BY TYLER DURDEN
MONDAY, MAR 16, 2026 – 12:30 PM
Summary:
- Iran FM Araghchi and US envoy Witkoff have been in contact via text messages in recent days: Israeli media
- Trump speculates on Iran’s leadership, talks: Said "we don’t even know their leaders" – top Iranian officials – possibly even Ayatollah Khamenei – may be dead, while also claiming "they are negotiating" but may not yet be ready for deal.
- Trump asked about Israeli nukes and escalation: "Israel wouldn’t do that."
- Trump reiterates military campaign continuing in full force, main efforts to Iran’s threat to shipping
- Trump presses for multinational Hormuz escort coalition as allies hesitate; Bessent says US allowing limited Iranian, Chinese, and Indian tanker transits “for now” to stabilize global supply.
- Headlines, rumors fly on new Ayatollah’s personal life & whether he’s actually in charge.
- Bessent downplays link to Trump-Xi summit, calling any potential delay “logistical” due to Iran war coordination needs.
- Trump floated delaying March 31–April 2 Beijing meeting unless China helps reopen Strait fully, citing Beijing’s heavy reliance on Gulf oil.
- Europe reluctant to join Hormuz operation, Germany outright rejects it alongside Italy and Greece: Trump warned of a "very bad" future for NATO if allies don’t help reopen the strait. UK also says it won’t be ‘NATO-led’.
- Iran rejects ceasefire, vows prolonged defense; selective Hormuz policy continues, with traffic still down 70-90% and only “friendly” vessels passing safely.
- Gulf energy infrastructure under ongoing attack; regional proxies (Houthis, others) threaten further disruptions to bypass routes.
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