Middle East Weekly Tracker

Latest edition · August 25, 2026

Middle East Weekly Tracker Sanctions Pressure Rises as Hormuz Mediation Continues

The Middle East conflict has shifted toward economic sanctions and pressure, with Iran setting strict conditions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the US launching Operation Economic Outcast. Brent crude reached USD88/bbl while GCC credit and equity markets showed divergence, with Dubai under pressure due to its trade suspension with Iran.

Natixis' Middle East Weekly Tracker highlights an escalating economic standoff amid active regional mediation by Oman. Following Iran's demands and the UAE's suspension of all commercial and financial ties with Iran, the US designated nearly 60 targets under Operation Economic Outcast. Strait of Hormuz maritime traffic and regional flight schedules remain severely depressed. In response, Brent futures advanced to USD88/bbl, GCC equities traded mixed, and GCC CDS mostly tightened except for Dubai, which suffered USD78mn in foreign equity selling out of USD124mn in total regional outflows.

Key takeaways from the latest edition

• 1.The Middle East conflict has pivoted toward economic and sanctions pressure as Iran demands blockade lifting and asset unfreezing, while the US designated ~60 targets under Operation Economic Outcast.
• 2.Brent crude rose to USD88/bbl (briefly touching USD90/bbl) amid continued near-floor maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
• 3.GCC sovereign risk diverged: most GCC CDS narrowed (led by Abu Dhabi), while Dubai CDS widened following its suspension of all trade and financial transactions with Iran.

What this series covers

• Conflict update
• Oil
• CDS
• Stock/other Markets
• Investment flows
• Real economy
• Market Movement
• Policy Rate and CPI
• Stock and Bond Market
• T-Spread and CDS
• Crude Oil Spot and Futures Market Price
• Capital Market Investment Flow
• By Ownership and By Market
• Transportation
• Maritime
• Airline
• Natixis CIB Research

Edition archive

• Middle East Weekly Tracker Sanctions Pressure Rises as Hormuz Mediation Continues

  August 25, 2026

• Middle East Weekly Tracker Iran Deal Awaits Final Terms While Pressure Persists

  June 1, 2026

• Middle East Weekly Tracker Iran Talks Make Progress but Pressure Remains

  May 28, 2026

• Middle East Weekly Tracker US Turns to Economic Leverage as Iran Negotiations Drag On

  May 19, 2026

• Middle East Weekly Tracker Repeated Deal Setbacks Keep Oil Prices Elevated

  May 13, 2026