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US-Iran negotiations continue, but Saudi Arabian strikes may derail efforts, say sources
Two Pakistani sources familiar with the talks said that the United States-Iran talks were in danger of being derailed because of Tehran's attacks against Saudi Arabian industrial facilities. Two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the discussions said that the talks between the United States and Iran were at risk of being derailed?after Tehran's attacks on Saudi Arabian industrial?facilities. One source said that the next few hours are crucial. Trump gave Iran until 8 pm in Washington (3:30 am in Tehran) to end its Gulf oil blockade or the U.S. would destroy every Iranian bridge and power station. Iran has threatened to retaliate on behalf of U.S. Gulf allies, as their desert cities will be uninhabitable if they don't have power or water. Iran increased its strikes over night, hitting a Saudi Petrochemical Complex as the latest proof of the nation’s ability to strike against U.S. and Israeli attacks. The Strait of Hormuz was closed, causing the biggest energy disruption in history. It is the main artery that transports one-fifth the world's gas and oil. Pakistan has been a main intermediary for proposals that both sides have shared, but no signs of a compromise have been seen. One source said that the attack on the Jubail complex could lead to Saudi Arabia retaliating, which would put an end to the talks. It could also bring Pakistan into the conflict, under the defence pact it has with Riyadh, which binds them both in the event of war. Shehbaz Shaif, Pakistani Prime Minister, condemned the Saudi strikes against Saudi facilities in a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He said Pakistan would stand shoulder to shoulder with its Saudi sisters and brothers. MESSAGES READY TO BE EXCHANGED "We're in contact with the Iranians." "They have recently shown flexibility in that they could participate in the talks. But they are also taking hardlines?as an essential prerequisite for any negotiation," said the Pakistani source. He said that Islamabad is persuading Tehran into entering negotiations without any prior conditions. Iran's spokesperson for the foreign ministry said Monday that messages between Iran and?U.S. are still being exchanged. Through mediators. According to a senior Iranian source, Tehran rejected a proposal of a temporary truce with talks conditional on the?end of U.S./Israeli strikes? and?compensation? for damages. The Pakistani Foreign Office said that on Tuesday, the attacks on Saudi Arabia represent a dangerous escalation. After top commanders had met with Asim Munir, a Pakistani Army statement said: "Such unwarranted aggressive actions have serious repercussions and can spoil the peaceful options that are currently in place as well as a conducive environment." Pakistan is trying to avoid getting dragged into the conflict, which could cause havoc on its western border shared with Iran, and stir up discontent in its Shi'ite majority, the second largest in the world, after Iran. Analysts claim that the defence agreement "may not trigger an immediate military action, but could be activated" if the conflict escalates. Adam Weinstein of the Quincy Institute, a Pakistan, Afghanistan, and U.S. political expert, said that Iran's willingness at a crucial time to broker a ceasefire to punish the Gulf for U.S. or Israeli strikes, shows how Tehran is committed to a titt-for-tat policy.
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Next Monday, the heads of IMF, World Bank, and IEA will meet to discuss energy crisis
Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, said that the leaders of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary 'Fund, and World Bank will be discussing the 'energy crisis triggered by the Iran war' next Monday. Birol, on the social media platform X said: "This energy crisis requires all hands on deck & global cooperation." He stressed the need for three?institutions worldwide to support governments in the face of the economic fallout caused by the?war. Birol, IMF chief Kristalina?Georieva and World Bank's Ajay?Banga decided last week to create a coordination group in order to deal with a?regional disruptor that has led to one of the largest supply shortages ever recorded on the global energy market. They said that their response mechanism might include providing targeted policy advice and assessing possible financing needs. Birol's statement came as U.S. president Donald Trump threatened Iran that "a entire civilisation" would die if Tehran did not accept an ultimatum for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, this international waterway was used to transport a fifth of all oil and natural gas liquefied around. Birol told the French newspaper Le Figaro recently that the current oil crisis, triggered by the 'Irani blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, is "more severe than the ones in 1973 and 1979 combined". Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and America Hernandez; Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Forrest Crellin, Editing by Gareth Jones
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World Bank predicts Nigerian economic growth in 2026, but Iran war raises inflation
The World Bank stated on Tuesday that Nigeria's economy will grow in the first half of 2026, despite the Iran War. However, rising fuel prices and persistently high inflation could squeeze incomes, slowing poverty reduction. Fiseha Haile, World Bank Nigeria's lead economist during a presentation held in Abuja said that business activity remains in growth territory. The conflict between the U.S./Israel and Iran has so far lifted prices while leaving output mostly intact. The impact of the growth shock has been contained, as the overall business activity has increased over the last few months. "But the shock is still felt by higher inflation," said?Haile. In his third year as president, Bola Tinubu has implemented the most ambitious economic reforms in Nigerian history. He has ended costly fuel and electricity subsidies, devalued the currency, and changed the tax system to stabilise the economy, which is ravaged by high inflation and currency weakness, and external shocks. Haile stated that the inflation rate?adjusted to 15.06 percent in February from 33.3 percent in December 2024. However, it remains high in comparison with other countries in the region and is under renewed pressure ever since Middle East conflict started. Fuel prices rose by more than half during the Iran War, affecting transport, food, and production costs. He said Nigeria should lift restrictions on fuel imports in order to ease inflation. Haile stated that "inflation is still high and under increasing pressure. This poses risks to incomes as well as poverty reduction." Nigeria's external buffers are improving as the foreign exchange reserves increase and volatility eases. However, tighter global financial conditions continue to threaten inflows and borrowing costs, and remittances. Haile stated that the Nigerian fiscal deficit increased slightly to 3.1% GDP in 2025. However, it remains lower than the pre-reform period. Haile also added that the debt-to GDP ratio had fallen for the first time since a decade due to improved fiscal performance and exchange rate valuation gains. The World Bank has forecast a 4.2% economic growth for 2026. They have urged governments to keep their monetary policies tight and to avoid blanket subsides to curb inflation. Reporting by Camillus Eboh, Abuja. Writing by Elisha Gbogbo. Editing by William Maclean.
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As the Hormuz Crisis worsens, physical oil prices have reached record highs of near $150 per barrel.
Analysts say that the closure of Hormuz creates a very tight market for oil deliveries in the near future. Data from LSEG shows that the price of North Sea Forties crude has reached a record high. Expert: * Fear over supply is driving physical price higher. (Adds Platts dated Brent assessment in paragraph 8, adds LSEG in paragraph 10) By Alex Lawler LONDON, 7 April - European and Asian refiners have paid record prices of near $150 a barrel for certain crude oil grades. This is far higher than the paper futures price, highlighting the worsening crisis in supply caused by the U.S./Israeli war against Iran. Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused the Middle East to shut down at least 12,000,000 barrels of oil per day, or about 12% of global supply. Brent oil futures hit $119.50 per barrel in the last month. This is the highest price since 2022, but still falls short of the record high of $147.50 set in 2008. Brent oil futures are for delivery in June. The competition between Asian and European refiners, who are trying to replace Middle Eastern oil supplies disrupted by the disruptions in supply, has contributed to driving up prices for replacement crudes that can be delivered more quickly. Some crudes have already broken records. The price of North Sea Forties Crude According to LSEG 'data, oil prices reached $146.09 per barrel on Tuesday. This is above 2008 levels and a new high. Adi Imsirovic is a veteran oil dealer who believes that "panic" about supplies is the main reason for high prices like those of Forties. "When there's a real physical shortage, people don't think about June loading, and therefore June futures price, but oil NOW." Forties, and other cargoes all over the world are linked to a physical crude oil benchmark called dated Brent According to LSEG, the price for cargoes for 'immediate delivery' is almost $20 more than Brent futures prices for June. Morgan Stanley analysts stated in a recent report that the market was scrambling to find barrels suitable for refineries. The stress appears first in the benchmark closest to the physical problem. A Platts spokesperson confirmed that S&P Global Energy Platts had assessed the price of dated Brent at $141.365 on April 2, which is close to the record high - $144.22 - set in 2008. Platts' dated Brent price would place the Forties and other physical cargoes well above $150. Prices for refined products in Europe were close to records on Tuesday. LSEG data show that jet fuel prices in Europe were hovering at $226.40 a barrel, near a record high reached in mid-March. Diesel prices, which stood at $203.59 per barrel on Tuesday, were still below their 2022 record highs. (Additional reporting by Seher dareen; editing by Dmitry Zhdannikov, Alistair Bell).
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As the Hormuz Crisis worsens, physical oil prices have reached record highs of near $150 per barrel.
Analysts say that the closure of Hormuz creates a very tight market for oil deliveries in the near future. LSEG data: North Sea Forties crude reaches a?record-high outright price Expert: * Fear of shortages is driving physical prices up By Alex Lawler LONDON, 7 April - European and Asian refiners pay record high prices of nearly $150 per barrel for a few crude oil grades. This is far higher than the paper futures price, which highlights the worsening crisis in supply caused by the U.S./Israel war against Iran. Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused the Middle East to shut down at least 12,000,000 barrels of oil per day, or about 12% of global supply. Brent oil futures hit $119.50 per barrel in December, the highest level since 2022, but still below the record high of 147.50 set in 2008. Brent oil futures for June delivery are the contract that is closest. The competition between Asian and European refiners for Middle East oil to replace the disrupted Middle Eastern oil flow has helped to push up prices of replacement crudes, especially those that are available in Europe and Africa. Some?crudes have already broken records. The outright price for North Sea Forties crude According to LSEG, the price of a barrel reached $146.09 on Tuesday. This is above 2008 levels and a record high. Adi Imsirovic is a veteran oil dealer who believes that "panic" about supplies is the main reason for high prices like those of Forties. "When there's a real physical shortage, people don't think about June loading, and therefore June futures price, but oil NOW." Dated Brent is the benchmark physical crude oil that determines the price of Forties, and other cargoes all over the world. According to LSEG, the price is almost $20 higher for June delivery than for Brent futures. This is because the price reflects cargoes that are ready for immediate delivery. Morgan Stanley analysts stated in a recent report that the market was scrambling for barrels that could be used in refineries immediately. The benchmark closest to the physical problem is the first one to experience stress. On Tuesday, prices of refined products in Europe reached near-record highs. The price of jet fuel in Europe hovered at $226.40 per barrel, near the record high set in mid-March. Diesel prices, which were $203.59 per barrel on Tuesday, are still below their 2022 record highs. (Additional reporting by Seher Daeen; editing by Dmitry Zhdannikov, Alistair Bell).
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Key quotes from Vance's and Orban’s press conference
JD Vance, the U.S. vice president, slammed the European Union on Tuesday for its "disgraceful interference" in an election held in?Hungary. He also praised Prime Minister Viktor Orban in his role as an ally to Donald?Trump when it comes to the defence of Western civilization. Here are some key quotes from the joint press conference in Budapest. VANCE ON HUNGARIAN ELSECTION "What happened in this country and what happened during this election campaign is one of worst examples of foreign interference in elections that I have ever read or seen ..." "The bureaucrats at Brussels have tried to destroy Hungary's economy." They tried to reduce Hungary's energy independence. They've tried to raise costs for Hungarians, and all because they dislike this guy. "We're here because we believe the interference from the bureaucracy of Brussels has been disgraceful." RUSSIA-UKRAINE WOAR: VANCEMENT "Viktor Orban has done a better job than anyone else in helping us to understand what the Ukrainians and the Russians require for peace. We will continue to work on this process. "We are aware of the fact that certain elements in the Ukrainian intelligence services have tried to influence the outcome of American and Hungarian elections. This is what they do... "The seeds of this conflict were planted long before the fighting began. They were also planted when European leaders decided to invest so deeply in a certain energy economy, that they would cut themselves off to oil and gas from the east. It's obvious now that this was a big mistake back then. IRAN WAR: VANCER THE WAR There are two ways that this will end. The United States has achieved its military objectives ..." in large part. "Pathway One is when the Iranians decide to become a normal nation. They won't fund terrorism any longer. They will be a part of the global system of trade and exchange ..." "Option B" is that if Iran does not come to the table, and if they continue to terrorize their neighbours - not just Israel but also their Arab neighbours - then the Iranian economic situation will remain very, very poor. ORDER ON THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WORTHY Budapest would be happy to host a meeting between the United States and Russia if they felt it was necessary ..." "The strategy that Europeans used to support the Ukrainians during this war is over. It has failed. The Russians' assets have suddenly gained value. "Suddenly, they are in a better position than before and the pro-war, pro Ukraine strategy of Europe has failed. This is over, but we're concentrating on the Hungarian election right now rather than Brussels. "I believe that we will face a new situation following the Hungarian election." (Reporting and editing by Kevin Liffey; Gergely Szakacs)
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Gold prices steady as Trump's Iran deadline approaches
The gold price was essentially unchanged on Tuesday as caution prevailed on the'market in anticipation of the expiration of the U.S. ultimatum threatening Iran with devastating attacks against its infrastructure if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. By 9:25 am, spot gold had risen 0.2% to $4,659.35 an ounce. ET (1325 GMT), following a 1% rise earlier in the day. U.S. gold futures remained steady at $4,684.50. The gold market is teetering on the edge of a cliff ahead of tonight's 8 p.m. Eastern Time deadline imposed by the United States. The gold market is halted as traders await the outcome of an 'event that could have a significant impact,' said Jim Wyckoff senior analyst at Kitco Metals. IRAN DOES NOT SHOW ANY SIGN OF CONCEDING Strikes against?Iran continued throughout the day but Iran did not show any sign of accepting Trump’s ultimatum to open the Strait by Tuesday's end. The U.S. President said that "a whole civilization will die tonight" without a deal with Tehran. Gold traders are more concerned about what central banks will do with interest rates, than geopolitics. Wyckoff explained that if major economies delay lowering their interest rates, "that could be extrapolated as less demand for gold." Since the Iran conflict, oil prices have risen since supply concerns increased. The higher?energy prices feed inflation and limit the ability of central banks to reduce?interest rates. Gold is an inflation hedge, but it's less appealing in high-rate environments because it doesn't offer any yield. The market will also be focusing on the minutes of the Federal Reserve's meeting in March which are due to be released Wednesday. Additionally, U.S. The Personal Consumption Spending data will be released on Thursday and the Consumer Price Index?on Friday. Data showed that China's central banks continued to buy gold for the 17th consecutive months. (Reporting by Ashitha Shivaprasad in Bengaluru; editing by Barbara Lewis) (Reporting from Ashitha Shivaprasad, Bengaluru. Editing by Barbara Lewis.)
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Sources say that Russia's NORSI refinery has halted its operations following a drone attack on Sunday.
Two industry sources said that NORSI, Russia’s fourth largest oil refinery, suspended operations on April 5, following an attack by a Ukrainian drone. The temporary 'closure' of the refinery will increase the uncertainty in Russia's energy industry, which has already been hit by a series of Ukrainian attacks including those that have targeted its major oil-exporting terminals on the Black Sea or the Baltic Sea. Russian authorities announced on Sunday that a drone had attacked the NORSI oil refinery, causing it to catch fire. Gleb Nikitin said that two facilities at the plant had been hit, and a power station, as well as several houses, were also damaged. According to the Saint-Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX), Lukoil does not offer to sell gasoline or diesel from its refinery located 450 km east of Moscow. On Tuesday, industry sources said that the suspension of supplies may be extended until the end?of the month. Lukoil didn't immediately respond to a comment request. NORSI is Russia's second-largest gasoline producer. It can process 16 million metric tons of crude oil per year or 320,000 barrels of fuel per day. Hugh Lawson, Editor and Reporter.
Gold stable as caution prevails before Trump's Iran deadline
The gold price was little changed Tuesday as caution ruled the market in anticipation of a 'U.S. The looming deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz, or face devastating attacks on Iran's infrastructure.
By 11:16 am, spot gold had remained flat at $4.648,32 per ounce. ET (1516 GMT), following a 1% rise earlier in the day. U.S. Gold Futures dropped 0.3% to $4670.90.
The gold market is teetering on the edge of a cliff ahead of tonight's 8 p.m. Eastern Time U.S. deadline. The gold market is on hold while traders await the outcome of this event, which could have a significant impact, said Jim Wyckoff.
IRAN SHOW NO SIGN OF CONCEDING Strikes against Iran increased throughout the day, but Iran showed little sign of accepting Trump’s ultimatum that the Strait be opened by the end?Tuesday. The U.S. President said that "a whole civilization will die tonight" without a deal with Tehran.
Gold traders are more concerned about what central banks will do with interest rates, than geopolitics. Wyckoff explained that if major economies delay lowering their interest rates, this could be extrapolated as a 'lessening of demand for gold.
Since the Iran conflict, oil prices have risen. Energy costs are rising, which leads to inflation and leaves central banks little room to reduce interest rates. Gold is a hedge against inflation but it's less appealing in an environment of high rates because it has no yield.
The minutes of the Federal Reserve meeting from March will also be released Wednesday. Additionally, U.S. The Consumer Price Index and Personal Consumption Spending data are due Thursday. Data showed that China's central bank has continued to buy gold for the 17th consecutive months.
Silver spot fell 2.7%, to $70.83 an ounce. Platinum dropped 3.4%, to $1.911.37. Palladium fell by 4.3%, to $1.421.75. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis, Diti Pjara and Ashitha Shivaprasad from Bengaluru)
(source: Reuters)