US-Iran Tensions LIVE: Trump Vows Deal With Tehran 'One Way Or Another', Sets Deadline

Rising friction between the United States and Iran pushed global markets on Thursday, lifting oil prices and keeping gold close to record levels as investors reacted to fears of a longer conflict in the Middle East.

Traders grew cautious about possible disruption to energy supplies from the region, a major source of the world’s oil. Brent crude traded near $70.50 a barrel after jumping more than 4% in the previous session, while US crude moved above $65.

Market sentiment remained sensitive to geopolitical developments, with investors closely watching whether the standoff could affect production and shipping routes in the oil-producing zone.

Russia and Iran carried out joint naval exercises on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, at a time of growing strain over Tehran’s nuclear programme and increased US military presence in nearby waters.

The drills come as Washington continues to deploy additional warships closer to Iran, raising concerns about further escalation in the region.

Rear Admiral Hassan Maghsoodloo, spokesperson for the exercises, said the joint operation was intended to strengthen maritime security and improve cooperation at sea. He said the aim was to promote stability and sustainable maritime interaction.

Earlier in the day, the Kremlin expressed concern over what it described as an unprecedented surge in tensions surrounding Iran. Moscow urged all sides, including Tehran, to act with caution and restraint.

While Russia and Iran have signed a strategic partnership treaty, the agreement does not include a mutual defence clause.

The United Kingdom has reportedly refused permission for US forces to use British bases for any potential strike on Iran, according to a report in The Times.

The report states that the White House is preparing detailed military plans that could involve the use of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, a base that hosts America’s heavy bomber fleet in Europe.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Iran saying that Tel Aviv will retaliate forcefully if Iran launches an attack. His remark came after US President Donald Trump again hinted at possible military action against Tehran.

“If the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us, they will receive a response they cannot even imagine,” Netanyahu said in a televised address during a military ceremony.

US President Donald Trump convened an urgent meeting with senior advisers to review the escalating situation with Iran, as reports suggested a possible strike on Tehran could be imminent.

According to US officials cited in media reports, Trump gathered his top team on Wednesday to assess developments in the nuclear standoff. He was updated on the recent talks held in Geneva and discussions focused on possible next steps. Read More

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday urged all Polish nationals to leave Iran after US President Donald Trump again signalled possible military action against the country.

At a press conference, he said, “Everyone who is still in Iran must leave immediately, and under no circumstances should anyone plan to travel to that country,” warning of rapidly rising risks, according to a report by AFP.

He further cautioned that “the possibility of heated conflict is very real, and in a few, a dozen or several dozen hours, evacuation may no longer be an option”.