Key Takeaways
- President Trump has set a final deadline of 8 PM ET tomorrow for Iran to reach a deal, threatening the destruction of bridges and power plants if terms are not met.
- The administration is considering the seizure of Iranian oil assets, with Trump stating he is a "businessman first" and that "to the victor belong the spoils."
- Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth confirmed today marks the highest volume of strikes since the operation began, warning that tomorrow’s offensive will be even larger.
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a "major priority" for the U.S. to restore global energy flows and stabilize surging crude prices.
President Donald Trump has issued a definitive 24-hour ultimatum to the Iranian regime, warning that the U.S. will target critical civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if a deal is not reached by 8 PM ET tomorrow night. The President characterized Iran as being at its "weakest point ever" but cautioned that its leadership remains "very skilled deceivers" who have misled U.S. administrations for decades.
Energy markets are reacting sharply to Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. may seize Iranian oil fields to compensate for the costs of the conflict. "I am a businessman first; to the victor belong the spoils," Trump remarked when asked about the potential for long-term control over Iran's natural resources. This stance has heightened volatility for the United States Oil Fund (USO) and major energy producers like Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX).
On the military front, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that today’s air campaign represents the highest volume of strikes since the start of the Iran operation. Hegseth warned Tehran to "choose wisely," noting that Trump "doesn't bluff" and citing the fates of previous adversaries. Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin (LMT) and RTX Corporation (RTX) remain in focus as the administration signals an even more intense wave of strikes for Tuesday.
Diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, primarily through Qatari mediation. The Qatari Foreign Ministry stated that diplomacy is the "sole path" to resolving the crisis, though they expressed opposition to the ongoing targeting of regional nations. While Trump noted that negotiations are "progressing well" and that Iran appears to be an "active and willing participant," he maintained that he cannot yet discuss a ceasefire.
The administration is also looking toward regional allies and proxy forces to stabilize energy output. Trump indicated he expects Kurdish forces to resume oil exports soon, though he has instructed them to "keep their distance" from active strike zones. The President also confirmed he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday to coordinate the next phase of the "Iran rescue operation."
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.