The situation in the Middle East remains deadlocked. According to a report from Xinhua News Agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Iran seeks a complete, comprehensive, and lasting end to the war, rather than a temporary ceasefire. Amirabdollahian revealed that while several countries have initiated efforts to push for a ceasefire, Iran is only considering solutions that would end the conflict decisively. He emphasized that Iran demands guarantees against further attacks and compensation for losses incurred.

In a separate development, the latest report from CCTV News indicates that a magnitude 4.0 earthquake occurred in Iran's Hamadan Province at 3:23 a.m. local time on March 21. The provincial crisis management department stated that the quake had a depth of approximately 5 kilometers, with the epicenter located about 6 kilometers north of Firuzan in Hamadan Province, near the border with Kermanshah Province.

On March 21, citing a Kyodo News report, Xinhua News Agency reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian reiterated Iran's position for a thorough and durable resolution to the war, opposing any temporary truce. In a telephone interview with Kyodo News on March 20, Amirabdollahian described the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran as illegal and unjustified acts of aggression, calling for global unity in opposition.

He noted that while multiple nations are advocating for a ceasefire, Iran insists on a comprehensive settlement that ensures the country will not face further assaults and receives reparations for damages. Amirabdollahian also expressed doubt that the United States is prepared for negotiations. Additionally, he indicated Iran's willingness to consult with Japan to permit the passage of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transport route.

It is noteworthy that the spillover effects of the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran are becoming increasingly evident. According to a report from Iran's Tasnim News Agency on March 21, Iran issued a warning to residents of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, urging them to evacuate via designated routes. The report stated that given Ras Al Khaimah's use in operations targeting Iranian islands, it is likely to become a target in the near future. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran posted on social media the same day, warning that Ras Al Khaimah would face severe consequences if Iranian islands are attacked again from the UAE.

In related news, regarding the attack on the port of Anzali on Iran's northern Caspian Sea coast, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova strongly criticized the action on March 20, pointing out that it risks dragging Caspian littoral states into military conflict. According to a statement published on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website, Zakharova stated that Anzali Port is a vital trade and logistics hub and a key port for bilateral trade between Russia and Iran. The airstrikes have adversely affected the economic interests of Russia and other Caspian coastal nations that rely on the port for transportation links with Iran.

Zakharova emphasized that the Caspian Sea has always been regarded by surrounding countries and the international community as a zone of peace and cooperation. She described the aggressor's reckless and irresponsible actions as dangerous, potentially drawing Caspian states into the military conflict. Russia once again strongly appealed to all relevant parties to cease hostilities immediately and work towards a political resolution to the Middle East conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces stated that Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted airstrikes on what they described as key Iranian naval infrastructure along the Caspian coast on March 18. The targets reportedly included port facilities and dozens of Iranian naval vessels docked there. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Iran's Anzali Port was hit by missile attacks during these airstrikes.

In response to the U.S. announcement regarding sanctions relief, Iran's Oil Ministry spokesman, Sameer Goudarzi, stated via his personal social media account on the evening of March 20 that Iran currently has virtually no surplus crude oil stranded at sea available for supply to other international markets. He characterized recent remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary regarding the matter as purely intended to create hope among buyers, provide psychological reassurance, and manipulate market sentiment.

According to U.S. Treasury Department information, the United States approved a 30-day authorization on March 20, permitting the delivery and sale of vessels loaded with crude oil and petroleum products originating from Iran. The new license allows for the sale of Iranian oil and petroleum products that had already been loaded onto vessels by March 20. U.S. Treasury Secretary stated that the Treasury is issuing a narrow, specific, and short-term authorization to allow the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea.

The Secretary mentioned that by temporarily releasing this existing supply for global use, the United States would quickly provide approximately 140 million barrels of oil to the global market. This temporary, short-term authorization is strictly limited to oil already in transit and does not permit new purchases or production activities.

The ongoing escalation of hostilities following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran has led to disruptions in transit through the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant increases in international oil prices. Retail prices for gasoline and diesel in the United States have also continued to climb. After the U.S. stock market closed on Friday, media reports citing informed sources indicated that the U.S. government plans to release approximately 45 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the initial phase, aimed at curbing rising fuel prices.

This action is considered a preliminary step in a larger emergency SPR release plan totaling 172 million barrels. It also forms part of the global coordinated oil储备 release plan announced by the International Energy Agency (IEA) last Friday. Against the backdrop of supply disruptions and geopolitical risks, the market is closely assessing whether the large-scale use of strategic reserves will act as a short-term pain reliever or become a key variable that alters the trend of oil prices.

Based on the information revealed this Friday, the initial U.S. release volume accounts for about 26% of its total planned SPR release. The IEA previously announced that its 32 member countries have agreed to collectively release a total of 400 million barrels from their strategic petroleum reserves. This represents the largest collective release action in the IEA's history. Following the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict, IEA members released a combined total of approximately 183 million barrels in two actions; the current plan doubles that volume.