Authored by Jonathan Turley via jonathanturley.org,

The University of Southern California (USC) is under fire after canceling the California gubernatorial debate with less than 24 hours’ notice.  The reason? None of the polling candidates are people of color. It was a crushingly revealing moment in a state where universities have long defied voters who demanded an end to affirmative action in admissions.

USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future and ABC/KABC Los Angeles were scheduled to co-host the debate at Bovard Auditorium on Tuesday evening. Then it was canceled on Monday.

Former Biden Health and Human Services Secretary and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra had sent a letter to President Beong-Soo Kim, alleging “election rigging” and objecting “you disqualified all of the candidates of color from participating.”

For many,  USC succeeded in beclowning itself by first defending USC Professor Christian Grose’s “data-driven” selection process and then abruptly canceling the debate lineup selected through that process. If that seems incomprehensible, welcome to American higher education.

The cancellation is only the latest unexpected turn in the election, where the two top vote-getters will face each other in a runoff election.

California Democrats are in a panic as two Republicans currently top the polling: Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and commentator Steve Hilton.

At the same time, the leading Democrats include controversial candidates such as Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Eric Swalwell. Porter is best known nationally for spewing profanity and abuse at staff members. Last year, Swalwell was outvoted by Rep. Raul Grijalva, who died in March 2025. However, they are still doing markedly better than Becerra with voters.

USC insisted that it “vigorously defends the independence, objectivity, and integrity of USC Professor Christian Grose, whose data-driven candidate viability formula is based on extensive research and enjoys broad academic support.”

That “data-driven system” produced a lineup of Bianco and Hilton as well as Democrats Tom Steyer, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Eric Swalwell.

Advocates then went into full rage, calling the process racist and rigged. Becerra declared:

“USC goes to great lengths to justify its exclusionary candidate formula. But you can’t escape the detestable outcome: you disqualified all of the candidates of color from participating while you invited a white candidate who has NEVER polled higher than some of the candidates of color, including me.”

However, the methodology considered both polling percentage and fundraising with the polling given greater weight.

Becerra has been shown at 3 percent, notably within the statistical margin of error for most polls.  In other words, he could be closer to zero. (He is shown as tied with Mahan, who Becerra appears to be referencing in his letter as lacking higher polling).

USC then yielded after trying to expand the number of participants to appease objectors. In a statement, USC stated:

“We recognize that concerns about the selection criteria for tomorrow’s gubernatorial debate have created a significant distraction from the issues that matter to voters. Unfortunately, USC and [debate co-sponsor] KABC have not been able to reach an agreement on expanding the number of candidates at tomorrow’s debate. As a result, USC has made the difficult decision to cancel tomorrow’s debate and will look for other opportunities to educate voters on the candidates and issues.”

Becerra took a victory lap: “We fought. We won! … Thank you to everyone who stood up, raised hell and demanded justice. Never give up when you’re fighting for fairness!”

At least Becerra’s position is comprehensible. He has long defended affirmative action in California. Indeed, despite statewide votes against the practice, California universities continue to be accused of applying racial criteria in admissions. Becerra is effectively demanding such action for himself as a “candidate of color.”

USC was left stumbling in search of a place to hide. USC scholars defended the process that USC affectively scuttled:

“All of us expect and welcome critical engagement from inside and outside the academy. What Professor Grose has faced, however, is not substantive or methodological debate. Attacks and insinuations from members of the political classes include completely baseless allegations of election-rigging, inconsistency, bias and data manipulation. These are harmful character assassinations, not substantive debate. They are of a piece with other attempts to strong-arm or malign scholars that have become all too common in America.

Whatever their intent, the effect of these attacks is to diminish academic freedom and chill scholarly willingness to add their voices to the public square. It is imperative that universities defend their faculties’ integrity when it is unfairly attacked.”

That is a powerful statement if one does not then consider that the university caved, cancelled the debate, and meekly said that it will “look for other opportunities to educate voters on the candidates and issues.” The “strong-arming” succeeded.

What is particularly disappointing is that I just spoke at USC and was impressed with the members of the USC community seeking to restore a diversity of viewpoints. The event was sponsored by The Center for the Political Future, which was the sponsor of the debate. It was also organized by the USC Open Dialogue Project and the USC chapter of the Heterodox Academy. Both have written in defense of this process.

Professor Morris Levy with Heterodox wrote: “[USC’s] message is unmistakable: USC was allowing “concerns” and a public “distraction” to override its own institutional conviction that the selection formula was data-driven and backed by research.”

So Heterodox, The Center for the Political Future, and ABC7  issued statements indicating that they were prepared to go forward and also defended the process of selection. That left only USC.

In this controversy, USC succeeded in finding the least defensible ground to make its stand. It denounced the cancel campaign but then effectively yielded to it.

The alternative is to stand by your race-blind, data-driven process and hold the debate for all invited candidates willing to attend.

Where USC was criticized recently for its fake punt in the game with Northwestern, it actually punted in this play and left the field.

Jonathan Turley is a law professor and the best-selling author of “Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution.”

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Authored by Troy Myers via The Epoch Times,

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a former national security adviser in President Donald Trump’s first term, reached an undisclosed financial settlement Wednesday, according to court documents.

Flynn sought a $50 million payout from the government for what he claimed were politically motivated actions against him. The settlement brings an end to a years-long dispute that stemmed from false claims of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Once Flynn has confirmed receipt of the settlement funds, he and the DOJ will file a joint dismissal of the case with prejudice, with each party bearing its own costs and fees, the agreement shows.

Flynn’s lawyer provided an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, including a statement from the former Trump adviser as well.

Although the case has reached a settlement, Flynn said, “Nothing can fully compensate for the hell that my family and I have endured over these many years.”

“There should never again be such a brazen attempt to weaponize federal law enforcement against political opponents or innocent citizens,” Flynn said.

“It is not this Department of Justice that created this crisis of politicized justice, but they are doing right by truly pursuing justice now.”

The settlement, while imperfect, Flynn continued, brings an end to a chapter of partisan, ruinous injustice.

Flynn’s lawyer, Jesse Binnall, called him an American hero in the emailed statement.

“In this agreement, the Justice Department is doing more than simply cutting a check, they are admitting that General Flynn was seriously wronged,” Binnall said.

A DOJ spokesperson also provided an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, stating that Wednesday’s settlement is an important step in redressing a “historic injustice,” referring to the allegations of Russia collusion in 2016 and the prosecution of Flynn that resulted.

“Those who instigated the Russia Collusion Hoax and Crossfire Hurricane abused their power to mislead the American people and tarnish the reputations of President Trump and his supporters,” the DOJ’s statement said.

Crossfire Hurricane was the codename of the FBI investigation into the later-discredited claims of ties between Trump and Russia to influence the 2016 election.

Flynn, a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) under the Obama administration, was investigated by the FBI beginning in August 2016 over alleged ties to Russia. In January 2017, he was interviewed by two FBI agents and asked about a conversation with a Russian official. At first, he denied the conversation, which was not the truth, then said he didn’t remember. Intelligence officials and others later concluded that the conversation did not involve collusion or illegality.

Nevertheless, that exchange became the core of the charge of lying to the FBI brought against Flynn by the late special counsel Robert Mueller, who took over the case in May 2017.

Flynn initially pleaded guilty but then withdrew that plea, claiming he did not intentionally lie and was misled by his attorneys to enter the guilty plea because prosecutors threatened legal action against his son.

Internal emails from Flynn’s first legal team showed this was true—prosecutors informed his legal team that Flynn’s son would be left alone if he signed the guilty plea.

In 2020, then-head of the District of Columbia U.S. Attorney’s Office Timothy Shea concluded that it seemed the FBI’s purpose for interviewing Flynn was to “elicit … false statements and thereby criminalize Mr. Flynn.”

The DOJ eventually dropped the charge, but the judge overseeing Flynn’s case refused to dismiss it. Trump ultimately pardoned him in 2020.

In 2023, Flynn filed a lawsuit against the DOJ and FBI, accusing prosecutors from Mueller’s office of investigating and prosecuting him for political reasons.

“General Flynn—who already had a reputation as a hands-on disruptor at DIA, who had publicly excoriated the politicization of the intelligence community, and who had made clear his desire to overhaul the national security structure and the ‘interagency process’—was a direct threat, not only to the self-interest of entrenched intelligence bureaucracies and the federal officials involved, but to exposing their prior and ongoing efforts to derail and discredit President Trump,” the suit stated.

Aside from accusations of a malicious, politically motivated prosecution, Flynn’s suit also accused the government of abusing the legal process by coercing him into the guilty plea with threats of prosecution against his son.

“He was falsely branded as a traitor to his country,” according to the lawsuit.

The suit against the government, which included as defendants the FBI, DOJ, Executive Office of the President, Office of Special Counsel, former FBI Director James Comey, Mueller, and others, further claimed Flynn lost tens of millions of dollars as a result of the prosecution.

“[Trump’s] Department of Justice will continue to pursue accountability at all levels for this wrongdoing,” the DOJ’s emailed statement said. “Such weaponization of the federal government must never be allowed to happen again.”

Iran has recently bolstered its defenses around Kharg Island, anticipating a possible US move to seize the key oil export hub, CNN reported this week. The island is vital to Iran’s economy, handling roughly 90% of its crude shipments, and has become a focal point in escalating tensions.

The Trump administration has explored the option of sending US forces to take control of the island as leverage to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz. But military officials caution that such an operation would carry serious risks. Iran has reinforced the island with additional air defense systems, including portable missiles, and has planted mines along likely landing zones.

There is also growing skepticism among US allies and policymakers about whether capturing the island would achieve its broader objective. Even if successful, it may not resolve the wider dispute over energy flows and could instead intensify the conflict. An Israeli source warned that US troops could face attacks from drones and shoulder-fired missiles if they attempt a landing.

“I would be very worried about this,” said retired Adm. James Stavridis. “Iranians are clever and ruthless. They will do everything they can to inflict maximum casualties on US forces both on the ships at sea, and especially once ground troops are anywhere in their sovereign territory.”

CNN writes that Iran has responded with its own warnings. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said any attempt to occupy Iranian territory would prompt retaliation against critical infrastructure in the region, adding that US troop movements are under close watch.

Despite its relatively small size—about one-third of Manhattan—Kharg Island would require a substantial military operation to capture. US forces in the region include Marine units trained for amphibious assaults, along with airborne troops preparing to deploy. Surveillance has shown newly fortified positions and defensive preparations on the island.

Although earlier US strikes weakened parts of Iran’s defenses, American forces would still face significant threats from missiles and drones launched from the nearby mainland. This has led to internal debate in Washington over whether the potential benefits justify the risks.

Regional allies are urging restraint, warning that a ground assault could result in heavy casualties and trigger wider retaliation across the Gulf. Some analysts suggest that targeting Iran’s oil exports through a naval blockade could be a less risky alternative to putting troops on the ground.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits for the first time was flat from the prior week at 210.5k (215k exp). Simply put, these numbers are hovering near their lowest levels since 1969…

Source: Bloomberg

Continuing claims also printed below expectations at 1.819 million Americans. This is the lowest level since May 2024…

Source: Bloomberg

Finally, as a reminder, sentiment surveys suggest the labor market is bifurcated with ‘jobs hard to get’ but joblessness not surging…

Source: Bloomberg

That chart reinforces the ‘no hire, no fire’ economy remains the status quo – no worse, no better.

It’s Day 27 of the war: stocks and bonds fell globally as ceasefire optimism fades given mixed messages on progress toward ending the war in Iran and growing uncertainty over Iran’s willingness to engage in talks about a ceasefire in the Middle East sent oil prices higher. Futures gapped lower just after 5am ET, when Axios reported that the Pentagon is developing military options for a “final blow” in Iran that could include ground troops.  Trump urged Iran “to get serious” before it was too late but Tehran is steadfast saying no negotiations are occurring and both side rejecting each other’s deal demands as the fighting continues & more military assets arriving. As of 8:00am ET, S&P 500 futures dropped 0.9%, at session lows, with about 48 hours before a US delay in strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure expires. Nasdaq futures slumped more than 1%.In premarket trading, Mag7 names were down with all sectors lower ex-Energy. Brent resumed its advance, rising 3.8% to above $106 a barrel; Oil is on track for its biggest monthly jump in more than three decades, as the Trump administration examines potential consequences if prices spike to $200 a barrel. The move rekindled inflation fears and pushed yields higher as money markets priced in tighter monetary policy. Two-year Treasury yields rose four  basis points to 3.93% as the yield curve bear flattened with yields +4 – 6bp; the 10Y yield was back up to 4.39%, pushing the USD also higher. Gold slipped below $4,450 an ounce. Today’s macro data focus is on initial / continuing claims

In premarket trading, Mag 7 stocks are all lower (Alphabet -1%, Amazon -1%, Apple -0.2%, Nvidia -1.2%, Meta -1.3%, Microsoft -0.4%, Tesla -1%)

• US mining stocks fell and energy stocks rose as attacks in the Middle East continued and US President Donald Trump warned Iran to get serious about discussions “before it is too late.”
• Memory-chip stocks fall in reaction to a new compression technique proposed by Google researchers that could reduce the amount of memory needed for AI workloads. Micron (MU) falls 2% while Sandisk (SNDK) declines 3%.
• Equitable Holdings Inc. (EQH) gains 3% and Corebridge Financial Inc. (CRBG) rises 1.7% as the US insurers are set to merge in an all-stock deal valuing that combined business at $22 billion.
• Kodiak Sciences (KOD) climbs 43% after the drug developer gave efficacy data from a late-stage trial of its experimental drug for diabetic retinopathy — a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes.
• MillerKnoll (MLKN) drops 18% after the office furniture designer’s earnings forecast for the fourth quarter missed the average analyst estimate.
• Navan (NAVN) rises 18% after the business travel platform reported fourth-quarter results that beat expectations and gave an outlook analysts see as both positive and conservative.
• Olaplex (OLPX) rose more than 50% after Henkel agreed to buy the hair-care brand in a $1.4 billion deal.
• Precigen (PGEN) jumps 15% after the biopharmaceutical company said first-quarter revenue is expected to exceed $18 million, driven by sales of its recurrent respiratory papillomatosis treatment, Papzimeos.

In other corporate news, Blackstone is said to be close to a deal to buy Rowan Digital Infrastructure, which may value the major U.S. data center developer at more than $10 billion. Novo Nordisk’s Chairman is set for an earful at the AGM after a boardroom coup, with investors pointing to recent missteps. 

With markets already on edge over Iran’s unwillingness to negotiate ceasefire terms, the mood deteriorated overnight after an Axios report that the Pentagon is developing military options for a “final blow” in Iran that could include the use of ground forces and a massive bombing campaign.  Trump claimed Iran was desperate for a deal to end hostilities and the White House insisted peace talks are ongoing, even as Tehran publicly rejected US overtures and issued fresh conditions of its own to end the conflict. Those included sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz, and drafting laws to introduce tolls for safe passage.  

“If Iran were to signal willingness to negotiate and an end to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz became more likely, equity markets may quickly move back to previous highs,” said Wolf von Rotberg, strategist at Bank J Safra Sarasin. “Yet Iran has so far declined all offers to talk as time is on their side.”

In AI news, memory stocks are under pressure on concerns over demand after Google researchers touted its new TurboQuant technology, a new compression technique. Bulls suggest the improved efficiency may actually increase demand, but related stocks at risk of profit taking after exponential moves in related stocks. Accenture launched Cyber.AI powered by Claude, Anthropic’s AI model. 

Private credit is again in focus after Jefferies’ results missed Wall Street estimates, dragged down by losses on wayward credit bets, an Ares private credit fund posted its steepest monthly loss on record and ex-Goldman CEO Lloyd Blankfein warned of “fire” risk in private markets. In contrast, executives from Apollo, Blackstone and Blue Owl said they don’t see evidence of rising systemic risks or defaults, which is to be expected since they all run… private credit funds.

BlackRock Inc. President Rob Kapito said investors may be underestimating the risks stemming from the war, which are likely to weigh on economic growth and drive inflation higher even if the conflict ends soon.

“What if this disruption is a week, six months, a year — what is it going to mean for the companies that I own?” Kapito said. “My biggest concern is that people aren’t looking at this – they’re just making the assumption” for an optimistic outcome.

JPMorgan expects around $65 billion of equity buying and bond selling due to March-end rebalancing; Goldman sees a more modest $13 billion. Elsewhere, global investors are on track to withdraw a record amount from Asian EM equities excluding China, as surging oil prices due to the Middle East conflict cloud the region’s outlook. 

The Fed’s Stephen Miran said he moved up his projection for where interest rates should end the year by half a percentage point in response to disappointing inflation data, not due to oil and Iran. A plethora of Fed speakers are on deck later today. 

In politics, FHFA’s Pulte sent letters to the DOJ encouraging prosecutors to open new fraud investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James related to real estate. G-7 energy, finance ministers and monetary policy makers will meet on Monday to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Officials in Berlin have started mapping vulnerabilities in US supply chains to identify points where Germany and its European Union partners could apply pressure.

European stocks slumped more than 1.2% as higher energy prices dampen sentiment. Stoxx 600 falls 1.2% to 580.54 with mining and technology stocks leading declines. The biggest outperformers were chemicals and personal care shares. Here are the biggest movers Thursday:

• Next shares rally as much as 6.9%, the most in five months, after the clothing retailer posted annual profits that were slightly ahead of the upgraded guidance outlined in January, having boosted its outlook five times throughout the year
• Comet rises as much as 4.8% after BNP Paribas double-upgrades the semiconductor equipment components supplier to outperform from underperform, citing expectations the company will benefit from a multi-year memory capex super-cycle
• THG shares rise as much as 8.8%, among the top gainers in the FTSE 250 Index on Thursday morning, after the online retailer reported 2025 results and said it’s had a strong start to the new year, which support revenue and adjusted Ebitda expectations
• Pollen Street rises as much as 8.4%, the most since Jan. 2025, after the alternative asset manager delivered results which Panmure Liberum says came in ahead of consensus expectations
• The Stoxx 600 basic resources index is the worst-performing sector in Europe, falling as much as 3.6% on Thursday
• Boliden drops as much as 19%, the most since January 2008, after providing an update on the abnormally high seismic activity that has impacted production at its key Garpenberg mine
• Edenred shares drop as much as 16%, slumping to a 2016-low, after the Italian Competition Authority launched an investigation into its Italian subsidiary over possible abuse of its dominant market position in the meal voucher market
• H&M slips as much as 6.6%, the most since September 2024, after the Swedish fast-fashion retail group reported weaker-than-expected current trading which analysts said overshadowed margin strength in the first quarter
• Currys shares drop as much as 11%, the most in over two years, after announcing the departure of Chief Executive Alex Baldock
• 3i Group shares fall as much as 3.3% after sales and margin at Action, its largest portfolio company, missed analyst estimates
• CSG shares fall as much as 6.7% after the recently-listed defense firm posted weaker-than-expected earnings in its Ammo+ small caliber ammunition division, though it saw a better performance in military vehicles and weapons

Asian stocks fell after two consecutive days of gains as conflicting signals from the US and Iran about their ceasefire talks turned investors cautious. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell as much as 1.4% before paring some declines. Shares of South Korean chipmaking giants Samsung and SK Hynix were the biggest drags on the benchmark, slumping on concerns over demand after Google researchers touted a new compression technique that can reduce memory size for large language models and vector search engines. Equity benchmarks in Hong Kong and Indonesia were among the top losers in Asia alongside the Kospi, while markets in India were shut for a holiday. Strategists at Goldman Sachs downgraded the South Asian nation’s stocks to marketweight from overweight, citing higher‑for‑longer energy prices from the war.

In FX, markets are contained compared to stocks and bonds with the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index barely up 0.1% as the greenback posts a mixed performance versus peers.

In commodities, Brent crude is up over 3% and around the $106 per barrel mark with the US and Iran providing conflicting comments on efforts to end the war. More recently, an Axios report noted that the Pentagon is developing military options for a “final blow” in Iran.

In rates, higher energy prices are again dragging bonds lower with US yields up 4-5bps across the curve. Norwegian bonds saw further losses after the Norges Bank held rates steady but pointed towards a potential rate hike.

Spot gold and silver are on the back foot, showing respective losses of 1.5% and 4%. Bitcoin is down 1.9%.  

US economic data scheduled includes weekly initial jobless claims (8:30am) and March Kansas City Fed manufacturing activity (11am). Fed speaker slate includes Cook (4pm), Miran (6:30pm), Jefferson (7pm) and Barr (7:10pm)

Market Snapshot

• S&P 500 mini -0.8%
• Nasdaq 100 mini -1%
• Russell 2000 mini -1.2%
• Stoxx Europe 600 -1.3%
• DAX -1.6%
• CAC 40 -1.1%
• 10-year Treasury yield +4 basis points at 4.38%
• VIX +2.2 points at 27.51
• Bloomberg Dollar Index little changed at 1212.32
• euro little changed at $1.1557
• WTI crude +3.4% at $93.38/barrel

Top Overnight News

• The Pentagon is developing military options for a “final blow” in Iran that could include the use of ground forces and a massive bombing campaign: Axios
• President Trump has told associates in recent days that he wants to avoid a protracted war in Iran and that he hopes to bring the conflict to an end in the coming weeks. The president has privately informed advisers he thinks the conflict is in its final stages, urging them to stick to the four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly, according to people familiar with the matter. WSJ
• Israeli officials say a US-Iran deal remains unlikely, but fear President Donald Trump could still declare a temporary ceasefire as talks continue. Jerusalem Post
• Trump administration officials are examining what a potential spike in oil prices as high as $200 a barrel would mean for the economy, according to people familiar with the matter, a sign senior officials are studying the possible fallout from extreme scenarios for the Iran war. BBG
• On the stage and sidelines of a global energy conference in Houston, CEOs painted a much bleaker picture: Financial markets aren’t accurately reflecting the gravity of the crisis, the war is crippling the world’s fuel supplies, and the industry’s Middle East operations are at risk, they said. WSJ
• Hong Kong is weighing “big bang” tax cuts that may allow many asset managers to earn their performance fees free of all levies. FT
• Norway’s central bank said it’ll probably raise its benchmark rate at one of its forthcoming meetings. Officials left it at 4% today, as expected. BBG
• Germany has plans for the EU to squeeze US tech, drug supplies and manufacturers in its next dispute with Trump. The goal is to create a consensus among bloc members on how to best use their leverage. BBG
• Gulf and European allies are closely watching and growing concerned about the lack of momentum towards negotiations to end the conflict or even put a ceasefire into place. CNN
• An Ares-managed $23 billion private credit fund posted its steepest monthly loss on record in February. BBG
• Global investors are on track to withdraw a record amount from Asian EM equities excluding China, as surging oil prices due to the Middle East conflict cloud the region’s outlook. BBG
• White House confirms that US President Trump is to hold a cabinet meeting is to be held from 10:00EDT/14:00GMT on Thursday.

A more detailed look at global markets courtesy of Newsquawk

APAC stocks traded cautiously as the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remained fluid, with mixed messages from the US and Iran about talks, while strikes persisted overnight against Iran and its regional neighbours. ASX 200 closed slightly lower with miners, tech and materials front-running declines, but with downside cushioned by gains in energy, defensives and financials, while price action was contained by a lack of data or fresh major catalysts. Nikkei 225 retreated as the rebound in oil stoked inflationary and growth concerns, given Japan’s large dependency on Middle East oil, despite the government releasing emergency oil reserves, as planned. Hang Seng and Shanghai Comp were pressured amid a deluge of earnings releases and with developer debt concerns stoked as China Vanke seeks another bond repayment delay, whilst it works on a restructuring plan.

Top Asian News

• Japan’s provisional budget is seen totalling around JPY 8.6tln, according to NHK.

European bourses (STOXX 600 -1.1%) have gotten off to a softer start to Thursday’s session. The DAX 40 underperforms, hindered by poor Porsche SE (-2.6%) earnings, while the SMI outperforms with only mild losses, as Kuehne+Nagel, along with the broader shipping sector, is supported by Hapag-Lloyd earnings. European sectors are entirely in the red, with Basic Resources, yet again, sitting at the bottom of the pile as metals prices continue to fall. Technology also prints decent losses, following news stateside by Google that its new TurboQuant tech can reduce the amount of memory needed for AI workloads, which is weighing on computer memory and storage makers (ASML -3.8%).

Top European News

• Spanish GDP Growth Rate QoQ Final (Q4) Q/Q 0.8% vs. Exp. 0.8% (Prev. 0.6%).
• Spanish GDP Growth Rate YoY Final (Q4) Y/Y 2.7% vs. Exp. 2.6% (Prev. 2.7%).
• German GfK Consumer Confidence (Apr) -28.0 vs. Exp. -26.5 (Prev. -24.7, Low. -32.2, High. -25.6).
• Italian Business Confidence (Mar) 88.8 (Prev. 88.5).
• Italian Consumer Confidence (Mar) 92.6 (Prev. 97.4).

Trade/Tariffs

• Germany reportedly drafts a plan to hit US tech, drug supplies and companies, Bloomberg reported citing sources; officials are mapping vulnerabilities in US supply chains to apply pressure on the US.
• China’s Foreign Ministry, on Trump’s China visit announcement for May 14-15th, said the two sides have maintained communication.
• China Commerce Ministry will impose an additional 55% tariff on beef imports from Australia after quota threshold reached.
• EU’s Dombrovskis said we have received assurances from the US that they intend to honour the trade deal.
• US President Trump said Supreme Court ruling on tariffs will cost the US hundreds of millions.

FX

• DXY is essentially flat and trades within a narrow 99.56-99.75 range, with price action taking a breather after a string of ceasefire related volatility. Recent reports surrounding the Middle East situation suggests that US President Trump told aides he wants a speedy end to the Iran war and wants to wrap up the conflict in the coming weeks, via WSJ. Elsewhere, Israeli Media reported that US President Trump may announce a ceasefire with Iran by next Saturday. Jobless claims and a slew of Fed speak is due throughout the day.
• G10s are incrementally lower against the USD (ex-Antipodeans). Ultimately, subdued price action as markets await updates related to concrete progress on the ceasefire plan, or the risk of another bout of escalation measures. Most recently, Axios reported that Trump is preparing for a massive “final blow” against Iran. Antipodeans are at the bottom of the G10 pile this morning, with the Kiwi underperforming – pressure which follows the broader downbeat risk-tone. EUR/USD trades within a very thin 1.1547-1.1572 range, and ultimately little moved to ECB’s Nagel and de Guindos. Elsewhere, Cable is incrementally lower, as traders await commentary from BoE’s Breeden, Taylor and Greene. Focus will be on the former, given Taylor spoke last week (remained dovish), whilst Greene spoke on Wednesday.
• NOK is net-unchanged in the aftermath of the Norges Bank policy announcement, where the Bank kept rates steady at 4% (as expected). There was some volatility at the time, with EUR/NOK moving higher as traders unwound outside bets of a hike. That move since entirely pared. Decision aside, focus was on the MPR and accompanying commentary was hawkish, with the Bank noting that “it will likely be appropriate to raise the policy rate at one of the forthcoming monetary policy meetings”. This was also reflected by the updated MPR, whereby the end-2026 rate is now seen at 4.35% (prev. 3.71%); 2027 was revised higher to 3.98% (prev. 3.31%), and the “terminal rate” was raised to 3.54% (prev. 3.20%).

Fixed Income

• Once again, another session dictated by energy movements and the associated implications for prices and yields.
• USTs are lower by 12 ticks at most, to a 110-16+ trough. If the move continues, we look to the 110-05+ mark from the 24th, and then the 109-31+ WTD base. Ahead, a handful of data points, numerous Fed speakers and supply features in a relatively busy schedule; however, geopolitics will likely continue to dictate.
• Bunds in-fitting. At a 125.30 low, with losses of nearly 70 ticks at most. If the move continues, we look to support at 125.02 and then the 124.77 WTD base. For Europe, newsflow is somewhat limited, with no move to a handful of data points or ECB officials. The region’s docket ahead is a little light, and as such, action will be determined by the above US points and/or Middle East developments.
• Gilts took the lead from peers and opened with losses of over 60 ticks before falling another 35 or so to a 87.73 trough. If the move continues, we look to recent bases at 87.06, 86.81 and then the contract low of 85.91. A busy BoE docket today, with Taylor and Greene scheduled; though, we have yet to see anything of pertinence from Breeden.

Commodities

• Crude futures gradually edged higher overnight and held onto that strength throughout the European morning, with Brent Jun’26 printing a USD 100.96/bbl peak (vs USD 97.69/bbl low) while WTI May’26 prints a current USD 94.13-90.71/bbl range.
• On the geopolitical front, US President Trump reportedly told aides that he wants a speedy end to the war and believes the conflict is in its final stages. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that Trump may announce a ceasefire with Iran by next Saturday, even without a final agreement, while N12 News separately said the working assumption in Israel is that he could announce a ceasefire as soon as this coming Saturday. More recently, it was reported US Pentagon is reportedly preparing for a massive “final blow” of the Iran war, via Axios.
• Spot gold is lower after a two-day recovery, with bullion back under USD 4,450/oz at the time of writing, giving back most of the prior session gains, amid the conflicting US and Iranian statements. Spot gold currently resides in a USD 4,412-4,544/oz range after finding support on Monday at its 200-DMA (4,091.57/oz)
• Base metals are also softer, with copper under pressure as investors weigh the inflationary implications of the conflict alongside the risk of weaker global activity and softer demand. 3M LME copper resides in a USD 12,114.00- 12,276.08/t range at the time of writing.
• Russian Deputy PM Novak says “we will impose a gasoline export bank if necessary”; has possibility to increase oil production if required, but investment will be needed; is already trading oil without discount, and with a premium in a number of lines.
• French Commerce Minister said release of strategic oil reserves to be discussed at G7 minister meeting on Monday.
• Japan begins releasing national oil reserves, as expected, according to Kyodo.
• Turkish oil tanker was hit by a drone in the Black Sea near Istanbul.
• Saudi Arabia’s oil sales to China and India are set to be lower-than-usual levels next month, according to Bloomberg.
• Japan is reportedly to lift restrictions on coal-fired power plant operation as an emergency response to the Middle East situation for a one-year limit period, according to the Nikkei.
• Philippines suspends electricity market due to Middle East conflict and proposes modified administered pricing by April 1st, cites fuel supply risks and price volatility for the suspension.
• Pilbara ports in Australia said they closed the ports of Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Dampier and Varanus Island due to cyclone Narelle.

Central Banks

• Norges Bank maintains its rate unchanged at 4.0% as expected; “it will likely be appropriate to raise the policy rate at one of the forthcoming monetary policy meetings”. STANCE. The Committee judges that a tighter monetary policy stance is needed to return inflation to target within a reasonable time horizon. The inflation outlook indicates that an increase in the policy rate will likely be required. The Committee therefore wants to await further information on the prospects for inflation. FUTURE POLICY. The future path of the policy rate will depend on economic developments. If the outlook indicates higher inflation than currently projected, a higher policy rate than currently envisaged may be required.
• US Treasury Secretary Bessent said to have discussed ways to recast ties between the Fed and the Treasury in the Bank of England’s image, and praises BoE’s market intervention capabilities, according to FT.
• ECB’s de Guindos said the outbreak for the Iran war has made the growth and inflation outlook significantly more uncertain, sharp increase in energy prices poses upside risks for inflation and downside risks for economic growth. ECB is well positioned to navigate this uncertain period.
• ECB’s Nagel said the ECB will have enough data by April to determine if they need to act or whether to wait and see.
• ECB hopes to look through energy price shock from Iran war and Lagarde said it’s too early to know the impact of the Iran war, while it sees rates steady if shock is temporary but may hike rates twice if energy shock is persistent, according to FT.
• BoE’s Breeden (neutral) says firms and workers are likely to have less price and wage bargaining power, so second round effects less likely.
• BoJ Governor Ueda said large JGB holding doesn’t make policy adjustments difficult, adds conducting policy to achieve price stability target.
• RBA Assistant Governor Kent said the board will set monetary policy to achieve low and stable inflation and full employment. Will continue to assess the countervailing forces operating on the economy. Middle East conflict has tightened financial conditions. The longer the conflict persists, the larger the economic impacts will be.
• CNB Minutes (Mar): Ready to tighten policy if core inflation rises, agreed a rate hike is premature now.
• UBS expects the Fed to deliver two 25bps cuts in September and December (prev. saw cuts in June and September).

Geopolitics

• US Pentagon reportedly prepares for massive “final blow” of Iran war, Axios reported. The Pentagon developing military options for a “final blow” in Iran that could include the use of ground forces and a massive bombing campaign. Options include: Invading or blockading Kharg Island; Invading Larak, an island that helps Iran solidify its control of the Strait of Hormuz; seizing the strategic island of Abu Musa and two smaller islands, which lie near the western entrance to the strait and are controlled by Iran but also claimed by the UAE; Blocking or seizing ships that are exporting Iranian oil on the eastern side of the Hormuz Strait.
• Pakistan Foreign Minister says US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan.
• US President Trump says NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with Iran.
• US Pentagon is considering diverting Ukraine military aid to the Middle East, WaPo reported. Comes as the war in Iran depletes some of the US military’s most critical munitions, according to sources cited.
• US President Trump said Iran is negotiating and wants a deal, but is afraid to say so, adds no one in Iran wants to be Supreme Leader right now.
• Iran’s Foreign Minister said Iran’s current policy is to continue resistance in the face of ongoing unprovoked American-Israeli aggression while ruling out negotiations and ceasefire in the absence of required guarantees, according to Press TV. Vessels belonging to “friendly countries” including China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan had been allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
• IRGC has reportedly imposed a de facto ‘toll booth’ regime in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessels to submit full documentation, obtain clearance codes and accept IRGC-escorted passage through a single controlled corridor, according to Lloyd’s List.
• US Central Command said USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier continues to carry out strikes on military targets in Iran, while CENTCOM also said most of the Iranian facilities used to build missiles, drones and warships, are badly damaged or destroyed.
• Iranian-linked Handala Hack Group say they have “initiated a new phase of Operation Lockheed Martin (LMT)”, said Co. employees have 48 hours to respond, Mehr News reported.
• Pakistani official said Israel took Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Ghalibaf off the hit list after Pakistan requested the US not to target them.
• Iran targeting an American fuel supplier, according to a report cited by Tasnim.
• The IRGC naval commander was eliminated in Bandar Abbas, according to the Jerusalem Post citing an Israeli source.
• Hezbollah said it targeted headquarters of Israel’s Ministry of Defense with missiles on Thursday and barracks affiliated with the military intelligence department of Israel’s army in the north of Tel Aviv, was also one of the targets of the operation.
• Egypt’s Foreign Minister said Cairo is ready to host talks to support de-escalation between US and Iran, and backs President Trump’s push for negotiations, adding he hopes there will be direct talks between the two sides.
• UAE Foreign Minister discussed developments in the region and the repercussions of Iran’s missile attacks on the UAE and brotherly countries in a call with foreign ministers of Pakistan, Britain, Spain, France and Kazakhstan.
• Local sources say huge explosions occurred in the Amir Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia following drone attacks.
• Explosions heard in Iranian cities of Isfahan and Bandar Abbas.
• Arab sources report a loud explosion was heard in the capital of the UAE, according to SNN.
• Israel’s Ben Gurion airport halts all operations amid Iranian missile barrage, according to Press TV.
• Russia’s Kremlin says “we have not lost interest in peace talks”; territory is one issue that has not been settled.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky said Ukraine does not see any genuine desire from Russia to end the war.
• Russia attacked damaged ports and energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region, according to the regional governor.
• UK authorises armed forces to board Russian shadow fleet tankers in British waters, according to The Guardian.

US Event Calendar

• 8:30 am: United States Mar 21 Initial Jobless Claims, est. 210k, prior 205k
• 8:30 am: United States Mar 14 Continuing Claims, est. 1849k, prior 1857k
• 4:00 pm: United States Fed’s Cook Speaks on Financial Stability
• 6:30 pm: United States Fed’s Miran Speaks on Balance Sheet
• 7:00 pm: United States Fed’s Jefferson Speaks on the US Economy
• 7:10 pm: United States Fed’s Barr in Moderated Conversation

DB’s Jim Reid concludes the overnight wrap

As we go to press this morning, oil prices are moving higher again, with Brent crude up +1.86% overnight to $104.12/bbl. Several factors are responsible, but a big one is that Iran have continued to reject the messages from the US about some kind of deal, raising questions about whether there is really an off-ramp to the conflict in the days ahead. Indeed, market attention is quickly turning to the end of Trump’s 5-day deadline from Monday, when he said he’d postpone strikes against Iranian power plans and energy infrastructure. So that’s just over 48 hours away now, and multiple outlets have reported that thousands of US troops have been sent to the region. So the prospect of a fresh escalation is still top of mind for investors.

That shift in sentiment has hit global markets this morning, with futures on the S&P 500 (-0.20%) and the DAX (-0.49%) both lower, whilst 10yr Treasury yields (+2.6bps) are back up to 4.36%. Indeed, the 2yr Treasury yield (+3.1bps) is currently at 3.91%, the highest since July. Meanwhile in Asia, the major equity indices have lost ground as well, with the Nikkei (-0.52%), the Hang Seng (-1.43%), CSI 300 (-0.62%), Shanghai Comp (-0.67%) and the KOSPI (-2.70%) all falling back. Moreover, Japanese bond yields have continued to rise, with the 2yr JGB yield (+3.2bps) up to 1.32% this morning, which is the highest it’s been since 1996. So it’s a tough morning across the board. 

For markets, the issue is there’s still plenty of doubt about whether a US-Iran deal can be reached, given how Iran have publicly rejected the US on several occasions. So that’s seen markets become increasingly sceptical about positive headlines from the US side, because we haven’t seen similar noises from Iran. For a sense of the difference, it’s been widely reported that the US have a 15-point plan, which includes the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear facilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. That hasn’t been confirmed by the White House, but Press Secretary Leavitt said there were elements of truth to the reports. Meanwhile, CNN reported yesterday that Vice President JD Vance might travel to Pakistan this weekend for a meeting to discuss an off-ramp. And White House Press Secretary Leavitt said that the US was engaged in “productive conversations”. So all that suggested some kind of progress towards a ceasefire.

By contrast, we’ve had much more negative rhetoric on the Iranian side. Indeed, oil prices moved higher after Iran’s Fars News cited sources who said the moves by Trump to start indirect talks were illogical and not viable at this stage. Then, Iran’s Press TV cited an official who said Iran would end the war when it chose, and when its conditions were met, including security guarantees and recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Later on, Reuters also reported that Iran has demanded for Lebanon to be involved in any ceasefire, implying an end to Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah. So by the close, that meant Brent crude had risen from $97.30/bbl during the European morning to end the US session at $102.22/bbl, before its latest climb this morning to $104.12/bbl.

Before that, markets had seen a more positive session yesterday when oil prices were lower, as that helped to ease concerns on the extent of any inflation shock. So that led investors to dial back their expectations for rate hikes this year, which in turn helped bonds and equities on both sides of the Atlantic. For the Fed, that meant just 4bps of hikes were priced for this year by the close, down -1.8bps on the day. And for the ECB, the probability of a hike at the next meeting in April came down from 86% to 62% by the close.

For the ECB, that shift in market pricing followed comments from ECB President Lagarde, who said they would “not act before we have sufficient information on the size and persistence of the shock and its propagation”. So that offered some reassurance against an imminent hike, although she also said they were “prepared, if appropriate, to make changes to our policy at any meeting”. Separately, we also had the latest Ifo business climate indicator from Germany, which fell to a 13-month low of 86.4 in March (vs. 86.3 expected). So again, that cemented investor conviction that the European economy was slowing down given the conflict, in line with what the flash PMIs had shown the previous day. 

Given all that, sovereign bonds rallied across Europe, with yields on 10yr bunds (-7.0bps), OATs (-10.6bps) and BTPs (-11.6bps) all posting large falls. Moreover, 10yr UK gilts (-11.7bps) saw a decent decline as well, despite some upside surprises in the latest CPI print yesterday. That showed headline CPI remained at +3.0% in February, as expected, but core CPI unexpectedly moved up to +3.2% (vs. +3.1% expected). And in the US it was a similar story, with yields falling back as investors priced in less inflation and fewer rate hikes. So the 2yr yield (-0.4bps) fell to 3.9%, and the 10yr yield (-3.0bps) fell to 4.33%. Interestingly, that also pushed the 2s10s Treasury curve down to 44bps, which is the flattest it’s been since July. 

For equities, it was a decent session across the board yesterday too. In the US, the S&P 500 (+0.54%) advanced, and remains on track for its first weekly gain since the strikes began, having risen +1.31% over the three days so far this week. That gain was supported by a decent performance for the Magnificent 7 (+0.78%), whilst small-caps in the Russell 2000 (+1.23%) hit a two-week high. Those moves came as the VIX index (-1.62pts to 25.33) eased to its lowest level since last Thursday. Meanwhile, gold (+0.68%) posted back-to-back gains for the first time in three weeks.  

Over in Europe, the STOXX 600 (+1.42%) also did well, posting a third consecutive advance for the first time since the strikes began, taking it up to a one-week high. And that was echoed elsewhere, with the DAX (+1.41%), the CAC 40 (+1.33%) and the FTSE MIB (+1.48%) all posting solid gains. 

Looking at the day ahead, data releases include the US weekly initial jobless claims, the Kansas City Fed’s manufacturing index for March, and the Euro Area money supply for February. Central bank speakers include the Fed’s Cook, Miran, Jefferson and Barr, along with the ECB’s de Guindos and Muller, and the BoE’s Breeden, Taylor and Greene.

Summary

• White House, Pentagon reviewing options for ‘final blow’ as Trump tells Iranians ‘get serious’ about talks, which they’ve rejected.

• Trump said to want ‘speedy end to war’ (WSJ) while at the same time warning Tehran of ‘no turning back’ if it doesn’t negotiate.

• Israel says it has killed Alireza Tangsiri, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy.

• Iran “laying Traps” & “building up defenses” on Kharg Island; NYT report says 13 US regional bases largely ‘uninhabitable’ in wake of Iran ballistic missile retaliation on Gulf.

*  *  *

‘Final Blow’

President Trump on Thursday is on the one hand calling on Iran “to get serious soon” in negotiations with the US “before it is too late” – while on the other he’s said to be mulling plans for a “final blow” in the military campaign. Axios writes that several possibilities are being considered, all which point toward serious escalation and in some cases even ground troops. All but one of the below “final blow” options carry the potential for US to get stuck in Iran for years:

— Seize or blockade Kharg Island (Iran’s main oil export hub).

— Invade/control Larak Island (key to Strait of Hormuz control).

— Take Abu Musa + nearby islands (strategic entrance to the strait).

— Block or seize Iranian oil tankers in the region.

— Launch massive airstrikes on nuclear/energy sites.

— (More extreme) Ground operations inside Iran to secure nuclear material.

Axios elsewhere reminds: “Trump’s five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure expires Saturday, and a dramatic military escalation will grow more likely if no progress is made in diplomatic talks, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.”

Negotiations or ‘No Turning Back’

Meanwhile, below are a couple of the latest Iran-related Truth Social posts by President Trump, at a moment Iran has made clear it will reject direct talks until its ‘five conditions’ are met. Iran has said it won’t be “fooled again” and even though Trump has declared ‘success’ and that Iran has been “militarily obliterated, it’s clear that Tehran has serious strategic leverage given its de facto control of the Hormuz Strait.

Trump threatens in all caps that if Iran doesn’t relent then there is “no turning back” – however, the WSJ is at the same time reporting Trump has told aides he wants a speedy end to the war.

“President Trump has told associates in recent days that he wants to avoid a protracted war in Iran and that he hopes to bring the conflict to an end in the coming weeks,” WSJ writes.

The publication continues, “Nearly one month into the war, the president has privately informed advisers he thinks the conflict is in its final stages, urging them to stick to the four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly, according to people familiar with the matter. White House officials planned a mid-May summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing with the expectation that the war would be concluded before the meeting begins, some of the people said.”

And then it states the obvious which should have been known before Operation Epic Fury was launched: “The problem is Trump has no easy options for ending the war, and peace negotiations are at a nascent stage.” Certainly all of the above-mentioned ‘final blow’ options all carry extreme risk of quagmire (which might make the Iraq and Afghan wars easy by comparison). Path to offramp or more massive escalation coming?

Iran War: We are not watching a path to peace
Three warning signs now visible:
1. “Talks” without a ceasefire
2. Expansion to economic choke points
3. Quiet preparation for ground forces
This is how limited wars become global disasters pic.twitter.com/GTTOc4o4YB

— Robert A. Pape (@ProfessorPape) March 26, 2026

IRGC Navy Commander Killed, Says Israel

Israel says one of its air strike has killed Alireza Tangsiri, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, in another reported top-level death. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strike was carried out on Wednesday night “in a precise … operation” and targeted other “senior officers of the naval command.” He played a central role in controlling the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and recently issued direct warnings to Israel and the United States, including threats to close the waterway; however, just like all Iran’s military commanders, he’ll likely soon be replaced.

Overnight and in the last 24 hours, Iran has targeted more key refineries in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which Gulf states have described as a “brutal aggression” against the global economy. Gulf Cooperation Council officials said the situation is an “international responsibility,” warning that “what is a threat today will grow” and stressing that oil supply chains must be protected.

Reminder: Israel keeps an ‘assassination list’ and has reportedly removed these two men from it, to leave room for negotiations, apparently. Below: Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi

The GCC called for de-escalation, stating their goal is a “diplomatic solution” to end the attacks, at a moment Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are said to be seeking mediation to get peace talks off the ground. “Our main message to our partners in the world is to send an international message, a unified message to Iran to stop immediately and unconditionally their attacks against the GCC countries.” They added their objective is not to “destroy” Iran but to build a “good relationship,” warning that “the deterioration of the situation in the Arab Gulf will be a warning that will exceed the Gulf area.”

Casualties in Iran: Iran’s Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian said at least 1,937 people have been killed during the war, including 240 women and 212 children. He added that at least 24,800 people have been injured, including around 4,000 women and 1,621 children.

Meanwhile Iran continues to send steady missiles and drones on Israel, with mounting Israeli casualties and much infrastructure, cities, and neighborhoods suffering severe damage.

⚡️ Iranian cluster munition hit in Israel’s Kafr Qasim earlier today pic.twitter.com/jEs6fdK8ON

— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) March 26, 2026

’13 US Regional Bases Uninhabitable’: NYT

…Something analysts suspected was the case over the course of the last weeks of expanding war: “Many of the 13 military bases in the region used by American troops are all but uninhabitable, with the ones in Kuwait, which is next door to Iran, suffering perhaps the most damage.” This is based on statements by unnamed US defense officials who admit they’ve had to scramble to find ‘alternative’ housing and office solutions for personnel.

The revelation comes on the heels of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) having earlier warned that if American troops are ‘stationed’ in hotels or civilian office complexes, then those hotels and locations effectively become targets.

The Times report suggests that the US saw early fatalities and casualties (CENTCOM figures say 13 dead and some 300 injuries thus far) in part due to lack of preparedness for such a robust Iranian ballistic missile retaliation on US regional bases.

Iran “Laying Traps” & “Building Up Defenses” On Kharg Island

Iranian forces are said to be “laying traps” and “building up defenses” on Kharg Island, in preparation for a possible US ground attack and takeover. Iran has recently bolstered its defenses around Kharg Island, anticipating a possible US move to seize the key oil export hub, CNN reported this week. The island is vital to Iran’s economy, handling roughly 90% of its crude shipments, and has become a focal point in escalating tensions.

There is also growing skepticism among US allies and policymakers about whether capturing the island would achieve its broader objective. Even some Republicans are starting to publicly push back against any possible plans involving ground forces.

*  *  *

More headlines and latest developments:

• Iranian state TV quoted an anonymous official saying Tehran rejected the plan delivered via Pakistan and will “end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met”.
• Iranian FM: “At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance. We do not intend to negotiate – so far, no negotiations have taken place, and I believe our position is completely principled.”
• The White House said the US is “very close to meeting the core objectives in Iran” and warned Donald Trump is prepared to “unleash hell” if Iran does not accept defeat.
• Trump said negotiations are under way and claimed Iran wants “to make a deal so badly” but that “they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people”.
• VP Vance may travel to Pakistan this weekend for potential talks with Iran.
• Iran has threatened to disrupt the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—the vital Red Sea route connecting the Mediterranean with MENA and Asia—if attacks target its territory or islands.
• Iran attacked a power plant in Israel; the state monopoly said there was no infrastructure damage.
• Iran said the US and Israel attacked the vicinity of the Bushehr nuclear plant.
• Media coverage of potential Kharg Island takeover scenarios has intensified in the past 24 hours.
• Iran’s parliament is working on a bill to impose fees on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The Israeli military said it carried out a “wide-scale wave of strikes on Iran” this morning.
• The Telegraph: Russia has begun arming Iran with drones in the first known transfer of lethal munitions from Moscow to Tehran since the war began.
• The United Kingdom is discussing with global partners “a viable plan” to secure maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

* * * 3 MONTHS OF QUALITY FOOD // USE CODE THANKYOU10 FOR 10% OFF

With the Ukraine war now marching into its fifth year, and with the next weather-driven “fighting season” underway, a frustrated Ukrainian President Volydymyr Zelensky says the Trump administration is pressuring him to give up the Donbas region in exchange for US security guarantees. He also claims that Russia is offering to stop providing intelligence to Iran if the United States stops giving intel to Ukraine. 

Last week, we reported that trilateral talks about the Ukraine war had been suspended, thanks to the United States now having to focus on executing Trump’s war on Iran with Israel. However, in an interview with Reuters, Zelensky said that Trump is now pressuring Ukraine to cave on its biggest demand just to wipe the war off his to-do list. In his 2024 campaign, Trump told voters that he’d have the war settled “before I even arrive at the Oval Office.” 

“The Middle East definitely has an impact on President Trump, and I think on his next steps. President Trump, unfortunately, in my opinion, still chooses a strategy to put more pressure on the Ukrainian side,” he told Reuters. The principal thrust of that pressure: Ukraine giving up on its demand that the eastern Donbas region be returned to Ukraine, in exchange for US security guarantees for what’s left of the Ukraine after the shooting stops. Comprising the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, the great majority of the Donbas is already under Russian military control. 

“The Americans are prepared to finalize these guarantees at a high level once Ukraine is ready to withdraw from Donbas,” Zelensky said, adding that such a move would leave Ukraine and Europe vulnerable to Russian aggression, because ceding Donbas would also cede key defensive terrain.   

Zelensky also bemoaned what he says is an insufficient supply of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems. “We were not stopped from deliveries. I’m very grateful to President Trump, and to his team, but this supply of Patriot missiles is not as large as we need.” That gripe comes as both US and Israeli interceptor missile supplies are being rapidly diminished in responding to wave after wave of Iranian attacks — weeks after White House boasts that Tehran’s ballistic missile capability had been “functionally destroyed.” Meanwhile, Ukraine has apparently come up with an alternative air defense tactic straight out of a video game: 

🇺🇦 #Ukraine: Wild footage shows a Ukrainian soldier flying aboard a Yak-52 aircraft, shooting down an incoming Russian Shahed drone with his rifle.

The footage was taken last month, and the location is described as “somewhere in the south,” possibly in Kherson or Zaporizhzhia. pic.twitter.com/uliweMjomj

— POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) March 25, 2026

Zelensky also claimed that his military intelligence had acquired “irrefutable” evidence that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran, as the country continues to defend itself in the war launched by Israel and the United States on Feb. 28. What’s more, he claimed Putin is using that as a bargaining chip to persuade Trump to acknowledge Russian sovereignty over Donbas: 

“I have reports from our intelligence services showing that Russia is doing this and saying: ‘I will not pass on intelligence to Iran if America stops passing intelligence to Ukraine.’ Isn’t that blackmail? Absolutely.” 

This latest stirring of the pot by Zelensky comes on the heels of Russia launching the largest 24-hour aerial attack since the Feb 2022 Russian invasion. Counting both drones and cruise missiles, 979 warheads poured into Ukrainian airspace, with about half of them coming in a very rare broad-daylight blitz on Tuesday.  

While we can’t verify its authenticity, this video seemingly shows that Trump isn’t the only one who’s unenthusiastic about Zelensky’s pipe dream of retaking the Donbas: 

Civilians resist to the military dictatorship in Ukraine.

A man gave a draft officer a ride on the hood of his car, showing him that forcing people to war is wrong.

Zelenskyy made a promotional video for GTA 6 about Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/TseVnR4XPo

— Diana Panchenko 🇺🇦 (@Panchenko_X) March 25, 2026

Authored by Chris Morrison via DailySceptic.org,

The climate science world (‘settled’ division) is in shock following the discovery in ancient ice cores that levels of carbon dioxide remained stable as the world plunged into an ice age around 2.7 million years ago. Levels of CO2 at around 250 parts per million (ppm) were said to be lower than often assumed with just a 20 ppm movement recorded for the following near three million-year period. In addition, no changes in methane levels were seen in the entire period. Massive decreases in temperature with occasional interglacial rises appear to have occurred without troubling ‘greenhouse’ gas levels, and this revelation has caused near panic in activist circles.

The assumed level three million years ago of CO2 was around 400 ppm, a convenient mark that has been used to explain the subsequent ice age and a drop to 250 ppm. Due to the recently published paper, this explanation has become more problematic and natural climate variation is correctly noted to have occurred with the temperature changes. Alas, similar explanations are mostly ignored in discussing today’s climate changes in the interests of promoting the Net Zero fantasy. Some cling desperately to a dominant CO2 role, including one of the authors of the findings published in Nature. The co-author states that the results suggest even greater climate sensitivity to the warming effect of CO2. In short, there is a great deal of applying the laws of physics and chemistry to one era, but failing to extend the same courtesy to another.

The title of the paper, produced by 17 America-based scientists, was enough to set alarm bells ringing in the ‘settled’ science, Net Zero-obsessed community: ‘Broadly stable atmospheric CO2 and CH4 levels over the past three million years.’ A related paper examining ocean heat content derived from the ice core record was also published. Carrie Lear, Professor of Past Climates and Earth System Changes at Cardiff University, claimed that the papers “don’t rewrite the role of CO2, they underline how sensitive the climate system is… that is why today’s rapid  CO2 rise is so alarming”.

Ah, yes. Even if CO2 movements are minimal, probably within a margin of potential error, they are still responsible for large variations in temperature. The laws of climate science are ‘settled’ – if the trace atmospheric gas CO2 is rising, falling or generally stable, it is almost wholly responsible for large movements in global temperature. Under this rather shaky assumption, humans must stop burning hydrocarbons and return to a neo-Malthusian pre-industrial age.

Study lead author Julia Marks-Peterson noted: “We definitely were a bit surprised. If correct, the findings may suggest that even small changes in greenhouse gas levels could trigger major shifts in climate.” That’s a little bit of a scary thought, she added, possibly with an eye on future grant funding. “May suggest” is doing a lot of the work here, and it may also be suggested that more plausible opinions are available.

Quoted in New Scientist magazine, Tim Naish, Professor of Earth Science at Victoria University in New Zealand, said it was “way too early to thrown the baby out with the bathwater”. Perish the thought that baby should be given its marching orders, ending a science-lite 40-year demonisation of CO2 and related promotion of a hard-Left Net Zero dream.

The latest Nature-published research gives a snapshot from ancient Antarctica ‘blue’ ice drilled in the Allan Hills area. It looks back further in time past the usual 800,000 ice core records. The key finding is that over the last three million years, when sea levels fell and ice periods intensified, the level of the main ‘greenhouse’ gases remained remarkably stable. For the first time, the work has pushed the direct gas measurements back into the late Pliocene era. Over the last three million years moving into the Pleistocene, global temperatures showed a long-term cooling trend of several degrees Celsius, interrupted by increasingly large interglacial oscillations. Interglacial temperature swings, as in the current Holocene, often see temperatures rise by 5°C and more.

Critics seeking to downplay ice core evidence often suggest it is too imprecise to provide a wholly accurate record of gas levels and temperature. But it is accurate enough to give a broad cyclical insight. It remains the source of some of the best data we have on the past climate. It is undoubtedly more accurate than most proxy evidence from millions of years ago. But whatever the evidence used, it is hard to detect any obvious and continuous link between CO2 and temperature across the entire geological record going back 600 million years to the start of abundant life on Earth. Certainly none to justify the political notion that humans control the climate thermostat by burning hydrocarbons.

In fact the evidence is so slim that Les Hatton, Emeritus Professor in Computer Science at Kingston University, was recently able to determine from ice core records that 100-year rises of 1.1°C in the current interglacial, which started 20,000 years ago, have occurred in one in six centuries. Going back 150,000 years, the frequency was around one in six to one in 20 centuries. None of these findings suggest that current warming is either unusual or primarily caused by human activity. Needless to say, none of these findings trouble the headline writers in narrative-addicted mainstream media.

Hungary is moving to choke off gas flows to Ukraine, escalating an energy standoff after Kiev halted Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban in a fresh social media video address reiterated that Ukraine has blocked the Soviet-era route for a month, and he newly warned: “As long as Ukraine does not provide oil, it will not receive gas from Hungary,” according to a translation.

Orban added that diverted supplies will be stockpiled domestically, filling up the country’s own reserves, arguing the move is justified as Ukraine “is also attacking the southern gas pipeline that supplies Hungary,” referring to the TurkStream corridor.

Framing the dispute as an energy security battle, Orban declared: “We will defend Hungary’s energy security, the protected petrol price, and the reduced gas prices” – adding Hungary has so far “successfully defend against Ukrainian blackmail.”

Orbán further called the Russian oil stoppage “Ukrainian blackmail”. According to more from The Associated Press:

There was no immediate comment from Kyiv and a Hungarian government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment by The Associated Press.

Ukraine imports a major portion of its gas needs through Hungary, amounting to around 45% of all gas imports last year, according to Ukrainian energy consultancy EXPRO. That number dropped to 38% by January.

This comes amid inter-EU turmoil and growing Brussels distrust of and anger toward Budapest:

The EU is limiting the flow of confidential material to Hungary and leaders are meeting in smaller groups — as Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of long-standing suspicions Viktor Orbán’s government is sharing information with Russia.

But there will not be any formal EU response to a fresh set of allegations because of the possible impact on the Hungarian election on April 12, according to five European diplomats and officials who told POLITICO they were concerned about the risk of Budapest leaking sensitive information to the Kremlin.

Last week Orban had made clear this week that Hungary will block all EU summit decisions in Ukraine’s favor until oil Russian flows resume.

“We would like to get the oil, which is ours, from the Ukrainians, which is now blocked by the Ukrainians, I did not support any kind of decision here, which is in favor of Ukraine … [as long as] the Hungarians are not able to get the oil which belong to us,” Orbán stated.

Orban has already blocked a proposed €90 billion ($103 billion) loan for Ukraine as well as efforts to slap new sanctions on Moscow, despite the pleadings, pressure, and interventions from other EU leaders.

“I will never support any kind of decision here which is in favor of Ukraine,” Orbán made clear at an EU meeting Thursday. “The Hungarian position is very simple. We are ready to support Ukraine when we get our oil, which is blocked by them,” Orbán underscored further.

Submitted by Thomas Kolbe

Big developments are underway in Tennessee and Alabama. Over the next five years, the joint Japanese-American project will bring several so-called small modular reactors (SMRs) of the BWRX-300 type online. Almost one percent of U.S. electricity production—slightly more than three gigawatts—will be added to the existing energy mix by reactors designed by Hitachi and GE Vernova.

A caveat for purists of market economics: this is a hybrid project. While the majority is privately financed, export support from Japan as well as offtake guarantees and credit facilities accounting for roughly one percent of the total volume come from the U.S.

Overall, this project represents an investment of $40 billion. It joins a number of major initiatives currently being driven largely by the private sector in the U.S. Major platform operators and tech giants—Google, Meta, and Microsoft—are deeply involved in building new nuclear capacities. This disproves, above all, the claims of most German ideologues who insist that nuclear power has no future worldwide.

The fog has lifted. The truth is indisputably on the table. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz completes the evidence that Germany’s energy transition has not only failed but has destroyed hundreds of billions, if not trillions, of euros. Once the work of the eco-socialists is complete, we must conclude, more than a year’s worth of economic output may have gone up in smoke. This is economic substance and the guarantee of our prosperity. It is a reminder that the societal damage of this policy far exceeds what GDP figures alone can convey.

In the wake of this realization—now felt in everyone’s wallet—several fatal insights emerge, describing the current state of the Federal Republic. First is the successful narrowing of public discourse to Merkel’s principle of “no alternatives.” Like a pyramid scheme set from the top, the issue of CO2-driven climate change dominated not only politics. State-aligned media and corporations closely tied to the government played along, submitted to the rules, and positioned themselves at the forefront of executing this new moral framework.

After the Fukushima accident, Germany’s nuclear phase-out was sealed: too dangerous, not future-oriented. The future would lie in energy forms that, according to the green agitprop department, sent no bills. Nearly all politicians joined this intellectual blackout, enacting a monogenetic correction of party DNA across the spectrum, which now sits in front of the “firewall.”

The narrative frame was set, deeply embedded into public consciousness by the omnipresent NGO influence. A chain of guilt linked every action to a supposedly burning planet. It helped install subsidy and redistribution mechanisms and drowned even the faintest critique of the grand looting in a mixture of climate apocalypticism, moral sauce, and Thunberg-style infantilism.

That this looting continues unabated through the productive sectors of our society, and even accelerates, speaks volumes about the state of our society. Political apathy among voters combines with extraordinary arrogance and ideological stupidity in the highest ranks of this catastrophic regime.

Alongside intermittent green energy, a megastructure of new backup gas plants is to be built. Authorities speak of up to 50 such “backstops” to prevent the country from literally collapsing into social chaos during a dark doldrums period.

The statistics are indisputable. Since 2004, electricity production in China has increased by over 330 percent; in the U.S., roughly 11 percent. Germany, however, has lost 13 percent of its electricity production since its peak year 2021 and is now a net importer. Prosperity derives from energy production. Any self-imposed restrictions at this point lead society down the path of impoverishment. A historical and economic lesson, apparently never contemplated in union seminars or green think tanks. Meanwhile, in the circles of degrowth enthusiasts, rationality and bourgeois values trigger an immune-like resistance similar to the effect of advanced humanistic education.

In the U.S., President Donald Trump set in motion a shift back in 2016, briefly interrupted by the Biden administration: away from the European model of artificially constrained energy production and toward a deregulated market. Trump’s slogan “Drill, Baby, Drill” benefits the United States as a net exporter of oil and gas in the current crisis. Across the Atlantic, it is understood that autonomous control over energy capacities translates seamlessly into geopolitical leverage. The U.S. seeks strong access to energy markets to maneuver more effectively against China, for example, in the area of rare earth elements.

The emerging U.S. energy power structure, controlling Venezuelan oil, soon the Strait of Hormuz, and fostering closer ties with Arab energy states, is likely to consolidate America’s dominant position for the foreseeable future.

While Germany sheds crocodile tears over shifting geopolitics and remains frozen watching events in the Strait of Hormuz, one must ask: what is to be made of a chancellor who, despite the failed energy transition, ostentatiously rejects a return to nuclear power? Merz embodies with full force the destructive spirit of ideological blindness, too often mingled with foolish power-seeking in Berlin.

In Germany, two cooling towers at the former Gundremmingen nuclear power plant were demolished, almost four years after the last reactor was shut down. Thousands came to watch the spectacle, according to the police. pic.twitter.com/Lqh2vaQNqa

— DW News (@dwnews) October 26, 2025

Or will the Social Democrats continue to suffice to form another left-ecologist coalition and carry Merkel’s globalist project into the future?

Germany gives the impression of a stagnant pond, where sedated frogs have grown accustomed to the stench of decay. The fresh stream flowing past them is unseen—or unwelcome.

Even so, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has finally noticed, years late, that something is moving in the nuclear sector.

Tactically following Brussels’ handbook, she announced support for existing and planned nuclear projects across the EU. Whether in France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, or even Italy, where further nuclear investment is under consideration—the political dam is broken. From nuclear investment, we can gauge Europeans’ efforts to preserve national sovereignty against Brussels’ green transformation machine.

It is obvious: technological progress will not stop even European utopians in Brussels.

To counteract the erosion of her influence, von der Leyen offered a “fund” of €200 million—a joke against the backdrop of hundreds of billions burned in the green crony economy. Yet she seeks to publicly position herself at the head of a caravan long already in motion. It is a display of power, not real politics, but at least a form of indirect acknowledgment that ideological, irrational policies have pushed the old continent deep into an economic dead end.

The entry into modern forms of nuclear power, driven by free markets, backed by reintegration of cheap Russian gas to buy time, would shatter the walls of the one-way street. Yet Degrowth Chancellor Friedrich Merz shows no interest in this path.

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About the author: Thomas Kolbe, a German graduate economist, has worked for over 25 years as a journalist and media producer for clients from various industries and business associations. As a publicist, he focuses on economic processes and observes geopolitical events from the perspective of the capital markets. His publications follow a philosophy that focuses on the individual and their right to self-determination.