Global oil prices remained close to $100 a barrel after the G7 agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of crude oil and fuel from emergency reserves over four months. The coordinated move, to be managed through the International Energy Agency (IEA), aims to ease fuel shortages and stabilize energy markets. A substantial portion of diesel is expected to be released within the first 20 days as diesel prices remain elevated. Brent crude settled at about $102.25 per barrel, while U.S. WTI ended at $91.11. Supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions continue to influence prices. 

An Israeli official has claimed that the Omani co-pilot accused of stabbing Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight had posted online about killing Jews and appeared to have been radicalised. The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight plunged sharply after the cockpit attack before passengers and crew restrained the co-pilot and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials are investigating whether the incident involved an attempted crash or terrorism, while the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Israel are cooperating. The co-pilot has been transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE as investigations continue, and his exact motive has not yet been established. (PC: India Today)

The UAE has not disclosed the identity of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds before passengers helped overpower the co-pilot and the plane diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities later handed the co-pilot to the UAE. Investigators are examining his motive, the weapon used, possible prior planning, assistance from others and potential links to terrorist activity. Machchhar, who was airlifted to Abu Dhabi, is reportedly recovering well. (PC: HT)

The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier strike group and about 9,000 additional sailors and Marines to the Middle East as tensions with Iran remain high. The deployment includes the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island amphibious readiness group. If the deployment proceeds as planned, three US aircraft carriers could be operating in the region by the end of October, alongside more than 20,000 US sailors and Marines and hundreds of aircraft. The move comes as President Donald Trump has warned that further strikes against Iran remain possible amid continuing conflict and stalled diplomacy. (PC: AP)

BMW is planning to eliminate around 8,000 jobs in Germany as part of a restructuring programme aimed at reducing costs and improving competitiveness. The German luxury automaker is facing weak demand, particularly in China, increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers and the impact of US tariffs. BMW plans to reduce its divisions and associated management roles by 20% by mid-2027, while expanding the use of artificial intelligence across development, purchasing, production, sales and aftersales. The company is also revising its vehicle strategy, including plans for a new entry-level electric vehicle in Europe. (PC: Reuters)

British counter-terrorism police arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London as part of an investigation into a security incident near RAF Fairford, a military air base in western England used by the US for operations against Iran. A second British man, aged 26, was also questioned under caution, while detectives searched two properties. The arrest follows the detention of five British men in their 20s near the Gloucestershire base on Sunday over suspected terrorism and explosives-related offences. They were later released without charge on police bail. Investigators are examining whether a foreign state was involved, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the incident could have an Iranian link. The investigation remains ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said he would decide “very soon” whether to “blow up” Iran or pursue a deal, as Tehran confirmed receiving Washington’s formal response to an Iranian proposal to end the seven-month war. Trump said the choice was between attacking Iran and making a deal, while Iran’s proposal offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week and resume nuclear negotiations. Tehran sought an end to the US naval blockade, sanctions relief on Iranian oil sales, release of frozen assets and a ceasefire across all fronts. Trump had rejected the proposal publicly, saying Iran was “losing so badly.” Qatar and Pakistan have continued mediation efforts, but Washington and Tehran have yet to reach an agreement.

The US administration has urged Germany and France to release emergency diesel reserves amid concerns over tight global fuel supplies and elevated prices. According to a Reuters report cited by Times Now, Washington warned the two countries could face a potential ban on US diesel exports if they do not increase fuel availability. The move comes as the Trump administration explores measures to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of November’s midterm elections. Washington is seeking additional refined-product supplies as disruptions to traditional sources have tightened diesel availability. The issue was expected to be discussed by European governments on Thursday. The European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain were holding a call on whether emergency diesel stocks should be released. (PC: X)

A Flydubai pilot described the co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar as a “religious extremist,” alleging that he displayed extreme religious behaviour, prayed excessively and refused to shake hands with women. The co-pilot reportedly joined Flydubai eight months ago and was an Omani national. Israel has called the incident a terror attack, while the UAE and Flydubai have so far avoided that characterization. The UAE said it would investigate whether terrorism motivated the attack, while Flydubai cancelled flights to Israel pending its investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination” and that possible links to Iran could be determined within days. The co-pilot remains under arrest, with his motive unknown. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot accused of attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight shouted “kill me, kill me” after being subdued. The detail emerged in Netanyahu’s interview with Fox News, a day after the mid-air attack. The incident placed 180 passengers, mostly Israelis, at risk and triggered a probe into a possible hijacking or terrorist incident. Netanyahu claimed the co-pilot had undergone radical indoctrination and was “suicidal,” appearing intent on bringing down the aircraft. The report said investigators were also examining a possible Iran link. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the incident, which involved an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. (PC: Reuters)