Hegseth on the Strait of Hormuz:

The only thing prohibiting transit in the straits right now is Iran shooting at shipping.

It is open for transit should Iran not do that.

Zelensky:

Sanctions relief on oil could give Russia about $10 billion for the war.

Vice President JD Vance privately opposed U.S. strikes on Iran before Trump launched the operation.

Vance was described as “skeptical,” “worried about success,” and someone who “just opposes” the war.

His role was to present different viewpoints, but officials say “once the decision has been made, he’s fully on board.”

Trump acknowledged the difference, saying Vance was “philosophically a little different… maybe less enthusiastic.”

Source: Politico

UAE State Minister:

Iran must stop attacking its neighbors to allow diplomacy.

Mediation can only happen when the guns go silent.

Diplomacy will ultimately end the Iran conflict.

Trump will lead us all to that moment in his time.

Nigeria Evacuates Citizens From Iran Via Armenia Border

Nigeria began evacuating citizens from Iran amid war, escorting nationals across the Armenia border with embassy support. Officials say no Nigerian has been harmed so far.

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Trump says there could be “more than 1,700 Iranian sleeper cells.”

BREAKING: CENTCOM says all six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 during Operation Epic Fury have been confirmed dead.

Trump:

Iran's regime will fall, “but maybe not immediately.”

UN Experts Condemn US-Israel Strikes on Iran as "Violations of International Law"

UN experts on Thursday condemned US & Israeli strikes on Iran & escalation in Lebanon as violations of international law, warning the conflict could expand across the Middle East & cause massive civilian harm.

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Trump:

Economy will bounce right back when the Iran war is over.

Italy's Foreign Ministry denies the FT report about negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Italian vessels.

BREAKING: The Pentagon is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit (up to ~2,500 Marines) to the Middle East after Iran intensified attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: WSJ

Trump said the Iran war could end soon but added he’ll know it’s over “when I feel it in my bones.”

BREAKING: Trump now says "we don’t need Ukraine’s help with drone defense."

Market speculation suggests the U.S. Treasury may be selling crude futures to stabilize prices.

Traders were “being pushed by clients as to who the big seller was,” according to analyst Skirrow.

Some speculated “it could be from the US Treasury.”

Source: FT

The Pentagon is considering sending more warships to the Middle East to potentially escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz after increased Iranian attacks.

U.S. officials say escorts won’t start until the threat level drops, which could take a month or longer.

Source: WSJ

Trump on Mojtaba Khamenei:

I think he probably is alive; I think he is damaged, but I think he is probably alive in some form.