Welcome to The Tribune’s Summary
Hello everyone, today is Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Let’s start with the news. The United States has sent a plan to Iran to end the war in the Middle East. Shipping company Cosco has announced the resumption of maritime freight in the Gulf. Lastly, the European Central Bank assures that it has “options” to deal with rising oil prices.
The ECB states it has a range of options to face the energy shock
The European Central Bank has various options to respond to the energy shock related to the Iran war, measures that will be adjusted according to its extent and duration, said the institution’s president, Christine Lagarde.
The ECB will not be “paralyzed by hesitation” and has a “gradual range of response options” in terms of monetary policy, she said, without specifying which ones.
To fully understand: Tightening of monetary policy, Christine Lagarde, the finger on the trigger
Washington presents a 15-point plan to Tehran to end the war
According to several media reports, the United States has presented a 15-point plan to Iran in an effort to end the conflict. For example, they ask Tehran to return all enriched nuclear fuel it possesses or keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
According to three unidentified sources cited by Channel 12, the American negotiators – special envoy Steve Witkoff or Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner – propose a one-month ceasefire for Iranian authorities to consider their demands.
“Has your internal struggle reached the point where you negotiate with yourselves?” responded Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Iranian army’s central command. He added, “We can never agree with people like you.”
Also read: Insider trading? A suspicious spike in oil tanker deals just before Trump’s announcement on Iran
China Eastern announces purchase of 101 Airbus A320neo for $15.8 billion
Chinese airline China Eastern Airlines announced on Wednesday that it has signed a deal worth $15.8 billion for the acquisition of 101 A320neo aircraft from European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2032, according to China Eastern Airlines in a statement to the Shanghai stock exchange. The delivery schedule “may be adjusted according to real circumstances, subject to mutual agreement between the two parties,” the statement said.
Chinese maritime carrier Cosco announces partial resumption of Gulf freight bookings
Chinese maritime giant Cosco announced on Wednesday that it will resume container freight bookings to most Gulf countries.
This immediate resumption applies to “general” freight containers to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, Cosco said in a statement. The list does not include Iran.
In early March, Cosco announced the suspension of its services to and from the Gulf due to the war. Its statement did not mention freight from the region.
EU approves alliance in electricity sector between TotalEnergies and EPH
The European Union has approved an alliance in the electricity sector between TotalEnergies and EPH, the group of Czech magnate Daniel Kretinsky, an operation that will make him one of the top shareholders of the French oil giant.
Announced in November, the deal involves the creation of a joint venture for electricity production in Western Europe, operating in Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK, and France.
TotalEnergies will acquire 50% of a flexible electricity production activity (gas and biomass power plants, batteries) in this operation owned by EPH, a Czech group where Daniel Kretinsky, an energy, media, and distribution magnate, is the majority shareholder.
Economic agenda of the day:
4:10 pm | US – Speech by Fed Governor Stephen Miran
4:30 pm | France – Bill aimed at supporting and valuing local businesses
5:30 pm | France – Multi-year Energy Programming (PPE): Hearing of Roland Lescure and Maud Bregeon, before the finance and sustainable development commissions of the National Assembly
6:00 pm | France – Bill aimed at regulating the establishment of data centers on French territory
Until March 27: China – SEMICON CHINA Semiconductor Exhibition
Corporate results:
Bel: 2025 annual results
Showroomprive: 2025 annual results
(Prepared with AFP and Reuters)
