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French President **Emmanuel Macron** is currently visiting Japan and is scheduled to hold talks on the 1st with Japanese Prime Minister **Sanae Takaichi**. Although the trip was originally intended to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy and space, the worsening U.S.–Iran situation has shifted the focus toward the Middle East crisis, with both sides seeking solutions to ongoing conflicts.

Macron began his four-day Asia tour on the 31st, aiming to strengthen strategic alliances with Japan and South Korea. This marks his fourth visit to Japan, during which he will hold a summit meeting and “2+2” defense consultations with Prime Minister Takaichi. He will then travel to Seoul for a summit with President **Lee Jae-myung** to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea. In addition to attending a luncheon with the Japanese Emperor and Empress, Macron is leading a delegation of over 350 French companies. Building on shared Indo-Pacific strategic consensus, the parties are expected to sign substantive cooperation agreements covering key areas such as economic security, artificial intelligence, space technology, and next-generation nuclear energy development.

During the summit on the 1st, France and Japan reached a consensus to jointly formulate a roadmap for the procurement of critical minerals, aiming to diversify supply sources and establish a rare earth supply chain “independent of China.” To this end, both sides confirmed continued efforts to build a rare earth refining plant in southwestern France, with the goal of beginning operations by the end of 2026 to meet demand for heavy rare earths used in electric vehicle (EV) motors. The joint statement also expressed concern over the potential negative impact of export controls on minerals, implicitly pointing to supply monopolies by specific countries. In addition, the two nations are actively strengthening public-private cooperation in the space sector, with plans to sign 12 memoranda of understanding across five major areas, including space debris removal, rocket launches, and satellite communications. By boosting both government and private investment, they aim to comprehensively enhance their international competitiveness.

This visit is not merely a routine diplomatic trip but a strategic move by France and Japan to respond to global instability. Japan faces energy pressure, relying on the Middle East for as much as 95% of its oil. As fellow G7 members, both countries are actively promoting “de-risking” and placing economic security at the top of their agenda. Macron views Japan and South Korea as key partners in the Indo-Pacific region and seeks to reduce dependence on both the United States and China. He has also advocated the concept of a “buyers’ club,” whereby reliable partners collectively procure strategic materials to counter China’s supply dominance and ensure the stability and security of supply chains amid energy tensions and geopolitical conflicts.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times on the 29th that his “preferred option” is to secure control over Iran’s oil, and he did not rule out seizing Kharg Island, the country’s key oil export hub. He confirmed that April 6 has been set as the final deadline for negotiations, warning that if Tehran fails to accept an agreement by then, U.S. forces will strike Iran’s energy facilities. As the United States and Israel join forces against Iran, tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Global oil prices have surged by more than 50% over the past month, with Brent crude briefly nearing $116 per barrel during early Asian trading on the 30th.

In preparation for a potential escalation, the Pentagon announced the deployment of approximately 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East, including thousands of Marines already on the ground and paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division set to be deployed. These forces are trained in island seizure and ground control operations. However, any attempt by U.S. forces to capture Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf would likely face threats from Iranian missiles and drones, increasing both casualties and operational costs.

While Trump did not disclose details of the negotiations, he stated that U.S. forces have already struck around 13,000 targets, with another 3,000 still pending, emphasizing that an agreement “could be reached quickly.”

Trump also claimed that Iran has allowed more oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and alleged that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may have been seriously injured or killed—claims denied by Tehran. Analysts note that domestic support in the United States for military action against Iran remains low, and Trump had previously pledged to avoid entanglement in new Middle East conflicts. Launching a large-scale ground operation at this stage could therefore pose significant political risks for his administration.

As the Middle East war enters its 29th day, reports indicate that the United States military is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran lasting several weeks, including raids on Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz. However, President Donald Trump has not yet approved any deployment.

Thousands of U.S. troops and Marines have been arriving in the Middle East, with the Pentagon preparing for a multi-week ground campaign in Iran. The planned operations would focus on targeted strikes against key oil ports rather than a full-scale invasion. If Trump ultimately authorizes ground action, it would mark a significant escalation and push the conflict into a dangerous new phase.

Over the past month, White House discussions have centered on seizing Kharg Island—an oil export hub in the Persian Gulf—and launching raids on coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz to eliminate weapons systems that could threaten commercial and military vessels. According to anonymous officials, any potential ground operation would not constitute a “full invasion,” but instead involve precision raids carried out by a mix of special forces and conventional infantry units.

Despite escalating tensions on the front lines and 13 U.S. military deaths in the past month, domestic polls show that as many as 62% of Americans strongly oppose sending ground troops into Iran. Military expert Michael Eisenstadt also warned that capturing Kharg Island would be highly risky, noting that if Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) uses critical oil infrastructure as cover, it could draw U.S. forces into a prolonged and difficult conflict.

Reports indicate that the U.S. has already deployed thousands of Marines to the Middle East, with the first personnel from two units arriving on the 27th aboard amphibious assault ships.

Meanwhile, preliminary discussions among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt have focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Since the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Tehran’s effective blockade of oil and natural gas transit through the strait has had a major impact on the global economy. Analysts estimate that approximately 4.5 to 5 million barrels of oil per day are currently affected, and warn that the supply shortfall could double by mid-April if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

The Yemeni rebel group “Houthi” announced on the 28th that it has declared war on Israel and launched a missile attack against the country. This marks the first time the Yemeni rebels have joined offensive operations since Israel and the United States went to war with Iran on February 28.

According to foreign media reports, Israel earlier stated that its military had “identified one missile launched from Yemen toward Israel, and air defense systems are intercepting the threat.” This is the first time since the outbreak of the war that Israel has mentioned an attack originating from Yemen. Reports also indicated that the missile may have been successfully intercepted.

In a statement, the Houthi leadership declared that they had launched an attack against Israel and vowed that such operations would continue until what they described as aggression comes to an end.

Since the United States and Israel began attacking Iran, Iran has responded by targeting vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, tightening global energy supplies. As a result, many oil tankers have rerouted through the Red Sea. However, with the Yemeni rebels now entering the conflict, there are growing concerns that shipping routes in the Red Sea could face significant threats. The Houthis have previously targeted vessels in the Red Sea during regional conflicts. Additionally, Iran has long been known to support the Yemeni rebels, raising fears of further disruptions to global energy supplies.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly confirmed on the 26th that, in an airstrike launched the previous night, Israel successfully killed Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, along with several senior officers. U.S. Central Command’s Brad Cooper later responded, urging the Iranian navy to immediately cease resistance to avoid unnecessary casualties.

The airstrike took place in Iran’s southern strategic port city of Bandar Abbas. According to media reports citing officials, the strike targeted a disguised command headquarters. At the time, Tangsiri was holding a meeting with several high-ranking officers, all of whom were killed in the attack.

Katz stated that Tangsiri was the mastermind behind the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, directly responsible for laying mines, blocking shipping lanes, and planning related operations in the strait. He must be held directly accountable, and the Israeli military will continue pursuing those involved.

Media reports indicate that Tangsiri had served as naval commander since 2018. Known for his hardline stance, he had repeatedly threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and had confronted U.S. warships multiple times in the Persian Gulf. The IRGC primarily conducts small-scale operations in the region, targeting commercial vessels and military ships of forces hostile to Tehran.

As Iran’s regular navy had already seen its large combat vessels destroyed prior to this, and with several senior political and military leaders—including Supreme Leader Khamenei—also killed in airstrikes, the IRGC, which specializes in asymmetric warfare, had become the main force behind Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Tangsiri’s death is expected to deal a severe blow to Iran’s command structure.

According to media reports, the United States is continuing to reinforce its military presence in the Middle East while simultaneously engaging in negotiations with Iran. A U.S. official stated that American forces have recently begun assembling ground troops around Iran, deploying thousands of Marines and paratroopers. The U.S. military has also drawn up plans for ground operations targeting Iran aimed at seizing highly enriched uranium buried within nuclear facilities.

The report notes that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering taking control of Kharg Island in the northern Persian Gulf to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg Island is a vital economic lifeline for Iran, handling about 90% of its crude oil exports. If negotiations fail or the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, tensions could escalate significantly.

The report also indicates that the United States has presented Iran with a 15-point proposal covering the dismantling of its nuclear program, cessation of support for proxy groups, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the outbreak of the conflict, 13 U.S. service members have been killed. Polls show that 35% of Americans support military action against Iran, while 61% oppose it. Analysts warn that deploying ground forces could pose political risks for Trump.

While international attention has been focused on conflicts in the Middle East, Russia launched its most intense “24-hour bombardment” since the war began in 2022 on the 24th. Nearly a thousand drones and missiles struck cities in western Ukraine, leaving at least 7 dead and 73 injured so far.

On the 24th, Russia deployed close to 1,000 drones, with airstrikes covering the entire territory of Ukraine. At least nine cities were attacked, including the western cities of Lviv, Ternopil, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Among them, the major city of Lviv suffered the most severe damage. Residential areas, hospitals, and energy infrastructure were hit in multiple locations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, “The scale of this attack clearly shows that Russia has no real intention of ending this war. Without greater and stronger pressure on Russia, and without inflicting significant losses on Moscow, they will have no willingness to end the war and return to peace.”

Just on the 21st, Ukrainian and U.S. delegations held a new round of talks in Florida, which Russian representatives did not attend. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the meeting was constructive and brought the parties one step closer to a comprehensive peace agreement. However, Russia soon carried out large-scale airstrikes, effectively pouring cold water on the peace signals from the U.S.-Ukraine talks and raising doubts about Moscow’s sincerity in returning to the negotiating table.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the U.S. Department of State issued a global security alert on the 22nd for American citizens worldwide. It urged Americans overseas to remain vigilant, especially those in the Middle East, and to closely monitor and follow security guidance released by local U.S. embassies and consulates.

In a post on social media platform X, the State Department noted that frequent airspace closures in certain regions could disrupt transportation and travel plans. At the same time, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad—including those outside the Middle East—are considered potential targets for attacks. Authorities warned that Iran-backed forces may launch attacks against U.S. interests worldwide, including locations associated with the United States and its citizens.

The current tensions stem from joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, during which Iran’s supreme leader, Khamenei, was killed. Tehran quickly initiated retaliatory measures. On the 20th, a senior Iranian military spokesperson, Shekarchi, publicly threatened that attacks could extend to global tourist hotspots, stating that “no park, recreational area, or tourist site in the world is safe.”

In addition, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was recently attacked, with its helicopter landing pad struck. Since the conflict began, Iran-backed armed groups have carried out multiple attacks, further worsening the situation.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding that it reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants. The deadline is set to expire at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the 23rd, leaving roughly 24 hours remaining.

In response, Iran issued a strong statement on the 22nd, warning that if the U.S. destroys its power infrastructure, it will adopt a “zero restraint” policy. This would include retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure along the Persian Gulf and targeting banking systems that conduct business with the United States. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also declared that Iran would not back down.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, a key diplomatic development has reportedly emerged between the United States and Iran. Multiple media outlets on the 24th, citing informed sources, said that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had held a direct phone call with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, expressing willingness to work toward an agreement with Washington and indicating that negotiations have received approval from the supreme leadership.

According to Persian-language outlet Iran International and Israeli media reports, Araghchi told the U.S. side during the call that Iran is “ready to make efforts to reach an agreement,” stressing that if Tehran’s conditions are met, both sides could swiftly resolve current conflicts and differences. Sources familiar with the matter said this position has been approved by Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has authorized the diplomatic team to accelerate engagement with the United States—suggesting a softening stance in Tehran under wartime pressure.

Reports also noted that, in addition to Witkoff, former White House senior advisor Jared Kushner took part in the call, indicating a relatively high level of communication. Although Iran has previously denied holding direct talks with the United States, backchannel contacts between the two sides have continued.

Other sources said Washington has set a timeline, aiming to push for a ceasefire or even an end to the conflict in the near term. Potential talks may be held soon in a third country, raising hopes of easing the intensifying military standoff.

However, most of the information currently comes from media and anonymous sources and has yet to be fully confirmed by major international outlets or official statements. Within Iran, there are also differing views on whether to negotiate, with some officials questioning the reports as external manipulation or misinformation. Overall, despite continued hardline rhetoric on both sides, behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement suggests there remains a possibility of de-escalation through negotiations.

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as reports emerge that Iran has imposed controls over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, drawing intense international attention. Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, threatening military action against its power and energy infrastructure if navigation is not restored within a set deadline—widely interpreted as the start of a “48-hour ultimatum” countdown. In response, Iran has warned it will retaliate with “zero restraint,” further heightening regional tensions.

According to a report by The Guardian, Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that if full passage through the Strait of Hormuz is not restored within 48 hours, the United States will launch military strikes targeting Iran’s energy and electricity infrastructure. The deadline has reportedly been set for 23:44 GMT on Monday, signaling a clear and specific military threat. Notably, less than a day before issuing the ultimatum, Trump had suggested the possibility of gradually ending three weeks of ongoing military operations, underscoring the rapid shift toward a more hardline stance.

In response, Anadolu Agency cited Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that Tehran would respond with “zero restraint” if its infrastructure were attacked. Iran has also emphasized that it has not fully blocked the waterway, but is instead restricting passage for vessels linked to countries engaged in hostile actions against it, while continuing to assist neutral nations—an apparent attempt to signal limited control and ease international concerns. However, Iran’s military has simultaneously warned that any U.S. or allied military action would be met with retaliatory strikes on their energy and critical infrastructure, reflecting a firm and uncompromising stance.

As the 48-hour deadline approaches, the situation in the Middle East is reaching a critical tipping point. From diplomatic rhetoric to military deployments, positions on all sides are hardening, leaving little room for negotiation. This standoff over a vital shipping route and energy security not only affects regional stability but also carries significant implications for the global economy. Developments in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether tensions ease or escalate into further conflict.