U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States and Iran have been in “very good and productive talks” since late last week to end hostilities, and he therefore ordered a suspension of strikes on Iranian energy. Iran, represented by the Foreign Ministry and parliament speaker, has officially said it is not holding any talks with the Americans. At the same time, an Iranian foreign policy official anonymously confirmed to CBS the receipt of “U.S. proposals.”

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a report that may be more important than any financial summary: the planet is experiencing a record energy imbalance, with heat accumulation unprecedented in the history of measurements.

The governments of Moldova and the German state of Baden-Württemberg will set up an intergovernmental mixed commission to expand cooperation in economy, agriculture, energy and other fields.

In February 2026, Moldova’s energy sector recorded a sustained deflationary dynamic: producer prices decreased by more than 5% with respect to all key comparison periods (January 2026, December and February 2025).

Ships that are not linked to “Iran’s enemies” can pass through the Strait of Hormuz with the agreement of security measures with Tehran. This was stated by the representative of the Islamic Republic to the International Maritime Organization Ali Mousavi, Reuters reports.

The Euro showed surprising stability last week, contrary to the broader change in sentiment over the energy crisis and was the target of a sell-off within a basket of G10 currencies.

The US authorities temporarily allowed the purchase of Iranian oil loaded on tankers earlier than March 20. The relaxation of sanctions will last 30 days. It will allow about 140 million barrels to be brought to the market. The goal is to bring prices down below $100 per barrel.

“The supply shocks underscore the risk that oil prices could stay above $100 longer in risky scenarios with longer disruptions and greater sustained supply losses,” Goldman Sachs analysts said.

Brussels has urged EU states to lower their gas storage fill targets and begin gradual replenishment of reserves amid a surge in energy prices due to the war in the Middle East.

WASHINGTON, DC – The purpose of international sanctions is to inflict economic damage on an adversary. If you’re the United States, you do this by seizing assets or banning transactions with certain countries, often targeting specific people or organizations close to the targeted regime. Given the global reach of the dollar system, U.S. sanctions tend to strike fear everywhere. But now the U.S. finds itself in the shoes of the one receiving them.

The quota trading system has divided EU countries at today’s summit. The 27 leaders agree that energy prices are a serious problem, but disagree on how to solve it.

EU leaders gathered for a summit today to try to persuade Viktor Orban to lift his veto on a 90 billion euros allocation to Ukraine and to discuss the escalating military conflict in the Middle East and high energy prices.

On Wednesday, March 18, global oil prices showed a decline after the news of resumption of oil exports from Iraq’s Kirkuk fields to the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

Ukraine has agreed to EU technical and financial assistance to resume oil supplies through the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Chairman António Costa said that threats against EU leaders were unacceptable, commenting on Ukrainian President Zelensky’s remarks against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The U.S. administration is increasing pressure on its allies and China in an attempt to involve them in an international coalition to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

The National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) has set the maximum fuel prices that will be in effect tomorrow, March 17.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever urged Europe to reach an agreement with Russia to restore access to cheap energy. In turn, the head of the European Commission recognized Europe’s abandonment of nuclear energy as a strategic mistake.

On Friday, Moldovan Prime Minister urged state institutions to set “an example of discipline and responsibility”. He asked them to cut transportation costs by 20% amid rising fuel prices.

NEW YORK – The United States and Israel have launched a war that the Gulf states tried to avert by investing heavily in diplomacy. Now their civilian infrastructure is under daily attack.
