Kremlin:

Trump has not lost any interest in the topic of Ukraine; moreover, he is recommending that Zelensky go for a deal.

Kremlin:

Rise in oil prices means an increase in Russian budget revenue.

Aftermath of Iranian drone attacks in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

From our perspective, the Strait of Hormuz is open and is only closed to our enemies.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

We have sent no message and have not requested a ceasefire.

Keir Starmer on Iran:

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not a simple task.

Keir Starmer:

Until we get ourselves off the rollercoaster of international oil and gas markets and onto clean, homegrown British energy, tyrants like Putin and the Ayathollas will be free to attack our energy security.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever:

We must normalise relations with Russia and regain access to cheap energy. That is common sense.

In private, European leaders agree with me, but no one dares to say it out loud.

We must end the conflict in the interest of Europe, without being naïve towards Putin.

📸 Dubai.

Keir Starmer on Iran:

We will not be drawn into the wider war.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz:

The IDF has begun a ground maneuver in Lebanon in order to remove threats and protect the residents of the Galilee and the north.

Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for its aggression and its activity in the Iranian axis aimed at destroying Israel.

If Naim Qassem misses Nasrallah and Khamenei so much — he will be able to meet them soon in the depths of hell together with all those eliminated from the axis of evil.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius:

What does Trump expect a handful of European frigates to do that the powerful US Navy cannot?

This is not our war, and we did not start it.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius:

Germany will not participate with its military in securing the Strait of Hormuz.

French Minister Visits Central African Republic After 8 Years

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Bangui for the first ministerial trip in 8 years, declaring restored relations between France & the Central African Republic following tensions linked to Russia’s growing influence.

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German Foreign Minister Wadephul:

It will be important that the United States and Israel clarify when they consider the military objectives of their operation to have been achieved.

Here we need more clarity.

German Foreign Minister Wadephul:

It is clear that the Iranian regime poses a significant danger: to its neighbors, to the entire region, to the freedom of navigation, and to global economic development.

This danger must definitely not continue to exist. On this point we are in full agreement with our partners and friends in Israel and the United States.

German Foreign Minister Wadephul:

Through the Persian Gulf, not only oil and gas are exported, but also many fertilizers.

If these transports are disrupted, this can also have effects on food prices and on food security worldwide.

German Foreign Minister Wadephul:

We also see that when the prices for oil and gas rise, this also fills Russia’s war chest.

That is why Germany and the European Union stand firmly behind the energy sanctions against Russia, and we want to further reduce Russia’s revenues with additional measures.

Now is definitely the wrong path to loosen sanctions.

North Korea held elections on Sunday for the Supreme People's Assembly, the legislature that formally approves government policies and appoints top officials.

Nearly 99.99% of eligible voters had cast ballots by 6 p.m., according to KCNA.

It appears Strait of Hormuz has been partially mined by Iran.

The Pakistani Aframax tanker Karachi transited on March 15–16 with AIS turned on, openly broadcasting its position, unusual if the area were fully mined.

Its route hugged Iranian waters, suggesting controlled or safer lanes.

Dubai’s main stock index (DFMGI) has officially entered a bear market, falling ~22–23% from its February peak (6,785) to around 5,250.

Heavy losses across banks, real estate, airlines, and tourism stocks.