International News 13 July 2026
-
China Orders Refineries to Boost Fuel Output Amid Middle East Supply Risks
China has tightened measures to safeguard its domestic energy supply as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. According to Bloomberg, Beijing has instructed several major oil refineries to maintain or increase fuel production in preparation for potential disruptions to crude oil supplies from the Persian Gulf, reflecting growing concern over the security of global energy flows. The move follows renewed attacks in the Gulf region that have raised fears over oil shipments, while the United States’ decision to revoke a waiver previously allowing sales of Iranian oil is seen as a potential setback to the temporary peace agreement between Washington and Tehran. Sources familiar with the policy said Chinese authorities are concerned that the escalating conflict could once again disrupt crude oil and fuel supplies. At least two major refineries have reportedly been instructed to keep operating at high capacity to ensure adequate domestic energy availability. The directive echoes measures adopted during the early stages of the Iran conflict, when China temporarily restricted exports of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel before easing the controls and issuing additional export quotas earlier this month.
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again as U.S. Tensions Escalate Despite Planned Talks
Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States despite renewed diplomatic efforts. According to Reuters, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy announced on Sunday that the strategic waterway would remain closed until further notice after Iranian naval forces fired warning shots at a vessel they said had attempted to transit the strait. The closure follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, in which he said Washington and Tehran had agreed to resume negotiations despite declaring the previous ceasefire effectively over. No new military strikes were reported on Friday or Saturday. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Iran, the United States, Qatar, and Pakistan had agreed in principle to hold talks through mediation efforts, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Oman as discussions were being arranged.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/angkatan-laut-iran-kembali-tutup-selat-hormuz
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Revenge for Father’s Death
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has delivered his first public message since the conclusion of the funeral ceremonies for his father, Ali Khamenei, pledging to avenge his death following the U.S. and Israeli airstrike that killed him earlier this year. In a written statement broadcast on Iranian state television on Saturday, Mojtaba Khamenei described retaliation as "the demand of the nation" and vowed that it would inevitably be carried out. Khamenei said justice for his father and those killed during the two wars would not rely solely on Iran but would also require the support of what he called "free people around the world." He pledged to avenge the deaths of the fallen leader and other victims by holding those responsible accountable. Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on February 28, 2026, an event that marked the beginning of the armed conflict between Iran and the two countries.