Geopolitical tension continues with reports that Trump held a tense call with Israel’s Netanyahu over Lebanon. Trump wants Israel to slow down its bombing of Lebanon while negotiations on a ceasefire with Iran continue. Netanyahu does not want to stop the bombing.
In other geopolitical news:
- Iran also wants the frozen assets released before negotiations begin.
- Kuwait says that Iranian attacks overnight targeted National Guard facilities, injuring a number of individuals, and a total of 7 drone strikes were dealt with during the past 24 hours.
- The Iranian army said that its forces have their finger on the trigger and remain on alert due to the failure of Israel and the United States to fulfill their ceasefire obligations.
- Meanwhile, Vice President Vance warned Iran that Washington was “ready to extend an open hand” in this weekend’s negotiations, but warned Tehran not to “try to manipulate us.”
- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanese officials to stop what he called “free concessions” to Israel, pledging that the group’s resistance would continue “until the last breath.” He framed the conflict as a unified national effort and dismissed Israeli threats as ineffective, while warning that any escalation – especially the deployment of large numbers of troops – would lead to heavy casualties.
The price of crude oil rose by $0.68 to reach $98.58. Although this is well below the high of $117.63 reached in Tuesday’s trading, the price remains near the $100 level. Before the war started on February 28, the price reached as low as $63.60.
