Just now, a collective surge! Malaysia suddenly announced! Involving the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz brings good news!

According to the latest reports, Malaysia states that Iran has allowed some of its tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This move alleviates concerns about energy supply disruptions caused by the war in Iran.

In the past 24 hours, the number of Iran-related vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz has slightly increased, mainly consisting of bulk carriers and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers.

On March 27, during trading, the FTSE China A50 futures and the MSCI China A50 Index both surged significantly, rising 1.09% and 1.20%, respectively, at the time of publication. Additionally, the Nikkei 225 futures rose over 2%, Nasdaq futures gained 0.64%, Dow futures increased 0.51%, and S&P 500 futures climbed 0.57%.

The main indices of the A-share and Hong Kong stock markets opened lower but rose throughout the day. As of the time of publication, the ChiNext Index gained over 1%, the Shenzhen Component Index rose 1.46%, the Shanghai Composite Index increased 0.73%, the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 1.38%, and the Hang Seng Index climbed 0.80%. Sectors such as lithium, non-ferrous metals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemicals all strengthened.

The South Korean and Japanese stock markets also experienced a rebound after hitting lows. As of the time of publication, the South Korean KOSPI Index slightly fell by 0.14%, previously having dropped over 4%; the Nikkei 225 Index rose 0.11%, having previously fallen over 2%.

Latest Developments in the Strait of Hormuz

According to the New York Times, on Thursday local time, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar announced that Iran would allow Malaysian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The report indicated that it is currently unclear how many Malaysian vessels will be permitted to pass through the strait.

Despite being an oil-producing country, Malaysia’s oil imports still exceed its exports, making nearly half of its supply reliant on the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, Tehran had stated that vessels unrelated to Israel or the United States would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The market has been closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz for signs of disruption or easing of tensions, as the ongoing strain between Washington and Tehran continues to cause volatility in energy prices. The strait is a vital artery for global crude oil circulation.

On the 26th, U.S. President Trump stated that Iran had allowed 10 tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “gift.” Foreign media pointed out that Trump’s remarks indicated that at least some oil transport is still occurring through the waterway, which may alleviate current supply concerns.

In the past 24 hours, the number of Iran-related vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz has slightly increased, mainly consisting of bulk carriers and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers. Vessel tracking data shows that multiple ships, including five bulk carriers, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Two LPG carriers associated with Iran began departing from the Persian Gulf on Thursday morning.

After Trump extended the possible deadline for military action against Iranian energy facilities to April 6, the stock market received support. This move marked a drastic shift in Trump’s tone surrounding the war, indicating a potential path toward de-escalation.

Nevertheless, uncertainty remains. The Iranian leadership is still reluctant to engage in direct negotiations with Washington, even as it reviews U.S. proposals.

Becerra: U.S. Insurance Plan to Launch Soon

U.S. Treasury Secretary Becerra stated that a U.S. insurance plan aimed at facilitating shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be launched soon, which could help restore the flow of global oil and gas supplies. Becerra made this statement during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Thursday.

Weeks ago, Trump first announced that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation would provide insurance guarantees with naval escorts to help ensure the safe passage of tankers and other vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Although this plan was announced on March 3, there is no evidence that any vessels benefiting from this initiative have passed through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas flow.

Becerra remarked, “The oil market is well-supplied. We have taken action to ensure that oil supplies stranded at sea can enter the global market. Bold initiatives, like the maritime reinsurance program launched in conjunction with the Central Command, will soon provide unprecedented security for shipping through the Gulf region.”

Becerra made these comments as concerns grow over the soaring oil and gas prices during the Iranian war and the ongoing risks of energy supply shocks even after the conflict ends. Trump had previously threatened to strike Iranian power plants but later deferred this threat, while Iran vowed in response to “completely” close the Strait of Hormuz and target energy facilities in the region.

U.S. Secretary of State: Negotiations Have Made Progress

According to CCTV News, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated on the 26th that negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have made progress, but he would not disclose further details.

Rubio spoke to the media at the airport before heading to France for the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, saying that some countries are acting as intermediaries to assist in the exchange of information, and some progress has indeed been made in this regard, but it remains “a continuous and variable process,” and therefore he would not publicly discuss or disclose the details of the negotiations.

According to U.S. sources, the U.S. will pressure other countries during the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting to assist in “reopening” the Strait of Hormuz. In response to a question, Rubio stated, “Providing assistance is in their interest,” and “they should take action for this.”

Earlier on the same day, U.S. President Trump’s envoy Whitaker confirmed during a cabinet meeting at the White House that the U.S. had conveyed a “15-point plan” to Iran through Pakistan regarding ending hostilities. Trump stated at the meeting that the U.S. is engaging in substantive dialogue with “key relevant individuals.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif stated on the 25th that in recent days, the U.S. has conveyed messages to Iran through several friendly countries, and Iran has sent warnings or positions back to the U.S. through these mediators. “This is not negotiation or dialogue, but rather an exchange of information.” A senior official indicated that Iran rejected the U.S. proposed ceasefire plan and presented five conditions regarding the ceasefire.

Typesetting: Wang Lulu

Proofreading: Lü Jiubiao