Geopolitics, Spiking Oil, and Staying Invested Amid the Iran Conflict

At the start of the week, financial markets stumbled, and crude oil prices neared $120 a barrel amid anxiety over the escalating conflict with Iran. Days after predicting an extended campaign, President Donald Trump unexpectedly shifted to a restrained tone, signaling with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that wider escalation might not be imminent. He indicated possible de-escalation, noting the operation was progressing quickly. That day, Trump spoke for the first time this year with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war.

Trump’s shift in tone stood in sharp contrast to his earlier social media post. That message, from Saturday, issued a stern warning aimed at global markets: the United States was prepared to strike additional targets in Iran beyond the initial list. He asserted, “Today Iran will be hit very hard,” and signaled ongoing U.S. and Israeli attacks until Iran surrendered or, as he put it, effectively collapsed.

Disclosure:

This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as individualized investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or a solicitation of any investment strategy. The views expressed are those of the author as of the date of publication and may change without notice, and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated firm or its clients. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed, and no representation is made that it will remain current. Past market conditions and geopolitical events discussed herein are not a guarantee of future results, and readers should consult their own financial, legal, and tax advisors before making any investment decisions.

Sources:

• The Daily Beast article​
  Ralph, O. (2026, March 6). Trump thirsts for “complete destruction” of Iran in bonkers rant. The Daily Beast. https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-thirsts-for-complete-destruction-of-iran-in-bonkers-rant/
• People article​
  Author unknown. (2026, March 7). Trump says Iran is “being beat to hell” as he seeks “complete destruction and certain death”. People. https://people.com/trump-says-iran-is-being-beat-to-hell-as-he-seeks-complete-destruction-and-certain-death-11921617
• Bloomberg newsletter on markets and Trump’s tone on the war
  Author unknown. (2026, March 9). Oil falls, stocks rise as Trump changes tune on war [Newsletter]. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-03-09/oil-drops-stocks-rise-as-trump-changes-tune-on-war-evening-briefing-americ
• Bloomberg article on the Trump–Putin call​
  Author unknown. (2025, June 14). Putin, Trump discuss Middle East tensions in 50-minute call. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-14/putin-trump-discuss-middle-east-tensions-in-50-minute-call
• The National Desk piece on the “hit very hard” post (closely matching the quoted language)
  Author unknown. (2026, March 7). “Iran will be hit very hard,” Trump says in new Truth Social post amid ongoing war. The National Desk. https://thenationaldesk.com/news/politics/iran-will-be-hit-very-hard-trump-says-in-new-truth-social-post-amid-ongoing-war-tehran

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