The popular AI framework Virtuals Protocol will host an in-person meet-up in Hong Kong on Friday, January 17.

On April 17, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei announced that in light of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, Iran will honor its earlier commitment this month to allow non-military vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. However, these vessels must use Iran’s designated waterway and coordinate with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Navy. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Baghaei warned the U.S. naval blockade would be deemed a violation of the ceasefire agreement. If the blockade persists, Iran will take necessary countermeasures. Baghaei also urged the media and public not to fall for the enemy’s propaganda tactics, noting the enemy often makes contradictory statements in a single day to manipulate public opinion. He emphasized Iran is the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and will never compromise on protecting the interests and rights of the Iranian people.

April 18, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said he’s cautious about near-term interest rate cuts due to an energy shock from the Iran conflict, warning the unrest could sustainably impact inflation. In his remarks, Waller outlined two key scenarios: 1. **If the Strait of Hormuz reopens and trade flows normalize**: Officials can look past the energy price surge and shift focus to a weakening job market later this year. “If that happens, I think underlying inflation could keep falling toward the 2% target—meaning I’d be wary of cuts now, and more likely to support a cut later this year when the outlook is stable,” he noted. 2. **Risk of prolonged conflict**: Waller warned oil prices and markets have underestimated this risk. “On inflation, the longer the conflict drags on and energy prices stay high, the more likely those costs will seep into other prices as businesses factor energy expenses into their pricing,” he said. He added that if prolonged conflict unfolds al

April 18 — As it enforces a maritime blockade on Iran, the Trump administration is weighing restarting diplomatic efforts in the coming days, possibly redeploying senior officials to Pakistan to resume talks with Iran. Arrangements are still under review, with talks potentially restarting as early as next Monday. Vice President Pence is a potential delegation head, and he may travel to Islamabad alongside Middle East Envoy Wittkof to pick up previous backchannel talks. Last week’s talks in Pakistan failed to yield a breakthrough, as the U.S. and Iran remain at odds over core issues including Iran’s nuclear activities and terms for ending tensions. Still, both the U.S. and Iran have signaled openness to continuing dialogue, meaning diplomatic channels remain open. Meanwhile, European leaders held an emergency meeting in Paris to discuss safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with proposed measures including escort operations, mine clearance, and intelligence s

April 18 – Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the Strait of Hormuz transit is rooted in the April 8 ceasefire agreement. No new deal has been struck between Iran and the U.S. on the strait issue, and the “media war” led by the opposing side should be ignored. A senior Iranian official noted the precondition for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is all parties adhering to the ceasefire terms. Significant differences persist between Iran and the U.S. – including on the nuclear issue – that demand serious negotiations.

On April 18, a senior Iranian official said a preliminary agreement could be reached in the coming days, with a possible ceasefire extension. Such a deal would create room for talks on lifting sanctions and securing compensation for war damages. Iran is ready to assure the international community its nuclear program is peaceful if its demands are met. (Source: Jinse)