Summary

  • Sentiment in early morning trade was lifted after Al Arabiya reported that “the coming hours will witness a breakthrough for the situation of the ships stuck in the strait”.

  • Pakistani sources said Trump has demanded Iran’s “immediate response” to Washington’s peace proposal.

  • White House on Wednesday had said it expects a response to the latest offer within 48 hours.

  • French nuclear-powered carrier steams through Suez Canal in support mission as Europe seeks diplomatic influence over Hormuz outcome.

  • First Chinese tanker reportedly attacked: shipping industry source told Caixin that this was the first time a Chinese tanker was hit in the three-month-long war, calling it “psychologically very hard to accept.”

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/first-chinese-tanker-attacked-near-hormuz-beijing-urges-waterway-reopened

AND

Trump Paused Project Freedom After Gulf Allies Reportedly Suspended Base, Airspace Access

President Trump abruptly halted plans to support commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Saudi Arabia suspended US military access to its bases and airspace for the operation, two US officials told NBC. Kuwait is reported to have imposed similar restrictions in wake of being on the receiving end of Iranian missiles.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/trump-paused-project-freedom-after-gulf-ally-reportedly-suspended-base-airspace-access