Iran's foreign minister said U.S. Central Command has brought instability rather than security to the region, calling the answer 'obvious', and added that Iran's powerful armed forces have shown external actors cannot even protect themselves.

Nigeria became the first OPEC member to join the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an associate member, deepening ties between the global energy agency and Africa's largest oil producer. The move brings a country of more than 240 mln people into the IEA network. Nigeria is a major oil and gas exporter but faces domestic energy constraints, including limited power supply and heavy reliance on polluting cooking fuels. Nigeria is seeking to expand its influence by raising refining capacity and boosting fuel exports, while the IEA aims to broaden engagement with major emerging energy participants.

A-share innovative-drug sector reversed after an early spike; Tonghua Jinma hit the daily limit-down, while Xin Ganjiang, Yinuosi, Shuanglu Pharmaceutical, Haisco, Zejing Pharmaceutical and Sansheng Guojian dropped.