HEGSETH: WE WOULD MUCH PREFER DEAL WITH IRAN

China: - Kuomintang Chair Johnny Chiang to lead delegation to visit Chinese mainland Markets & equities: - U.S. chip stocks extend losses, Micron falls nearly 10% Iran conflict: - EU Council to extend Iran sanctions mechanism until April 13, 2027 - Iran’s parliament approves tolls on the Strait, to be paid in local currency - Oil refinery in Haifa, Israel, catches fire following missile strike; Donald Trump says response “coming soon” - Trump says serious negotiations underway with Iran; warns of strikes on Iran’s energy, power infrastructure and Kharg Island if talks fail - Iran foreign ministry says withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty under parliamentary review - White House says Trump aims to reach a deal with Iran by April 6; talks ongoing and progressing well; Trump may call on Arab states to “pay” for the war - Iran says U.S. demands are illogical, will not attend Pakistan-led talks - European officials say Iran is pushing Houthis to escalate in the Red Sea, though divisions remain within the group Energy & commodities: - WTI crude futures settle above $100 for the first time since 2022 Central banks: - Federal Reserve Chair Powell says energy shocks are typically temporary; standard response is to “wait them out”; policy stance currently well-positioned

WHITE HOUSE: THE US IS INCREASING ITS LEVERAGE OVER IRAN WITH EACH STRIKE