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Englishعربي
US Treasuries edged higher on Tuesday as President Donald Trump escalated threats to destroy Iranian infrastructure if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, amid ongoing airstrikes and rejected ceasefire proposals.[2][5] Oil prices climbed for a third straight day, stocks whipsawed, and risk assets like Bitcoin slid, reflecting investor fears of further escalation in the US-Iran conflict.[3][7]
Trump, in a Monday press conference and social media posts, demanded freedom of navigation through the Hormuz strait as a non-negotiable condition for any deal, warning that Iran could be "wiped out" or sent "back to the stone ages" if the deadline passes without compliance.[5][6] He specifically threatened strikes on civilian targets including power plants, bridges, and water facilities, while claiming the US has already "won" the war but insisting on tough terms.[4] According to Bloomberg reports, Trump extended an initial deadline by one day, heightening tensions as bond traders anticipate the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady amid war uncertainty.
Iran rejected a proposed 45-day ceasefire on Monday, demanding instead a permanent end to hostilities, lifted sanctions, reconstruction aid, and protocols for safe Hormuz passage.[3] Tehran shows no signs of yielding, with both sides trading airstrikes—Israel has warned Iranian civilians to avoid trains amid attacks on major sites, as reported by The Independent. Bloomberg analysts describe "slim hope for resolution" before the deadline, noting Trump's mixed rhetoric has created uncertainty even within his administration.
Financial markets are reeling from the volatility. Oil advanced sharply due to fears of prolonged disruptions in the world's key oil chokepoint, with crude up amid Trump's ultimatums, per Bloomberg and BBC coverage. Gold dipped slightly as traders weighed growth impacts, Japan's 30-year bond auction saw tepid demand from cautious investors, and S&P 500 futures dropped. Bitcoin and broader equities struggled for direction in Asia, caught in the risk-off mood.[7]
The conflict disrupts global energy flows, hitting economies reliant on Middle Eastern oil hardest—Asian nations like Japan have already struck separate deals with Iran to secure supplies, as BBC notes.[6] A protracted war could spike inflation worldwide, slow growth, and force central banks into extended easy-policy stances. Trump dismissed war crimes concerns, saying he's "not worried," while admitting uncertainty about whether the war is winding down or intensifying.
What happens next hinges on Iran's response by Tuesday evening. Failure to reopen Hormuz could trigger US strikes, per Trump's warnings, potentially broadening the conflict involving Israel and regional players.[1][4] Ceasefire talks remain stalled, with international pressure mounting from voters and leaders, though White House sources insist negotiations continue.[3][4] Markets will watch closely, as any escalation risks deeper shocks to energy prices and trade.