The decision to lift sanctions on Russian oil is expected to be watched with particular concern in Europe as the war in the Middle East enters its second week. Buyers are already lining up for Russian oil, following the U.S. authorizing a license for Russian crude stranded at sea to stabilize energy markets. The Thai government is ready for purchase negotiations, Japan is considering, while India is also set to benefit from these sanctions. This comes after Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said the Strait of Hormuz closure should continue as a "tool to pressure the enemy". This news led to oil prices soaring, with Brent crude pushing above $100 a barrel for the first time since August 2022. The U.K. military said a KC-135 military refueling plane was lost while flying over Iraq in an incident that was not due to hostile or enemy fire.