GOLDMAN SACHS PARIS STAFF ALLOWED TO WORK REMOTELY ON THURSDAY AFTER ATTEMPTED ATTACK ON OTHER BANK- SOURCES

*INDIA SETS VOLATILITY MARGIN ON USDINR FORWARDS TO CURB SWINGS

KREMLIN: FOR RUSSIA, NATO IS A HOSTILE ALLIANCE KREMLIN ON TRUMP STATEMENT ABOUT IRAN: IF NEEDED, RUSSIA IS READY TO HELP CONTRIBUTE TO RESOLVING THE IRAN WAR

RYANAIR CEO EXPECTS OIL PRICES TO FALL SOON, ACCORDING TO WIRTSCHAFTSWOCHE INTERVIEW

*JAPAN DECIDES TO JOIN UK-LED ONLINE TALKS ON HORMUZ: REUTERS

GLOBAL DIESEL SCRAMBLE SENDS SHIPS ON EXTREME ROUTES Surging fuel prices from the Iran war are forcing traders into unusually long and costly shipping routes. Tankers are now traveling over 12,000 miles—like a UK-loaded vessel heading to Australia—as higher Asian prices pull fuel away from Europe. Despite Europe facing diesel shortages, Asia’s supply crunch is even worse, driving a global tug-of-war for fuel. The disruption is fueled by the Strait of Hormuz closure and reduced refining, creating what the IEA calls a record supply shock. Unprecedented flows are emerging, with multiple tankers rerouting from the US and Europe to Australia and Asia. The longer the Hormuz disruption lasts, the tighter global supply becomes—raising the risk of shortages, especially in Europe.

IRAN WARNS OF TOTAL RESPONSE AS US BUILDS FORCES Iran has escalated its rhetoric after Trump’s overnight threats. Army chief Amir Hatami warned that any ground invasion would face total destruction. Meanwhile, the US has deployed thousands of troops to the region, raising speculation of a possible ground operation.

IRANIAN ARMY CHIEF: NO ENEMY MUST ESCAPE IF THEY ATTEMPT TO CARRY OUT A GROUND OPERATION

HORMUZ UNCERTAINTY KEEPS OIL PRICES HIGH Trump’s latest remarks have not changed forecasts, with Brent still expected to average around $113 in Q2, according to Oxford Economics. The main risk remains the Strait of Hormuz. With no clear plan to reopen it, supply disruptions are likely to continue, keeping upward pressure on oil prices. Analysts warn that the longer the strait stays effectively closed, the less effective reserves become—raising costs for the global economy.

*EUROPEAN DIESEL FUTURES HIT $200 A BARREL AS WAR CURBS SUPPLY

METALS SLIDE AS WAR UNCERTAINTY SHAKES MARKETS Gold and silver fell sharply after Trump’s remarks failed to provide a clear end to the war. Gold dropped about 3% to around $4,670/oz, while silver fell over 5%. The selloff reflects rising inflation fears from higher oil prices, which could push central banks to keep rates higher for longer—bad news for non-yielding assets like gold. Prices are also down roughly 11% since the war began. Analysts say some investors are locking in profits ahead of the long Easter weekend, adding to the decline.

ALTMAN'S SISTER FILES AMENDED LAWSUIT ALLEGING SEXUAL ABUSE Annie Altman has filed an amended lawsuit accusing her brother, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, of long-term sexual abuse. A judge allowed the case to proceed under Missouri’s child abuse law, even though other claims were ruled too old. She alleges abuse from 1997 to 2006, beginning when she was three years old. Sam Altman denies the allegations and has filed a defamation countersuit based on her public statements. The Altman family disputes her claims, citing mental health concerns and describing the lawsuit as extortion.

IRAN'S HATAMI TELLS OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS TO MONITOR 'ENEMY MOVEMENTS WITH UTMOST ACCURACY' TO COUNTER THEIR PLANS, ESPECIALLY GROUND ATTACK

MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS SPIKE — OIL SHOCK LOOMS 🔸Trump says the Iran war is “near completion,” but warns of major US strikes within 2–3 weeks if no deal is reached, including possible attacks on power infrastructure. 🔸He calls on oil-dependent nations to lead efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, claiming US leverage despite Iran’s control. 🔸The near-blockade has cut ~11 million barrels/day, with Iran effectively controlling passage via a “toll” system. 🔸Oil surged (Brent near $108), while European gas prices jumped up to 7%. 🔸Bahrain is pushing a UN resolution to authorize a naval mission to restore shipping access. 🔸Iran and Israel exchanged overnight strikes; UAE reports missile interceptions.

SENIOR IRANIAN SOURCE: NO TALKS HAVE TAKEN PLACE VIA MEDIATORS FOR A TEMPORARY CEASEFIRE

IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON SAYS MESSAGES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THROUGH INTERMEDIARIES, INCLUDING PAKISTAN, BUT NO DIRECT NEGOTIATION WITH THE U.S. - IRANIAN MEDIA