Key development: Iran’s parliament proposed legislation that would give Iran’s military sole authority over the Strait of Hormuz and require all payments related to the waterway to be made in Iranian rials.
Diplomacy
(Update) Iran’s foreign minister traveled to Russia for talks with Putin after Trump canceled planned Pakistan meeting. Iran’s Abbas Araghchi made stops in Oman and Pakistan before heading to Moscow, while Trump said the US and Iran can talk by phone instead of meeting in person. (Al Jazeera, France24)
Context: This represents a shift in diplomatic venues and format. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi traveled through Oman and Pakistan before going to Moscow for talks with Putin. Trump canceled the planned in-person Pakistan talks his envoys were scheduled to attend, saying a phone call between the US and Iran would suffice. Pakistan and Oman continue to work behind the scenes as mediators trying to prevent a return to open conflict.
| Sources: Al Jazeera | Al Jazeera | France24 |
Economy
(Update) Iran’s parliament introduced a bill to give its military control over the Strait of Hormuz and require payments in rials. The legislation would make Iran’s armed forces the formal authority over the waterway and mandate that any revenues from the strait be paid in Iranian currency. (France24)
Context: The head of Iran’s national security commission presented this proposed law on Monday. It formalizes Iran’s territorial claims over one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints—about a fifth of global oil transits through the strait. Requiring payments in rials instead of dollars would directly challenge US financial dominance. [UNCONFIRMED - single source]
Sources: France24
(Update) The EU announced a new energy plan after prices jumped 60-70% since the conflict began. Oil is up 60% and gas 70%, driving fossil fuel imports up €24 billion. Brussels is rolling out AccelerateEU to address the crisis. (Euronews)
Context: The EU has spent an extra €24 billion on fossil fuel imports since the US-Iran conflict escalated. Oil prices have risen 60% and natural gas 70%. AccelerateEU is the EU’s response aimed at preventing a full-scale energy crisis similar to what followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sources: Euronews
Inside Iran
(Update) Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains out of public view, with speculation fueled by a new mural. A viral mural depicting him among dead Iranian leaders has intensified questions about his condition, while the New York Times reports he lives in hiding and communicates only by handwritten notes. (France24, Euronews)
Context: Mojtaba Khamenei was named supreme leader after his father was killed in strikes almost two months ago, but he has not been seen publicly since. A mural recently appeared showing him alongside deceased Iranian leaders, fueling speculation that he was either killed or seriously injured in the February 28 strikes on Tehran. According to the Times, he fears for his life and participates in decision-making only through handwritten notes, avoiding any in-person appearances.
| Sources: France24 | Euronews |
What to watch: Whether Iran actually passes the Hormuz bill—requiring rial-denominated payments would be a major provocation that could trigger additional sanctions or military escalation.