Tue Jun 17 03:01:26 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Global Markets Jittery as Trump’s Iran Warning Sends Oil Prices Soaring**
*Hong Kong, June 17, 2025* – Global markets experienced a volatile Tuesday as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, coupled with a stark warning from former US President Donald Trump, sent oil prices spiraling upwards.
Trump, via social media, urged the immediate evacuation of Tehran, citing Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump’s post said.
The warning triggered a near 2% spike in crude oil prices as fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East intensified. While prices later pared some gains, the threat of further escalation kept investors on edge.
This followed a period of relative calm after initial Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Market optimism that the conflict would remain contained had initially pushed oil prices down on Monday.
The US military has repositioned assets in the region, with the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier leaving Southeast Asia and additional capabilities being deployed to the Middle East.
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists Israel’s campaign is changing the Middle East, Iran’s foreign minister claims the US President could halt the attacks with a single phone call.
Despite the instability, most Asian stock markets rose, led by Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, and Taipei, suggesting a cautious optimism that the conflict remains limited.
However, the situation remains fluid, and traders are closely monitoring developments as Iran reportedly seeks de-escalation talks, while Israel shows no sign of slowing its military campaign.
Adding to the global economic uncertainty, world leaders at the G7 summit in Canada are pressuring Trump to reverse course on his trade war policies, warning of the risks to global economic stability. Central bank decisions, particularly from the Bank of Japan, are also being closely watched this week.
First Piper 