US-Iran Tensions Remain, Markets Watch This!
Tensions between the US and Iran continue despite ongoing negotiations. President Donald Trump stated that the US is in the "final stages" of negotiations, fueling investor hopes for a deal that could calm markets. However, Trump also warned of the possibility of further attacks if Iran rejects US terms.
The US is demanding that Iran halt its nuclear enrichment program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to trade, while Iran has stated it wants its port blockage lifted first. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed that his country will not yield to pressure, calling coercive measures an illusion.
Tensions have escalated with Iran's threat to retaliate outside the Middle East if the US or Israel attacks again. The IRGC has stated it will deliver "a hard blow in an unexpected place," stressing Iran's continued military capabilities despite previous airstrikes.
Asian stock markets followed Wall Street's rally, driven by temporary optimism over progress in negotiations, while Brent crude edged higher above $105 per barrel after falling more than 5% earlier. Some analysts warn that oil flows from the Middle East will not fully recover until 2027 even if the conflict ends soon.
The US also detained and then released an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, highlighting tensions over traffic control in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed 26 vessels passed through the Strait in the past 24 hours, demonstrating its efforts to maintain influence over this strategic waterway.
This situation has the potential to increase volatility in commodity and currency markets. Oil is at risk of upward pressure if tensions escalate again, gold could experience safe-haven demand, and the US dollar could fluctuate according to global risk perceptions.
Key Points:
- US-Iran negotiations are in their final stages, but the threat of attack remains.
- Iran refuses to give in and asserts a firm position.
- IRGC threatens retaliation outside the Middle East if aggression occurs.
- Asian stock markets rebound, Brent prices edge up.
- Tensions impact oil, gold, and the US dollar. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
