Trump:

We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.

The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not!

If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated.

NEW: Trump is considering several limited military options that could involve sending U.S. troops into Iran, but no decision has been made.

The ideas being discussed include securing shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, seizing key oil facilities to pressure Iran economically, or recovering enriched uranium.

Any operation would likely be relatively small—ranging from hundreds to a few thousand troops—rather than a large-scale invasion like Iraq or Afghanistan.

Source: NBC News

GRAPHIC: Iranian woman records her own death in U.S. / Israeli double tap strike on a civilian neighborhood.

The US will start accepting new F-35 jets without radars due to delays with the APG-85, leaving them airworthy but non-combat capable and limited to training.

If delays persist, over 100 jets could be affected and later require retrofits.

Source: Breaking Defense

Spain approved a €5 billion emergency package (~80 measures) to offset energy price shocks from Iran War.

Key steps include cutting VAT on fuel and energy to 10% (up to €0.30/litre cheaper fuel), reducing electricity taxes by ~60%, and providing a €0.20/litre subsidy for transport, agriculture, and fishing sectors.

The plan targets 20 million households and 3 million companies.

BIG: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are moving closer to supporting the US-Israel war effort by expanding base access and preparing for a longer conflict.

Officials say attitudes in Riyadh have shifted toward “supporting the US war as a way to punish Iran,” but both states remain cautious, warning that direct offensive involvement could “open a can of worms.”

Source: MEE

🇺🇸 Around $1 trillion was wiped off the US stock market today, as major indices dropped 1–2% amid escalating Middle East tensions.

US 1-year inflation expectations surged to ~5.2% (highest since 2023), driven by the energy shock from the Middle East conflict.

MORE: Saudi Arabia has opened King Fahd Air Base to US forces.

More US troops are deploying to the region.

UAE signaled it is ready for a long war (up to 9 months).

The US is pushing Saudi Arabia to join offensive operations.

NEW: Iran issued an urgent warning to the residents of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to evacuate via designated routes, saying the city could be targeted due to involvement in actions against Iranian islands.

The statement adds local authorities had been previously warned and would bear responsibility for any consequences.

BREAKING: New U.S. license allows the sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on ships between March 20 and April 19.

Axios reporter Barak Ravid:

U.S. to allow Iran to get ~14 billion dollars in oil revenue.

This is a huge financial concession to Iran by the U.S.

It is the first time U.S. is buying Iranian oil since 1996.

It's all happening in the middle of a war against...Iran.

📸 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during the state dinner at the White House.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran will help Japanese ships safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Tehran.

Source: Kyodo News

The Pentagon is preparing to make Palantir’s Maven AI system a permanent part of U.S. military operations, ensuring it will be widely used and receive long-term funding.

Source: Reuters

Democrats are increasingly frustrated with Senate leader Chuck Schumer, with some privately discussing replacing him.

Critics, including Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy, say his leadership style, handling of negotiations, and support for centrist candidates are hurting the party.

While Schumer still has enough backing to stay, tensions have grown after recent political conflicts and the government shutdown.

Source: WSJ