Tensions between the US and Iran have risen again following a new maritime incident in the Gulf of Oman. US President Donald Trump announced that the USS Spruance, a US Navy destroyer, intercepted a cargo ship named “Touska,” believed to be linked to Iran, in the Gulf of Oman. Trump stated that US Marines had secured the ship and launched an investigation into its cargo.
From the Iranian side, harsh statements were issued. The Iranian military claimed that the US violated the ceasefire by firing on a commercial ship. Officials stated that the attacked ship was sailing from China to Iran, and accused the US of “maritime piracy” and “armed robbery.” Iran’s top military command said that a response to this action would be given soon and that retaliation was inevitable.
These developments immediately impacted global markets. US index futures saw sharp declines; S&P 500 futures fell by approximately 0.9%, while Nasdaq 100 futures lost nearly 1%. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin’s price dropped to $74,148.
Tensions also rose in energy markets. Following Iran’s renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Brent crude oil prices increased by 7.3% to $96.94 per barrel.
*This is not investment advice.
