Global markets continue to experience mixed reactions, with oil prices, including Brent crude, jumping higher amid growing fears of a wider Middle East conflict, while Asian equities fall and US stocks mostly advance, balancing market sentiment with jobs data, war uncertainty, and recession fears.
US President Donald Trump has extended the pause on military strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure until April 6, citing positive negotiation progress. This decision, amid renewed Mideast tensions, has caused global markets to react, with oil prices falling and Seoul and Tokyo stocks opening sharply lower.
Two people were killed and three injured in Abu Dhabi after a drone was intercepted, with falling debris causing the casualties, as authorities confirmed fallen debris from an intercepted Iranian missile killed at least two people amid a new wave of attacks on Gulf countries.
IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri warned civilians near Gulf oil facilities to evacuate, threatening US-linked targets in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites.
European and world stock markets, including Asian equities, are experiencing downward trends for the fifth consecutive week due to intensifying Middle East conflict, which has also caused oil prices to surge towards $117 per barrel and led to a rebound in soybean and corn prices, further fueled by fears of escalation in Iran.
US President Donald Trump has again postponed planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, extending the deadline to April 6 and citing progress in ongoing talks. He also noted Iran's allowance of 10 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a positive sign, indicating seriousness in negotiations, as Operation Epic Fury continues.
The IDF has confirmed eliminating Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, who was responsible for the Strait of Hormuz blockade, while US President Donald Trump has urged Iran's negotiators to engage fully before it's too late.
Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of the IRGC Navy Corps, responsible for the Strait of Hormuz, was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike near Bandar Abbas, according to Israeli officials and media claims, though there has been no official confirmation from Iranian sources regarding his death.