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Source: Newsmaker.id
US President Donald Trump predicted that the latest offensive against Iran would not be prolonged. He also reiterated the claim that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that lies at the heart of the conflict between the two nations.
The US military launched its second wave of attacks in three days, targeting radar installations and mine-laying capabilities along Iran's southern coast. Trump claimed that all new equipment Iran had deployed around Hormuz had been destroyed.
Although he described the campaign as likely to be brief, Trump emphasized that Washington remained ready to strike again at any moment. Iran retaliated by launching drones and missiles at several US bases across the Middle East.
The Iranian government alleged that a US strike hit a wedding party in the coastal city of Sirik. The Iranian Red Crescent reported at least four deaths and approximately 67 injuries, though these figures have not been independently verified. The US military denied targeting civilians.
Trump's statement caused Brent crude prices to fall 0.6% to around US$95.10 per barrel, down from a high of US$97. Nevertheless, the international benchmark remains up roughly 58% for the year, driven by the conflict and disruptions to regional energy flows.
This latest round of fighting ends a month-long lull, during which oil shipments through Hormuz had recovered to nearly half of pre-war volumes. Diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked following the collapse of a tentative peace agreement in June, with neither side showing a willingness to return to the negotiating table.
Trump's remarks regarding a short-lived operation could dampen the risk premium, potentially causing Brent prices to pull back to the US$93–US$94 range and reducing gold's "safe-haven" appeal. However, should the US launch further attacks or Iran disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Brent prices could test the US$97–US$100 level and gold might see modest gains, although rising inflation and bond yields could limit any such upward movement.