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Iran has issued a stern warning that the Hormuz Strait, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, will never return to its former state for the US and Israel. This statement comes in response to a threat made by US President Donald Trump, who set a Tuesday deadline for Iran to open the strait or face 'hell'. Trump's warning included the possibility of the US targeting Iranian power plants and bridges. In response, Iran has pledged to respond 'in kind' to any attacks on its infrastructure. Senior Iranian officials have strongly condemned Trump's remarks as 'incitement to war crimes'. The situation escalates tensions between the US and Iran, with the Hormuz Strait being a critical point of contention. The strait's importance cannot be overstated, as it is a key passage for global oil shipments, and any disruption could have significant impacts on the world economy.

The 2026 football calendar has been unusually fragmented, with international fixtures squeezed into March for World Cup qualifying play‑offs, leaving only a handful of matches over the weekend. This odd scheduling created a three‑week lull in the domestic title race, a pause that proved advantageous for cup competitions.Manchester City’s Carabao Cup victory offered a tactical showcase for Pep Guardiola, reminding fans that silverware cannot be taken for granted after last season’s disappointment. The win set the stage for a weekend of high‑stakes FA Cup action.In the FA Cup quarter‑finals, Southampton defeated Arsenal in a match steeped in nostalgia, as the hosts wore a pale yellow‑blue kit echoing their 1976 triumph. The result highlighted the competition’s ability to generate drama beyond league narratives.One of the most compelling stories came from Ross Stewart, Sunderland’s former striker now with Southampton. After a career hampered by a ruptured Achilles in an FA Cup tie three years earlier, Stewart returned to the competition and scored against Arsenal, the very side that had previously exposed his hamstring woes. At 29, his goal not only propelled Southampton forward but also secured him a place in the upcoming FA Cup semi‑final at Wembley.The weekend also featured Manchester City’s dominant display against Liverpool, intensifying speculation over Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s future, and a gritty penalty shoot‑out win for West Ham over Leeds, underscoring the unpredictable nature of knockout football.For Arsenal, the loss raises serious concerns. The Gunners entered the break on a 14‑match unbeaten league run, only to suffer consecutive defeats and display uncharacteristic nervousness after half‑time against City. The return of goalkeeper David Raya, whose distribution could alleviate Arsenal’s pressing issues, may help, but the team’s injury list and erratic passing remain problematic.Overall, the weekend proved that the FA Cup remains a vital pillar of English football, capable of elevating unsung players like Stewart and delivering moments that resonate far beyond the Premier League title chase.

Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, used his highly‑watched annual letter to shareholders to press the White House to strengthen economic cooperation with U.S. allies, warning that a decline in shared prosperity could produce "truly adverse consequences" for democratic nations.His message arrives as the Iran‑Israel conflict enters its sixth week, a war that has already rattled global energy markets. Economists cited in the letter caution that prolonged fighting could push oil prices above $170 a barrel, a level capable of triggering a worldwide recession.Dimon’s appeal is widely read as a thinly‑veiled rebuke of President Donald Trump. Earlier this year, Trump filed a $5 billion lawsuit against Dimon and JPMorgan, accusing the bank of “de‑banking” him. The timing of Dimon’s comments—just days after Trump’s aggressive rhetoric urging foreign governments to "go get your own oil"—underscores the growing rift between the bank’s leadership and the administration."Economic weakening of the world’s democracies or a fragmentation of their economic bonds could lead to truly adverse consequences," Dimon wrote. He warned that adversarial states aim to make allies less dependent on the United States, potentially turning them into economic “vassals” of hostile regimes.Beyond geopolitics, Dimon highlighted the broader macro‑economic outlook. He warned that the war could generate "sticky" inflation, higher commodity prices, and disrupted supply chains, which together may force interest rates higher than markets currently anticipate. He echoed other economists in warning that inflation could rise rather than fall in 2026.Despite these challenges, Dimon expressed optimism about the U.S. economy, affirming his belief that "the American Dream is alive." He also turned to emerging technology, noting that artificial intelligence could deliver breakthroughs in healthcare, manufacturing, and safety, ultimately shortening the work week and extending life expectancy.Dimon’s annual letter—spanning nearly 50 pages and more than 20,000 words—remains a barometer for Wall Street sentiment. In it, he also critiqued the administration’s tariff policy, arguing that while tariffs have forced renegotiations, a comprehensive foreign‑economic strategy should promote growth both for the United States and its partners.As transatlantic relations strain under soaring energy costs and divergent trade policies, Dimon’s call for a coordinated economic front underscores a pivotal moment: the United States must decide whether to lead a cohesive democratic coalition or risk ceding influence to autocratic powers.

Two weeks after the United States and Israel entered a direct conflict with Iran, the White House faced mounting criticism that the war would drive up fuel costs and anger voters. Former President Donald Trump attempted to calm concerns on Truth Social, noting that the United States is the world’s largest oil producer and that higher prices translate into higher revenues for American companies. Now, five weeks into the hostilities, the reality is becoming clear: defense contractors and oil companies are the primary beneficiaries of the escalating energy market. The Department of Defense announced that Boeing will partner with Lockheed Martin to triple U.S. production of missile seekers, a move that sent Lockheed Martin’s stock up 25% since the start of the year. The announcement also lifted Boeing’s share price, underscoring how wartime procurement is boosting aerospace valuations. At the same time, Iran’s continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one‑fifth of global oil and gas flows—has pushed U.S. crude from $65 to over $110 per barrel in just a month. Pump prices have mirrored this surge, breaking the $4‑a‑gallon barrier for the first time since 2022. Oil majors have responded with sharp stock gains; ExxonMobil, Shell and Chevron have each risen more than 20% year‑to‑date. According to market‑research firm Rystad Energy, U.S. oil producers stand to earn an additional $63 billion as barrels trade above $100. “Oil prices in March have been materially higher than anyone expected, delivering a windfall for the vast majority of U.S. energy companies,” said Leo Mariani, senior analyst at Roth Capital Partners. The last comparable price shock occurred in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when U.S. gasoline peaked at $5 per gallon and inflation surged to 9%. That episode generated $916 billion in global oil‑and‑gas profits, with U.S. firms accounting for $281 billion. Chevron’s subsequent $75 billion stock‑buyback program—seven times its prior year’s amount—illustrates how quickly companies can translate price spikes into shareholder returns. Research by economists Gregor Semieniuk and Isabella Weber revealed that in 2022, 50% of oil‑company profits went to the top 1% of Americans, while the bottom half of the wealth distribution captured just 1% of those gains. Analysts warn that the current conflict could generate even larger windfalls because it has damaged actual production capacity in the Middle East, not merely reshuffled supply. “You’re benefiting a lot more from higher prices than you are from lost production,” Mariani noted, emphasizing the outsized profit potential. Even if hostilities cease, restoring pre‑conflict output in the region may take months, prolonging the supply crunch. As senior fellow Clay Seagle of the Center for Strategic and International Studies explains, the current situation differs from 2022: “Now we’re dealing with a much more severe supply event because the oil has been actually removed from the market.” Prolonged high prices could eventually curb demand, as consumers and businesses seek alternatives—a shift seen after the 1970s oil shocks when the U.S. moved away from oil‑generated electricity. Nonetheless, many sectors remain vulnerable: diesel, a key fuel for trucks and aircraft, has risen 40%, and airline stocks such as United and American have fallen more than 15% since the year began. Moreover, disruptions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) production threaten fertilizer supplies essential for agriculture. Semieniuk cautions that “we’re approaching the kinds of disruption levels we saw in 2022, and with that, the kinds of profits that we saw there. If this takes longer, it’s going to surpass that.”

The US war on Iran has now entered its sixth week, with the conflict showing no signs of abating. What was initially touted as a 'precise, overwhelming military campaign' to eliminate 'an imminent nuclear threat' has instead become a protracted and costly endeavor. The war has resulted in rising costs for the US in military equipment and personnel, and has had a significant impact on energy markets, with forecasts of a potential global economic recession in the event of a prolonged conflict.The conflict has also highlighted the Iranian regime's capacity for asymmetric warfare, with the country deploying cheap drones and missiles to disrupt energy facilities and compromise economies in the Gulf region. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, has also had a significant impact on the war effort, with the US and its allies struggling to reopen it.The US's failure to understand the Iranian regime's subjective complex dynamics has been a significant factor in the conflict's prolongation. The regime's ability to withstand pain and prolonged escalation without a clear scenario of military victory against a superpower has been underestimated, and its proxy groups, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, have proven to be effective in advancing its interests and preventing outcomes that weaken or isolate it further.The conflict has also highlighted the diverging definitions of victory between the US and Iran, with the US seeking a swift and decisive victory, while Iran is focused on maintaining its viability on its own terms in the face of American hegemony. As the war continues, the question remains: how will this conflict end?

The sudden closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves throughout Europe, sparking concerns over global oil supplies and regional stability. Despite the growing unease, US President Donald Trump has yet to offer a concrete plan to address the situation.The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for international oil shipments, was unexpectedly closed, causing widespread disruptions. European nations are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of this closure, given their reliance on imported oil.As the international community scrambles for a response, Trump's lack of a clear strategy has raised eyebrows. The situation remains fluid, with many calling for swift and decisive action to mitigate the effects of the closure.

Oman and Iran convened deputy foreign minister‑level talks on Saturday to discuss measures that could guarantee the smooth passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from the Omani Foreign Ministry.The meeting, described as an "undersecretary‑level" dialogue, was attended by specialists from both ministries, underscoring the technical nature of the discussions.Officials said the parties examined possible options to ensure safe transit amid the volatile regional environment, with a series of proposals now slated for further study.Tracking data from the shipping journal Lloyd’s List showed that, on Sunday, three Omani vessels – two large oil supertankers and an LNG carrier – navigated the strait outside Iran’s "approved corridor" near Larak Island, sailing unusually close to the Omani coast.Earlier in the week, an Iranian official announced a draft protocol with Oman aimed at monitoring traffic through the strait, which carries roughly one‑fifth of global oil supplies and has been heavily restricted as retaliation for the ongoing US‑Israeli war on Iran.Since the conflict erupted on February 28, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has permitted limited transits for vessels from Pakistan, France and Turkey, while an estimated about 3,000 ships remain stranded in the region.The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy chokepoint; any disruption fuels market volatility and compels oil‑importing nations to scramble for alternative supplies.U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media over the weekend, warning that he would unleash “all Hell” if the waterway is not reopened by Monday, highlighting the geopolitical pressure surrounding the passage.Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, held separate calls with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and regional counterparts, including Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, to explore de‑escalation proposals.Professor Amin Saikal, an emeritus scholar at the Australian National University, cautioned that an expansion of the war would be “hell for the whole region” and stressed the urgent need for a negotiated settlement, though he noted that diplomatic avenues appear increasingly narrow.

Nepal’s cabinet approved a shift to a five‑day work week for government offices and schools, extending the weekend to both Saturday and Sunday in response to an escalating fuel crisis. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel told reporters that the decision was taken because “the present uncomfortable situation caused by fuel supply” necessitates closing public institutions for two days each week. Previously, civil servants enjoyed only a single day off on Saturday; offices will now operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pokharel added that the government is also examining legal avenues to convert petrol and diesel vehicles to electric power, though details remain pending. Nepal, a landlocked country of roughly 30 million people, imports virtually all of its fossil fuels from India, leaving it highly vulnerable to international price shocks. The ongoing US‑Israel war with Iran has sharply curtailed global oil supplies, causing Nepal’s aviation fuel prices to almost double in a single day. The state‑owned Nepal Oil Corp reported heavy losses on petroleum products despite modest price hikes, prompting authorities to sell half‑filled cooking‑gas cylinders last month to deter hoarding and panic buying. Tourism, a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, faces a new threat as airlines raise airfares following the steep rise in aviation fuel costs. Higher travel expenses could dampen inbound visitor numbers, compounding economic pressures. The fuel crunch stems from the broader Middle‑East turmoil that intensified after the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on 28 February. Tehran’s retaliatory drone and missile strikes across the region have disrupted global markets and aviation, amplifying the scarcity of fuel supplies that ripple to landlocked neighbours like Nepal. By shortening the work week, the Nepali government hopes to reduce non‑essential fuel consumption, ease pressure on already strained energy imports, and buy time for longer‑term solutions such as electrification of transport.