Trump Remains Silent, Iran War Inflames
The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a dangerous phase again after both sides exchanged attacks over the weekend. President Donald Trump's policy direction regarding the conflict remains unclear, even as US military casualties continue to mount.
Tensions have escalated after an Iranian attack killed two US military personnel in Jordan and injured several others. US Central Command also reported that one additional personnel was killed during the controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone in northern Iraq.
Despite the escalating situation, Trump has not publicly signaled a major escalation. He has largely kept his distance from the public spotlight, while his administration has maintained its current approach of attacking Iran while maintaining the flow of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
Some analysts believe the conflict has entered a cycle of tit-for-tat that is becoming increasingly difficult to break. Trust between the two sides has been damaged, and the interim peace deal Trump previously boasted is on the verge of being abandoned entirely.
The US government remains open to diplomatic opportunities, while simultaneously continuing to pressure Iran's ability to disrupt global trade and energy routes. US officials say shipments from the Gulf region are currently only about two-thirds of pre-conflict levels, indicating that the war is beginning to strain supply flows.
As a result, oil prices are likely to remain high due to the still-significant risk of supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz. Gold could receive safe-haven support, but its gains could be restrained if rising oil prices trigger inflation and high interest rate expectations. Meanwhile, the US dollar has the potential to strengthen as investors seek safe assets amid geopolitical uncertainty. (asd)*
Source: Newsmaker.id
