16 March 2026
Energy markets dominated global attention as tensions escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, with oil falling 2.8% to $96 despite geopolitical uncertainty. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that Iranian tankers are being allowed through the critical shipping lane, while denying that Washington is intervening in oil markets. Trump’s demands for NATO allies to help secure the waterway drew protests in South Korea, highlighting growing international resistance to American security demands.
Cryptocurrency markets surged as institutional adoption accelerated, with Bitcoin climbing 3.1% to \(74,000 and Ethereum jumping 8.2% to \)2,284. MicroStrategy added another \(1.57 billion in Bitcoin purchases, bringing their holdings to over 760,000 coins, while Japanese firm Metaplanet raised \)255 million specifically for Bitcoin accumulation. The rally came as the SEC dropped its lawsuit against BitClout’s founder, signaling potential regulatory clarity.
In the UK, Prime Minister Starmer announced £53 million in heating oil support for vulnerable households while firmly stating Britain would not be drawn into wider Middle Eastern conflicts. This domestic relief package reflects the broader cost-of-living pressures stemming from regional instability, particularly affecting rural communities dependent on heating oil.
Technology stocks found support from Meta’s massive $27 billion AI infrastructure deal with Nebius, which jumped 14% on the news. Meanwhile, Google and Accel India’s accelerator program selected just 5 startups from over 4,000 applications, with 70% of pitches dismissed as mere “AI wrappers” — suggesting growing selectivity in the AI investment space as the bubble matures.
References
- U.S. is allowing Iranian tankers through Strait of Hormuz, says Bessent
- Bessent says Treasury is not intervening in oil commodities markets and has no authority to do so
- Nebius jumps 14% after inking $27 billion infrastructure deal with Meta
- The billionaires made a promise — now some want out
- Netflix’s ‘Frankenstein’ wins three Oscars, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ wins two
- Google, Accel India accelerator chooses 5 startups and none are ‘AI wrappers’
- Metaplanet raises $255 million to accelerate bitcoin accumulation
- Michael Saylor’s Strategy made another huge buy of bitcoin, adding $1.57 billion worth last week
- SEC drops lawsuit against BitClout’s Nader Al-Naji
- Corruption erodes social trust more in democracies than in autocracies
- Polymarket gamblers threaten to kill me over Iran missile story
- Canada’s bill C-22 mandates mass metadata surveillance
- The Romans 30:40
- Call to Prayers (Adhaan) -
- Al Afuww - العَفُوُّ - The Forgiver
- UK ‘will not be drawn into wider war’ over Iran, says Starmer as he announces £53m to help with heating oil costs – UK politics live
- UK will not be drawn into wider war in Middle East, says Keir Starmer
- UK not obliged to support every demand of ‘transactional’ US president, minister says
- Starmer announces £53m to help households most hit by rising heating oil costs
- Jessie Buckley, Michael B Jordan and One Battle After Another reign at Oscars
- Key Oscars moments as snubbed Chalamet becomes butt of jokes
- South Korean protesters criticise Trump over Hormuz security demand
- In Lebanon, Israel is using occupation as negotiating tool, say analysts
- Destruction in Beirut as bombing and mass displacement continue
- War on Iran: How long can Iran control the Strait of Hormuz?
- South Korean protesters criticise Trump over Hormuz security demand | AJ #shorts
- UK will not be drawn into wider Middle East war: PM Starmer
- Trump warns Nato over securing the Strait of Hormuz | BBC News
- Iran’s FM spokesman denies responsibility in all Gulf attacks, warns of US–Israel ‘false flag’
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US Treasury Secretary Bessent says America is allowing Iranian tankers through Strait of Hormuz and expects traffic to increase before Navy escorts deploy. Oil retreats to \(95.93 as tensions ease, while Ethereum surges 8.2% and Bitcoin holds above \)73,000.
Meta secures massive \(27 billion AI infrastructure deal with Nebius as crypto markets extend gains with Bitcoin approaching \)74,000 and Ethereum surging 7.2%. Oil prices retreat below $100 amid reduced tensions, while UK announces £53 million heating oil support for vulnerable households.
Iran expands attacks to Dubai with drone strike disrupting flights at the international airport, while Trump threatens to hit Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub again “just for fun.” Oil surges past \(100 as retail investors pour record \)211 million into oil ETFs, creating “meme-style” trading conditions.
Japan begins releasing strategic oil reserves as energy crisis intensifies with Strait of Hormuz closure, while UK’s Starmer announces support plan for households facing sharp heating oil price increases.
Two tankers successfully sailed through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the conflict began, providing some relief as oil prices eased from recent highs. Bitcoin briefly topped $74,000 while Ethereum surged 7.5% and Solana climbed 6.3% as crypto markets continue their bullish momentum.
Trump pressures China to help reopen Strait of Hormuz during Treasury Secretary meetings in Paris, potentially delaying their planned March summit. Meanwhile, Ethereum surges 7.7% and Solana climbs 5.7% as crypto markets continue decoupling from traditional assets amid Middle East tensions.
Trump threatens strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub, escalating beyond previous attacks on Hamadan as he seeks coalition support to reopen Strait of Hormuz. Bitcoin surges 3.4% to $73,757 while weakening correlation with traditional markets amid Middle East turmoil.
Fire erupts at Dubai International Airport after drone attack ignites fuel tank, extending Middle East conflict impact beyond Iran. Oil prices surge past $106 per barrel as Trump proposes coalition to secure Strait of Hormuz reopening.
US-Israeli strikes hit Hamadan, Iran as oil prices approach $100 amid escalating Middle East conflict. UK plans to deploy minesweeping drones to help reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz, forcing global shipping to reroute through Syria and Jordan.