Michael Kuenne

Prime Minister @narendramodi said India’s priority is de-escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the growing global impact of disruptions to one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

India is now feeling the direct impact of the #IranWar‌. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Parliament that the conflict has disrupted key trade routes and affected supplies of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers. Several ships remain stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, with Indian crew members onboard. Around 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries, according to Modi, making the situation a major national concern. #India says its priority is de-escalation and restoring the flow of energy through one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

Japan is raising wages at the fastest pace in decades, but workers may still not feel the benefit. According to Japan’s largest labor federation, Rengo, average pay is expected to rise by about 5.26% this year. That would mark the third consecutive year of wage growth above 5%, something not seen in 35 years. Real wages in Japan have declined for four straight years through 2025. In that year alone, nominal wages rose 2.3%, while consumer inflation exceeded 3%. Earlier government projections assumed oil prices around 68 dollars per barrel, allowing inflation to ease and real wages to recover modestly. Now, with crude closer to 100 dollars, economists warn inflation could remain above 2% in the coming months. Some forecasts suggest real wage growth could fall back to around zero as early as April.

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has accused the U.S. of “state terror” while reaffirming that his country will never give up its nuclear weapons, according to state media.

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake has struck near Tonga in the South Pacific, USGS says. Coastal evacuations were ordered, but no tsunami warning has been issued. The quake struck at a depth of about 237 km (148 miles), which reduces the likelihood of major surface damage, according to USGS data. Tonga sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the most seismically active regions in the world, where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent.

The Bahrain region is AWS’s first Middle East hub, launched in 2019, with multiple availability zones serving customers across more than 190 countries.

Amazon says its AWS cloud region in Bahrain has been disrupted by drone activity linked to the Middle East conflict, marking the second impact on its infrastructure in recent weeks, Reuters reports. #IranWar‌

The scale of the decline is striking: Germany had roughly 372,000 stores in 2015. The German Retail Association expects only 296,600 in 2026, as weak demand, higher costs and e-commerce continue to hollow out brick-and-mortar retail. #Germany

A major shift in Germany’s economy: The number of physical retail stores is set to drop below 300,000 for the first time since reunification, as online shopping and rising costs force more closures.

Diesel shortages are spreading across parts of Thailand, with fuel stations running dry and long queues forming. In some provinces, supplies are exhausted within hours, raising concerns over fuel distribution and transport disruptions.

The EU and Australia have reached a free trade agreement after 8 years of negotiations. Tariffs on 99% of EU goods will be eliminated, with added cooperation on defense and critical minerals. #Trade #Economy

The U.S. just moved to block new foreign-made routers from entering its market. The FCC says they pose national security risks, barring approval for new models while allowing existing devices to remain in use. #Tech #Cybersecurity

A new diplomatic channel may be opening in the Iran war: Pakistan. The FT reports Islamabad has been pitched as a possible venue for U.S.-Iran talks as early as this week. #IranWar

Oil prices fell after Trump postponed planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, citing talks with Tehran. Iran denies any negotiations, and analysts say markets are reacting to conflicting signals while uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz remains. #IranWar

Markets may be underestimating the Iran war’s impact: Chevron’s CEO says oil prices don’t yet reflect the full supply shock from the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, with shortages already hitting Asia. #IranWar

Iran denies Trump’s claim of “productive talks,” saying no negotiations with the U.S. have taken place.

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, citing informed sources, reports “special plans” for potential actions targeting Tel Aviv and regional US allies tonight. No details were provided and the claims have not been independently verified.

What’s unclear: what the talks cover, whether Iran is involved, and whether this alters the course of the war. #IranWar

Trump claims “productive conversations” with Iran and says planned strikes on Iranian power plants will be postponed for 5 days. #IranWar