WASHINGTON: Global oil prices spiked more than two percent on Thursday after US President Donald Trump issued a stark 10-day ultimatum to Iran, warning that Tehran would not be allowd to acquire nuclear weapons “under any circumstances” and that failure to reach an agreement would lead to “bad” consequences.
According to The Wall Street Journal, oil prices rose by 2.19 percent in response to the heightened geopolitical tensions. The spike reflects growing market anxiety over potential supply disruptions in the energy-rich Middle East should the standoff escalate into conflict.
While commodities rallied, the US stock market turned bearish. The technology-heavy Nasdaq and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) both fell by 0.9 percent as investors pivoted away from equities amid the uncertainty. US media reports indicated that gold prices also climbed as traders sought safe-haven assets. Simultaneously, a portion of capital rotated into cryptocurrencies, suggesting investors are diversifying against both geopolitical risk and traditional market volatility.
The market movements were triggered by President Trump’s latest强硬警告 regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power, linking the issue directly to regional stability.
“For peace in the Middle East, Iran will not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. If Iran has nuclear weapons, peace in the region would not be possible,” Trump stated.
The President revealed that while discussions were ongoing, time was running out. “Good talks are taking place with Iran, we want to make a meaningful agreement,” he said. “We will know about Iran in about 10 days. We have to do something with Iran. Iran will have to make an agreement, otherwise the results will be bad.”
The 10-day timeline has injected a new sense of urgency into diplomatic efforts and has left global markets bracing for potential volatility as the deadline approaches.
