Trump pledges further Iran strikes after attacks resume
President Donald Trump promised further strikes on Iran after attacks resumed this week, despite saying earlier that a peace deal was close. Brent crude climbed above $84 a barrel, while Asian stock markets opened lower on the news.
According to the White House, President Trump said the United States would continue targeted strikes inside Iran in the coming days. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said the U.S. would hit Iran very hard and that Tehran would have to accept terms it had previously rejected. CENTCOM confirmed that the limited-scope operations were aimed at radar and missile infrastructure.
Market reaction was contained. Brent futures rose above $84 a barrel while WTI held around $80. Goldman Sachs analysts said the short-term risk premium was about 5 percent and noted that tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was continuing. JPMorgan added that crude would need a physical disruption in the strait to push durably above $85.
In Washington, lawmakers reopened the war-powers debate. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine said he would bring a resolution to limit presidential authority to a vote next week. The Treasury announced a new sanctions package targeting third-party shippers of Iranian crude. Not investment advice.
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