The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has now held for a third consecutive day, as President Donald Trump says there is a "good chance" of progress in ongoing negotiations with Tehran.

Trump revealed that "very deep talks" are underway and suggested diplomacy may yet prevent a return to military confrontation. However, the U.S. president also warned that military action remains an option if negotiations fail to produce results.

The developments come after weeks of heightened tensions that raised fears of a wider conflict across the Middle East. As diplomats continue efforts to secure a breakthrough, the world is closely watching whether the ceasefire can pave the way for a lasting agreement.

US-Iran ceasefire: Trump says 'good chance' of progress in talks

Iran's Revolutionary Guards say two unidentified oil tankers exploded after hitting mines while trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz, but the claim didn't survive contact with Washington. US Central Command shot back on X: "Like most IRGC claims, this is false." Iran also says it "stopped" four more ships attempting to pass through the strait. Neither claim has been independently verified, as the vital shipping route remains effectively closed amid a week of escalating US-Iran strikes.


Hormuz crisis: Iran claims two tankers exploded after hitting mines 

The India-UK trade pact started this Wednesday, and it’s a big deal for both sides. Thousands of goods will now have lower or zero tariffs. For India, that means duty-free access to most British tariff lines. Textiles, leather, footwear, marine products, gems and jewellery, processed foods — these sectors just got a major boost. But it’s not just goods. Services firms and professionals from both countries also get wider market access, so IT, finance, and consulting can move more freely.


India-UK trade pact takes effect, cutting tariffs and boosting services trade

The International Monetary Fund has marginally lowered its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3%. The key risks remain the economic impact of the Iran war, elevated energy prices, trade fragmentation and uncertainty surrounding AI-driven market expectations.


 IMF cuts global growth outlook

Commercial vessels are gradually returning to the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of uncertainty, but global shipping is far from back to normal. According to Allianz, around 1,200 ships carrying goods worth nearly $125 billion remain delayed or stranded. While maritime traffic has increased since the Hormuz deal, it remains below pre-conflict levels as confusion over security risks and shipping schedules continues. The situation highlights how geopolitical tensions can ripple through global trade and energy markets.


Hormuz Reopens, But $125 Billion In Goods Remain Stuck As Shipping Chaos Persists

A familiar transatlantic dispute is back in the spotlight. US President Donald Trump has once again threatened to impose a 100% tariff on French wine, reviving a trade battle that previously strained relations between Washington and Paris. The remarks come as Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron meet during the G7 Summit, adding a fresh layer of tension to discussions already focused on global trade, security and economic cooperation. The renewed warning has put French exporters and international markets on alert.


Trump vs Macron On Tariffs: Trump Revives French Wine Tariff Threat, Rekindling Macron Trade Row

French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing for a strategic reset between the G7 and China by organizing a coordinated video conference to address global trade imbalances. As France holds the G7 presidency, Macron aims to shift the Western bloc's stance from confrontation to collaborative dialogue. 


Macron Seeks Trade Reset Between G7 and China, Macron Warns China as G7 Eyes Trade Reforms

The AI boom is driving one of the strongest tech market rallies in decades, with chipmakers and big tech leading the charge. In this report of news in numbers, we break down the stunning gains powering the US tech sector's surge and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on Wall Street.


AI Trade Hotter Than Ever

China’s manufacturing sector has contracted for the seventh consecutive month, the longest downturn in nearly a decade.
Despite a recent Trump–Xi trade truce, weak global demand and mounting tariffs have dragged factory activity below expectations.
Analysts warn of the slowest quarter since the pandemic as Beijing races to inject fresh stimulus and defend its growth target.

China Economic Data Signals A Sharp Slowdown

Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China on May 14–15, 2026 for a high-level summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit will focus on key issues like trade tensions, Iran-related geopolitics, Taiwan, and export controls.

US-China Relations: Why Trump's Return To Beijing Matters 

Tensions between the United States and the European Union are escalating as security concerns and trade disputes collide, putting strain on one of the world’s most important alliances. Differences over defense spending, economic policies, and strategic priorities are creating friction across the Atlantic. Diplomats are working to stabilize relations, but growing disagreements highlight challenges in maintaining unity amid shifting global geopolitics and economic uncertainty.


US-EU Ties Under Pressure Amid Security and Trade Disputes

US-EU Relations Under Strain As Security & Trade Conflicts Collide

The Iran war is disrupting global fertiliser supplies. Key shipping routes are under strain, delaying urea exports and choking trade flows. Production in the gulf has dropped sharply, while vessels remain stuck near ports. With limited storage, producers risk shutdowns, further tightening supply. In the next news in numbers report, we break down the impact on global fertiliser markets. Take a look.


Fertiliser Chaos: Which Regions Are at the Most Risk

The Iran war is no longer just a regional conflict — its impact is now spreading across transportation, energy, industries and global financial markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted one of the world’s most critical trade routes, sending oil and fuel prices soaring while forcing airlines and shipping companies to reroute operations. Industries dependent on energy and raw materials are facing rising costs, while stock markets remain volatile amid fears of inflation, recession and long-term supply chain disruption.


How The Iran War Is Reshaping Global Energy, Trade And Financial Markets

India and the New Zealand on Monday signed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the presence of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. The agreement is expected to significantly strengthen economic ties between the two countries. It aims to double bilateral trade, provide Indian exporters duty-free access to the New Zealand market, and attract investments worth $20 billion over the next 15 years.


Ind-NZ FTA: India and New Zealand Sign Landmark Free Trade Agreement

Iran attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz this morning, saying its Revolutionary Guard seized two of them and further inflaming tensions over the key waterway. It comes after U.S. forces seized an Iranian ship and boarded a tanker linked to Tehran’s oil trade.


US Holds Off Attacks but Continues Hormuz's Naval Blockade

In a big win for India’s energy security, oil tanker MT Desh Garima has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz with 31 Indian crew members onboard. The vessel is now en route to Mumbai and expected to dock between April 21–22. This marks the 10th successful transit of an Indian-flagged ship through the crucial waterway amid regional tensions. For families back home and India’s oil supply chain, it’s a moment of relief and strategic reassurance.


Hormuz Crisis: Another Indian-Flagged Vessel Crosses Hormuz

All eyes are on the Strait of Hormuz as markets head into a crucial week. With uncertainty over whether the route is fully open, investors are bracing for potential shocks to oil prices, inflation, and global trade. A prolonged disruption could ripple through energy markets and force central banks to rethink rate paths. From currencies to commodities, the coming days could set the tone for global financial stability.


Markets On Edge: Hormuz Uncertainty To Drive Oil, Inflation And Rate Outlook This Week

Iran has raised the stakes ahead of crucial talks with the U.S., demanding a staggering $270 billion in war reparations. At the centre of its strategy is the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy routes. By signalling control over this vital passage, Tehran is building pressure as negotiations approach. The move highlights how geopolitics and global energy security are tightly linked in this high-stakes diplomatic moment.


Strait of Hormuz Emerges As Key Bargaining Chip for Iran, Tehran Builds Leverage Ahead of US Talks

A 40-day war and rising tensions at sea. After the U.S.-Iran talks fail, a new battle of blockade emerges in Hormuz.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of this crisis?
Are we entering an era of water wars?
From the Red Sea to the Panama Canal…
Who really controls the world’s most critical waterways?
Watch WION Wideangle Hormuz Blockade: Not a ‘strait’ War

US Blocks Strait of Hormuz | Will the US-Iran War End? 

China and Pakistan are reshaping global trade routes through the $62 billion [China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)], a key [Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project] that connects Xinjiang to the Arabian Sea via Gwadar Port. This infrastructure, featuring highways and railways, bypasses the Malacca Strait, reducing maritime risks and shortening energy supply routes.


How China, Pakistan Are Reshaping Trade Routes

Global power dynamics appear to be shifting as reports suggest European nations are preparing to police the Strait of Hormuz without US involvement. The move signals growing strategic independence, even as Saudi Arabia hints at a more autonomous foreign policy. Adding to the pressure, China has warned against a return to a “law of the jungle” world order. Together, these developments point to rising friction and a potential reshaping of global alliances.


Report Suggests Europe Preparing To Police Strait Of Hormuz Without US

An Indian delegation is set to visit the United States next week to resume key trade talks, with a focus on reducing tariffs and boosting economic ties. The negotiations follow a joint framework agreed on February 7 and are expected to address long-standing trade concerns between the two sides. The move signals a renewed push to strengthen bilateral trade and unlock new opportunities for businesses on both sides.


BREAKING: India-United States Trade Talks Set To Resume, Tariff Cuts In Focus Next Week 

Conflicting signals are emerging from the Strait of Hormuz, where the US says its blockade is holding firm, turning back vessels linked to Iran. However, shipping data suggests traffic is still flowing through the critical waterway, exposing the limits of enforcement in such a busy global route. The situation highlights the complexity of controlling one of the world’s most vital oil corridors amid rising geopolitical tensions.


US Enforcement Challenged in Gulf Waters, Data Shows Vessels Still Moving

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