The comments are coming from the IRGC in saying that they have targeted US-linked steel and aluminum facilities in Gulf states. Adding that these strikes are just a “warning” for now. And if Iranian facilities and industries are hit again, the IRGC vows that “the next response will be more painful”.
Despite what Trump claims about the war winding down, Iran certainly doesn’t agree to that rhetoric. As mentioned earlier, there is still a lot of uncertainty up in the air.
The US may pull back and gradually wind down any military operations, but what about Israel? Besides that, Iran is not likely to stop hostilities especially when US ground troops are continuing to maintain presence around the region.
But more importantly for markets, all of this just continues to fuel Iran’s desire to maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz. Come what may, that is the biggest thing giving Tehran any leverage in dealing with this situation.
The US may eventually transition to hanging up the “mission accomplished” banner. However, it doesn’t mean anything unless it is accompanied by the reopening of the strait.
And as mentioned before, nothing changes for markets until something changes on the Strait of Hormuz. For now, it seems that the status quo will carry on for a few more weeks.
