US Deploys 18 F-35 Fighter Jets to the Middle East
Eighteen F-35A “Lightning II” fighter jets stationed at the UK’s RAF Lakenheath base, supported by a fleet of tanker aircraft, have departed for the Middle East. The jets are flying in coordinated three-aircraft formations. This is one of the largest single deployments of F-35s in recent months and directly reflects the current US military deployment strategy amid tensions with Iran.
Iran Holds Military Drills in the Strait of Hormuz
The “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz” live-fire exercises, led by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, are underway in the Strait of Hormuz. The Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guards is overseeing the maneuvers on-site. Key objectives include testing the combat readiness of naval forces and reviewing counter-military action plans to address potential security threats.
Oman’s Foreign Minister and Iranian Counterpart Discuss Preparations for Iran-US Talks
Oman’s Foreign Minister met with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Geneva, Switzerland, where the two sides discussed preparations for the upcoming second round of talks between Iran and the United States. According to the Omani Foreign Ministry, the second round of Iran-US talks is planned for the 17th in Geneva and will continue in an indirect format.
IAEA Chief and Iranian Foreign Minister Complete Technical Discussions
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on social media that he had completed “in-depth technical discussions” with Iran’s Foreign Minister in preparation for the negotiations scheduled for the 17th in Geneva. This was a key technical preparatory step ahead of the talks.
Israeli PM Stresses Iran Must Dismantle Nuclear Facilities
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he informed US President Donald Trump last week that any agreement between the US and Iran must include the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, not just a halt to uranium enrichment. Netanyahu expressed skepticism about a deal but emphasized that Iran must dismantle all equipment and infrastructure used to achieve uranium enrichment.
US Media Reveals Trump Supports Israeli Strike on Iran Plan
US media has revealed that President Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that if the US and Iran fail to reach an agreement, he would support Israel carrying out airstrikes on Iranian ballistic missile facilities. Senior US military and intelligence officials have begun discussing the possibility of supporting Israel in launching such strikes.
Iran Proposes Compromise to Dilute 60% Enriched Uranium
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister stated that Tehran has proposed diluting its 60% enriched uranium, indicating a willingness to compromise. However, he reiterated Iran’s refusal to discuss its ballistic missile program with the US. Iran is seeking a nuclear deal with the US that can bring economic benefits to both sides.
International Energy Agency Lowers Global Oil Demand Forecast
The International Energy Agency has officially downgraded its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026. This significant bearish news has directly reversed the market’s previous optimism. Although US-Iran tensions provide some safe-haven support for oil prices, oversupply pressures are clearly capping upside potential.
Saudi Arabia’s “Red Sea Project” Phase II Halted
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global company has confirmed that, influenced by a strategic shift of the sovereign wealth fund PIF towards AI and industry, the second phase of the Red Sea tourism project has officially entered a “pause for observation period.” Current project budgets will be fully consolidated towards delivering the already-underway first phase, signaling a “de-bubbling” of Saudi infrastructure.
Middle East Geopolitical Risks Support Oil Prices in High-Level Volatility
Escalating US-Iran tensions continue to provide safe-haven support for the crude oil market. WTI crude was trading at $62.67 per barrel, while Brent crude for April delivery settled at $68.65 per barrel. Market concerns that a collapse in negotiations could trigger risks of Middle East oil supply disruptions are providing some support for prices.