Developments on the battlefield, alongside diplomatic signals, are pushing tensions between Russia and Ukraine into a precarious stalemate, teetering on the fine line between negotiation and conflict. The door to peace remains ajar, but deep strategic differences and difficult obstacles arising from the situation on the battlefield remain between the two sides.

A series of attacks on Saudi Arabian vessels in the Red Sea threatens to ignite a “new front” in the tense conflict in the Middle East.

In the first six months of 2026, Viet Nam’s agricultural exports to the Middle East slowed as geopolitical conflicts drove up logistics costs and disrupted supply chains. However, with high import demand, substantial consumer potential, and advantages created by free trade agreements (FTAs), the region remains a strategic market for Vietnamese agricultural products.

Viet Nam welcomes the announcement by the US and Iran that they have agreed on a peace deal, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang stated on June 15.

Although both Israel and Iran have declared a halt to attacks against each other, deep differences between the two sides over issues related to Lebanon continue to raise the risk of renewed confrontation. Meanwhile, US-Iran negotiations remain deadlocked as Washington persists with its “stick” policy towards Tehran, creating a major obstacle to efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East.

The “nightmare” scenario of tens of millions of people falling into hunger due to conflict in the Middle East is at risk of becoming reality, as United Nations statistics show that the number of people facing food insecurity has risen alarmingly.

On the basis of the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and China, as well as close ties between their aviation authorities, the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam has asked the Civil Aviation Administration of China to direct relevant fuel suppliers to ensure sufficient and stable supplies for Viet Nam.

Viet Nam’s consumer prices index (CPI) in March edged up 1.23% from the previous month as surging global fuel costs and higher construction material expenses fed through to domestic prices, the Finance Ministry’s National Statistics Office reported on April 4.

Importers brought in approximately 3.2 million cubic metres of fuel in March. Combined with current inventories of around 1.6–1.8 million cubic metres, this volume is expected to fully meet domestic demand until the end of April.

The conflict in the Middle East shows no signs of easing. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, numerous oil and gas facilities in the region have suspended operations, and countries are scrambling to secure alternative supplies, tap into strategic reserves, and even resort to improvised measures to stabilise their domestic energy markets.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang provided updates on consular protection for Vietnamese citizens in the Middle East at the ministry’s regular press briefing on March 19.

Viet Nam is facing a three-stage ripple effect - first on transport and fuel-dependent industries, then on sectors relying on their outputs, and ultimately on consumers. Volatility in key commodities like fuel is disrupting the entire supply chain and increasing the risk of market instability.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on Qatar to strengthen energy cooperation with Viet Nam, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, during a reception for Qatari Ambassador Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel in Ha Noi on March 17.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) has issued an update on some active notices to air missions (NOTAMs) in the Middle East conflict zones.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 17 received Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki, calling on Japan to support Viet Nam in ensuring energy security amid disruptions to global oil supply chains caused by tensions in the Middle East.

Amid complex developments from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted fuel supply chains and driven up costs, petroleum enterprises have proactively implemented response measures to ensure production and business operations while meeting domestic consumption demand.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has pushed the global energy market into a period of serious instability, with oil prices rising steadily while supply continues to tighten. In this context, many countries are rushing to release strategic reserves in an effort to cool the surge in oil prices.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Ambassador of Thailand to Viet Nam Urawadee Sriphiromya in Ha Noi on March 13 to discuss measures for promoting the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as cooperation in ensuring energy security for both sides.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel on March 12 issued a notice to the Vietnamese nationals living, studying, and working there, urging heightened caution amid a complex security situation following a surge in missile and drone strikes in recent days.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a telephone conversation with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on March 9 evening to discuss the regional situation and promote bilateral relations.