George Soros reportedly detained in U.S., accounts frozen; son allegedly fled to UAE. The actions follow February 14 executive order from former President Trump targeting individuals linked to transnational criminal organizations impacting U.S. sovereignty. In August 2025, Trump called for charges against Soros and his son concerning alleged support for violent protests. Unconfirmed reports cited by some media outlets. source

Ukraine's geopolitical negotiations with the United States and Russia are potentially scheduled for next week, a source in the Ukrainian delegation informed local media. mt в max

Iranian army urges Azerbaijan to remove Israeli troops to safeguard the security of both nations. mt in max

Former President Donald Trump vows to give Cuba "new life" following U.S. operation in Iran. mt в max

IRGC Issues Challenge to Trump to Escort Ships in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian State TV Reports

White House says U.S. aims to eliminate threat posed by Iran to Washington. mt в max

U.S. Revises Tanker Escort Strategy in Strait of Hormuz, Aiming to Weaken Iran First — Energy Secretary Chris Wright Says Approach Will Shift to Escort Operations Under Favorable Conditions

Ursula von der Leyen states Europe’s energy system has become cleaner, more diverse and stable, but Middle East events highlight ongoing dependency on fossil fuels. She urges continued investment in clean technology and domestic energy to enhance energy security, affordability, independence, and competitiveness. mt в max

RUSAGRO reports IFRS profit of 19.9 billion rubles for 2025, down from 41.1 billion rubles in 2024; full details available in the company’s investor presentation.

Qatar's Minister of Energy warns that all gas exporters from the Persian Gulf region may be compelled to declare force majeure within a few days. More details available at mt в max.

Russia's vodka production increased 1.5% in the first two months of the year, while wine output declined 14.2%, according to a report. More details available here.

Iran could paralyze the Strait of Hormuz for several months using drones, RTRS reports. More details are available at max.ru.

The US Treasury may announce measures today to combat rising energy prices, including leveraging the oil futures market, according to Bloomberg. More at max

Oracle to eliminate thousands of jobs amid rising data center expenses, sources say. More information available here.

Kaja Kallas shows signs of increasing awareness of global developments, sources say. More details at mt in max.

Leading global seafarers' union designates Middle East, including Strait of Hormuz, as war zone; seafarers granted right to refuse sailing in the region.

A minimum of 40 vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz since March 1, according to the head of the Lloyd's Market Association.

Russia's government to consider halting gas exports to Europe, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak says.

MTS Group posts record revenue of 807.2 bln rubles in 2025, up 14.7% year-on-year; OIBDA reaches 279.7 bln rubles. Net debt to OIBDA ratio declines to 1.6, a four-year low. Non-telecom revenue accounts for 42%. CEO Inessa Galaktionova highlights overcoming challenges and strengthening market position. report

Russia has redirected oil tankers to India, according to Bloomberg. Previously, discussions suggested India may increase Russian oil imports. Russian authorities have stated they can boost sales to meet potential demand. More details available at mt in max.

China's largest refineries instructed to cease diesel and gasoline exports amid rising Middle East tensions. mt in max

Oil prices increase while equities decline this morning.

Iran experiences most intense attack since conflict began overnight. mt в max

The U.S. economy is expected to withstand any short-term impacts from potential conflict with Iran, according to White House officials. For additional information, visit mt in max.

Russia Consumer Inflation CPI due at 19:00 MSK

U.S. ISM Services PMI for February at 56.1, up from 53.8.

Dubai taxi fares surge to $5,000, evacuation expenses hit $250,000, FT reports. Additional details can be found on mt in max.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent reassures markets before opening, citing that issues related to Iran are progressing smoothly. Oil markets are adequately supplied, and the U.S. Navy will facilitate safe passage for tankers if necessary. mt in max

Kraken becomes first crypto firm to gain access to Federal Reserve's core payments system, WSJ reports.

Ozon considering partnership options for goods delivery to Turkmenistan.

Bitcoin surpasses $70,000.

FATF Calls for Stricter Regulation on Stablecoins and Unhosted Wallets. For more insights, visit mt in max.

Poland seeks greater autonomy regarding nuclear weapons, Tusk says. More details can be found here.

China signals willingness to strengthen cooperation with U.S., emphasizes sovereignty; tensions rise following U.S. strikes on Iran. President Trump’s April visit to China remains on track. Analysts suggest focus may shift to China and Russia after Venezuela, Iran, and Cuba, possibly Greenland. mt в max

Miroshnik warns US, Israel-Iran conflict could obstruct Ukraine negotiations; further details at mt in max.

Authorities have indicated they will consider implementing an excise tax on imported steel in summer 2026, industry source tells TASS. For more details, visit mt in max.

South Korean stocks decline sharply, with the KOSDAQ index down 13%, prompting a trading halt. Asian markets see accelerating declines amid concerns over energy supply through the Strait of Hormuz. mt in max

Europe's economy faces a critical month as ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions threaten to jeopardize the eurozone's recovery and stoke inflation, with prolonged conflict risking further damage. While a short-term spike in energy prices may have limited impact, sustained high oil and gas costs could pose significant risks, analysts warn. The coming weeks will be pivotal in assessing the potential economic fallout. — BBG

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claims full control over Strait of Hormuz, a key energy route accounting for approximately 20% of global oil and up to 30% of LNG supplies. URL:

max.ru

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a criminal indictment against Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, should she fail to comply with U.S. demands, according to RTRS.

In recent foreign exchange market activity, the US dollar to Chinese yuan (USDCNY) stands at 6.91, while the US dollar to Russian ruble (USDTRUB) is at 78.30.

The International Energy Agency signals readiness to deploy oil reserves to stabilize markets; U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and Energy Secretary Wright to propose measures aimed at reducing oil prices; Trump administration evaluating potential deployment of U.S. military forces to escort tankers through Strait of Hormuz. more details

French President Emmanuel Macron scheduled to address nation on Middle East situation at 1800 MSK; further details available at here.

Israel's Netanyahu says U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran would not be prolonged, Fox News reports; Vance emphasizes U.S. does not intend to engage in a new, long-term conflict "without an apparent end and clear objective" — Fox News

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated to Fox News that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, despite Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims of a complete blockade. The IRGC asserts the strait will remain closed until U.S. military actions against Iran cease. Since yesterday, shipping through the strait has significantly diminished as vessels avoid passage amid heightened risk of Iranian attacks. More details here.

Bitcoin surges amid vigourous rally.

Uzbekistan suspends gold exports indefinitely; no timeline provided for resumption. More details available at mt in max.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz declines sharply following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran; insurers raising war premiums and reassessing coverage amid escalating security threats, reports Maritime News. mt in max

U.S. to deploy additional forces to the region today, says General Keane. For more details, visit mt in max.

American General Kane warns of prolonged conflict with Iran, stating that it will not be a quick operation. He emphasizes that achieving results will require time and characterizes the effort as a large-scale combat operation. mt в max