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Hopes Rise for Iran War Deal, but Nuclear Standoff Keeps Global Markets on Edge

  Hopes for Deal to End Iran War Grow, but Nuclear Issues Keep Markets Volatile Growing optimism around a possible agreement to end the Iran war has provided some relief to global markets, but the underlying nuclear disputes remain unresolved — and that uncertainty continues to shape economic sentiment worldwide. Recent signals of progress in ceasefire discussions have already triggered sharp market reactions. Reports of “constructive conversations” between the U.S. and Iran pushed oil prices down and lifted global equities, underscoring how sensitive markets remain to any sign of de‑escalation. The conflict has kept the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil supply — partially closed, creating what analysts describe as one of the largest energy supply disruptions in modern history.  Even temporary ceasefire announcements have produced dramatic swings. A recent two‑week truce sent global stocks surging and crude prices plunging more than 16%, reflecting ...

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War of Words: Moscow Rebukes Macron Over ‘Ogre’ Remark

 

                                            Macron


Tensions between Paris and Moscow have sharpened after the Kremlin accused French President Emmanuel Macron of breaching diplomatic decorum with his recent description of Vladimir Putin as “an ogre at our gates.”

The comment, made during a televised interview last week, was among Macron’s strongest public criticisms of the Russian leader since the start of the war in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded on Friday, calling the remark “unworthy of a head of state” and accusing Macron of making “strange statements” that sometimes cross into “low-grade insults”.

Macron’s choice of words reflects his deep skepticism about Moscow’s willingness to pursue peace, even as international efforts — including U.S.-led talks — continue to seek an end to the conflict. France has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, a stance that has repeatedly drawn sharp rebukes from Russian officials.

The latest exchange underscores the fragile state of Franco-Russian relations, where diplomatic language has given way to increasingly personal attacks, further complicating the already fraught path toward any negotiated settlement.

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