States reportedly launched a new wave of attacks against Iran for the third consecutive night. Reports indicate that Donald Trump has threatened to target power plants and bridges if no diplomatic agreement is reached. Meanwhile, a naval blockade and a 20% toll in the strategic Strait of Hormuz have reportedly pushed oil prices to USD 85.37, though diplomatic efforts offer a glimmer of hope for de-escalation.
Wall Street is gearing up for a bullish opening on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, after US June inflation unexpectedly fell. This relief eases pressure on the Federal Reserve, though Middle East tensions and IBM's poor Q2 results keep some caution alive.
Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as the US announces it will guard the Strait of Hormuz, charging a 20% toll on ships. Iran responded by warning Gulf nations that cooperation equals an act of war. Despite this, Egypt and Qatar are mediating to resume negotiations and seek peace.
In a new milestone for Argentine energy, the Vaca Muerta geological formation in Patagonia achieved nearly 15,000 hydraulic fracturing stages in the first half of 2026. State-owned YPF led the activity with a June record, while Pluspetrol overtook Vista for second place, driving spectacular growth that significantly boosts the South American nation's economy.
While Argentina's shale oil production in Vaca Muerta hits historic peaks with a 39% annual growth, traditional oil fields face a steep decline. The new energy map reveals that massive scale and a new investment regime are key to profitability, concentrating 91% of the industry's capital for 2026.
Tensions in the Middle East have reached critical levels. According to teleSUR, the Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters condemned the US offensive as a 'flagrant violation' of the ceasefire. Iranian Armed Forces promise a proportional response following the attacks.
On July 8, 2026, the US launched a major offensive against Iran, hitting 90 military targets. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have peaked, driving up crude oil prices and leaving thousands of sailors trapped in the region amid a shattered ceasefire.
The United States launched a new offensive against 90 Iranian military targets following the end of the ceasefire announced by Donald Trump. The escalation in the Strait of Hormuz caused a sharp rise in Brent crude prices, nearing $79. As the UN and countries like Qatar call for de-escalation, the world watches with hope for diplomatic solutions.
Global financial markets reacted with nervousness following new attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and Donald Trump's declaration ending the ceasefire with Iran. While crude oil accelerates its rise, indices like South Korea's KOSPI are plunging despite strong results from Samsung.
According to reports from Ámbito and Infobae, South Korea's KOSPI index plummeted mid-session on July 7, 2026, despite Samsung's record forecasts. Technological uncertainty rattled global equities while oil prices rebounded, shifting investor focus toward energy commodities.
Un análisis detallado revela que los costos de perforación en la formación Argentina superan en un 35% a los de la cuenca estadounidense. La comparativa arroja luz sobre los desafíos competitivos del sector energético nacional.
According to consultancy 1816, a 16% drop in fuel prices could lower Argentina's inflation by 0.65 points. The government evaluates whether to rebuild YPF's protective buffer or accelerate disinflation amid falling global oil prices.
A groundbreaking economic shift is unfolding in Argentina: the agricultural sector's dollar liquidation has decreased while Vaca Muerta's energy sector accelerates investments and exports. The RIGI investment regime drives projects worth up to US$60 billion, marking a historic transformation in the country's export structure.
Former President Donald Trump announced that the United States has achieved total control over the vital Strait of Hormuz following a landmark 14-point memorandum signed with Iran on June 17, 2026. The agreement includes a ceasefire, reopening of the strategic waterway within 30 days, and a massive USD 300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, with Qatar and Pakistan serving as key mediators.
Peace in the Middle East has triggered a drop in Brent crude prices, yet analysts maintain a favorable outlook for Argentina. Energy exports have surged by 167% year-on-year, with oil exports jumping over 320%, showcasing the resilience of the South American powerhouse.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
