U.S. Military Planning for Potential Strikes on -2-

0618 GMT - Oil prices rise after President Trump set a Tuesday night deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to target bridges and electric plants. In early European trading, Brent crude rises 1.3% to $111.15 a barrel, while WTI is up 2.6% to $115.3 a barrel. "Oil is holding its gains because the battlefield risk is no longer theoretical," says Priyanka Sachdeva from Phillip Nova. "Attacks on energy and shipping assets continue, and traders fear that even if the war ends, damage to infrastructure could sideline barrels for months, not days." Hopes for a deal, however, soured after Iran rejected the latest proposal to end hostilities for 45 days and asked for guarantees for a permanent cease-fire, lifting of sanctions, and a new arrangement for governing the Strait of Hormuz. ([e-mail])

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Aluminum Supply Losses Could Persist Throughout Year -- Market Talk

0524 GMT - Aluminum supply losses amid the Middle East conflict could persist through 2026, say Morgan Stanley analysts. Timelines to restart disrupted operations--accounting for roughly 4% of global supply--could be up to 12 months, MS says. As a result, MS analysts "see upside risks to aluminum prices for 2026." The bank highlights rising regional premiums in Japan, Europe and the U.S. versus the London benchmark, as the market for physical metal tightens. To be sure, softer global growth could cap gains via weaker demand, MS adds. Among Australian stocks, South32 is the bank's preferred way to bet on higher aluminum prices, while Rio Tinto also stands to benefit, MS says.([e-mail]; @RhiannonHoyle)

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-07-26 0710ET