The British pound held firm near $1.34 on hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, with reports indicating Washington proposed a 15-point peace plan to Tehran following a potential one-month ceasefire. Iran dismissed involvement in negotiations, stating, "No one can trust US diplomacy." In the UK, February’s inflation data showed consumer prices unchanged at 3%, matching forecasts, while core CPI edged up to 3.2%, slightly above the expected 3.1%. However, the figures, which predate the Middle East conflict, had little market impact. Investors now anticipate only two Bank of England rate increases by year-end, down from earlier forecasts of three, as easing oil prices reduce concerns over inflationary pressures from high energy costs.