JAPAN'S NIKKEI SLUMPS 13.2% IN MARCH, BIGGEST MONTHLY DROP SINCE OCT 2008

IRAN’S TOP MILITARY HEADQUARTERS SPOX: ISRAEL STRUCK A DESALINATION PLANT IN KUWAIT IN AN ATTEMPT TO FALSELY BLAME TEHRAN

Japan’s economy and health ministries are forming a joint task force to prevent shortages of medicines and medical supplies amid disruptions from the Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure risks. The focus is on critical items such as blood products, dialysis equipment, syringes and gloves that rely on petrochemical inputs like naphtha and ethylene. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said there is no immediate disruption, while METI Minister Ryosei Akazawa said Japan will secure alternative global supplies if needed. Authorities warned of potential longer-term risks due to import dependence, though firms including Nipro, Olympus and Terumo said production remains stable.