The new US Ambassador to Iraq, Matthew Tueller, paid his first visit to the capital Erbil where He was welcomed by senior Kurdish leaders, who congratulated him on his new position. Mr. Tueller also highlighted Barzani’s efforts in improving ties between the Government of Kurdistan and the Federal Government of Iraq. The US considers the improvement of relations as being in the interests of both sides and for the stability of Iraq and the wider region. 

Over the weekend, two tankers were attacked in the Gulf of Oman, a month after four others were targeted off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Both Saudi Arabia and  US have blamed the attacks on Iran, which denies any involvement. Crew Of Norwegian-Owned Oil Tanker Arrives In Dubai After the attack. Gulf countries are tightening their security measures on the Strait of Hormuz, and the oil tankers were a key topic of conversation as world energy ministers met Saturday in Japan.

Police in London have launched their third murder investigation in less than 24 hours after a man in his 30s was stabbed to death in Tower Hamlets. Police said no arrests had been made and inquiries were still ongoing to notify his next of kin. The incident came just hours after two teenagers died in the capital in separate attacks.