Cyprus said on Saturday that it had an open line of communication with Italy after the Saipem 12000 drillship of energy giant ENI was reportedly forced to halt its course to Block 3 of the island’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by Turkish warships. Ankara claims that large part of Cyprus’s EEZ is part of its continental shelf and repeatedly warned Nicosia not take unilateral actions in the area. Source Ekathimerini
U.S. President Donald Trump linked American support for Middle Eastern countries to oil prices on Thursday as he again urged OPEC to lower prices. Source: Reuters
The United States expanded its sanctions war against Russia to China on Thursday, announcing punitive measures against a Chinese military organization for buying Russian fighter jets and missiles. Source: France24
Japanese refiners have stopped buying Iranian crude ahead of the November 4 deadline set by Washington to all countries doing business with Iran before economic sanctions return. Reuters quoted today the head of the Petroleum Association of Japan as saying, “It is my view that each firm is taking the same stance and temporarily suspending (the loading) and watching the situation carefully.” Source: Oil Price
