The comprehensive contest of energy, economy, and finance—don’t get fooled by Old Trump

As fighting flares up again in the Middle East, it may seem sudden, but in reality it is an inevitable outcome of multi-party games involving energy, the economy, and finance. Old Trump is “enjoying” control over global markets and crude oil, and we need to see these points clearly:

• US-Iran conflict and agreement tug-of-war: Three US destroyers pass through the Strait of Hormuz and are met with Iran’s retaliation. Iran accuses the US of violating the ceasefire agreement, while Old Trump says the strikes do not affect the agreement and claims that negotiations with Iran “may be reached at any time or may not be reached,” in essence manipulating the market through an ambiguous stance.

• Positions and actions of the parties: The US, the EU, and Iran are aligned in their stance toward preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Iran is explicit that its right to enrich uranium is a bottom line and that it will not make concessions. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, because the US is downplaying its attacks on Iran, suspend their use rights for US military bases and airspace. The United Arab Emirates forms a committee to record Iran’s “aggressive acts,” laying the groundwork for participation in the fighting. Israel’s strikes in Lebanon have reached the capital Beirut, with the US effectively giving its approval, while Iran currently has no capacity to deal with it.

• Competition over markets and resources: A large-scale oil slick appears at Iran’s key oil export port, Kharg Island, and oil exports are hindered. Old Trump releases hints about an agreement being reached one moment, then says it will not be reached the next—manipulating international crude oil and gold prices and reaping the market.

This Middle East game is no longer simply a matter of military and politics—it is an all-round contest involving energy, the economy, and finance. In the face of Old Trump’s “hustling,” we should maintain reverence toward the market, and don’t get reaped by information gaps and timing gaps. We also recommend learning more about financial and economic history to see through the logic of capital games.