Iran Military Central Command Spokesperson, in English: "MR. Trump, the gambler, you may start this war — but we will be the ones to end it".

Iran Military Central Command Spokesperson, in English: "MR. Trump, the gambler, you may start this war — but we will be the ones to end it".

US President Donald Trump's recent strikes on key nuclear programme sites in Iran have sparked a surge in global oil prices, with Brent crude hitting $81.40 a barrel, a 5.7% increase [1]. The strikes, which Trump claimed were "completely and fully obliterated," have escalated tensions between Israel and Iran, with both sides exchanging missile strikes [1].

The US strikes have also drawn international condemnation, with Russia's UN envoy warning of a potential large-scale conflict with dangerous global consequences if de-escalation efforts fail [1]. Meanwhile, Iran has accused the US of derailing diplomatic efforts and vowed to determine the "timing, nature and scale" of its response [1].

The Israeli military has targeted several Iranian military locations, including storage and missile launching infrastructure sites, military satellites, and radar sites [1]. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after Iranian missiles caused significant damage in Tel Aviv, injuring numerous civilians and destroying buildings [2].

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that the US is targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, not the country itself, and has credited the strikes with setting Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by several years [1]. However, Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while Israel is widely believed to have nuclear weapons [1].

The conflict has also led to growing regional instability, with India evacuating its nationals from Mashhad [1]. The global oil market has reacted sharply to the US strikes, with Brent crude prices surging due to fears of potential disruptions in energy supply from West Asia [1].

As the situation continues to unfold, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the developments, as they have significant implications for global energy markets and geopolitical stability.

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/donald-trump-us-strikes-make-iran-great-again-khamenei-nuclear-israel-125062300135_1.html
[2] https://www.kcra.com/article/trump-iran-strike-decision-israel-conflict/65116064