ECB's Panetta said ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, together with rising pressure in energy markets, could make Italy more cautious and lead to tighter credit standards.

Conflict Update 1. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched Operation Nasr 2. 2. Iran claims the US has entered a formal state of war. 3. Iran claims an explosion occurred at a US military base in Kuwait. 4. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked US targets in Bahrain. 5. US military: Completed a new round of strikes against Iran; 50,000 troops deployed in the Middle East. 6. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims to have attacked and destroyed two vessels that violated regulations. 7. Iranian media: Iran attacked the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet. 8. Jordan intercepted and shot down four missiles that entered Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory. 9. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims to have attacked a US airbase in Jordan using ballistic missiles. 10. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard: Destroyed a Patriot radar in Bahrain, an air traffic control radar of the US Fifth Fleet, and a C-RAM early warning radar system. 11. According to CNBC: US officials said the US military launched several additional strikes against Iranian military targets on Tuesday, aimed at eliminating emerging threats. 12. Five explosions were heard west of Bandar Abbas, Iran; four locations in Bushehr were hit by enemy artillery fire; air defense systems near the Bushehr nuclear power plant were activated; multiple explosions were heard in Bempourna and Chabahar; Hungam Island was attacked by US artillery fire. Strait of Hormuz 1. The French Defense Minister said the country is prepared to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. 2. Iran is rushing to transport crude oil before the blockade is reinstated; several oil tankers are secretly transiting the strait. 3. The Iranian military: The Strait of Hormuz will not be opened because of "US aggression" and war. 4. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Office: Received a report of an incident 13 nautical miles southeast of Lima, Oman. An oil tanker reported being attacked by a missile while sailing south. 5. White House officials: Trump is "very serious" about the 20% toll plan. 6. Oman reiterated its commitment to continue cooperating with all parties to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. 7. Trump: No one should charge fees for the Strait. 8. Iranian Revolutionary Guard: The reopening of the Strait will be delayed as long as the US continues its actions. 9. US Energy Secretary Wright: There will be no tolls for passage through the Strait. The 20% fee is no longer being considered. Other Developments 1. Lebanon and Israel are negotiating in Italy to finalize an agreement to end the conflict. 2. Sources: Rome negotiations discuss determining the testing zone and the timing of Israeli troop withdrawal. 3. Iranian Foreign Ministry condemns Britain's designation of the Revolutionary Guard as a national security threat. 4. Israeli media: The US has suspended the withdrawal of military aircraft from Israeli airports. 5. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister: Iran currently has no commitments under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

POLITICO: U.S. Trade Representative Greer said trade negotiations with Germany face challenges.