In a recent development, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he has ordered the postponement of a planned military strike against Iran originally scheduled for "tomorrow (the 19th)." This decision has once again triggered market volatility.
In the U.S. stock market, the three major indices closed with mixed results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.32% to close at 49,686.12 points, while the S&P 500 index fell 0.07% to 7,403.05 points, and the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 0.51% to 26,090.73 points.
Regarding Chinese concept stocks, the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index declined by 0.72%. Among individual stocks, Li Auto fell nearly 10%, Zai Lab dropped more than 8%, and Daqo New Energy decreased by over 4%.
This morning, gold and silver prices surged at the opening. As of the latest update, spot gold rose more than 0.4%, and spot silver increased by over 1%.
Crude oil, however, opened significantly lower, with WTI crude oil falling 1.85% at the time of reporting.
On the news front, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on the social media platform "Truth Social" on the 18th, stating that, at the request of leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, he has ordered the postponement of the planned military strike against Iran originally scheduled for "tomorrow (the 19th)."
Trump indicated that, given the ongoing "serious negotiations" and the belief of these leaders and allies that an agreement will eventually be reached, it is particularly important that the agreement explicitly includes the core provision that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.
Trump stated that he has instructed Secretary of Defense Hagerty, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Caine, and the U.S. military to refrain from launching the strike as originally planned on the 19th. However, he also issued further instructions: if a satisfactory agreement is not reached, the U.S. military must remain in a state of readiness at all times, prepared to launch a comprehensive and large-scale military strike against Iran.
Later that day, Trump stated in an interview that the U.S. had originally planned to launch a "very significant" military strike against Iran "tomorrow." However, at the request of Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, he decided to temporarily delay the action "for two to three days." The U.S. has notified Israel and other Middle Eastern allies of this decision. Trump added that while he "does not want to take action," he "may have no other choice."
Furthermore, after receiving Iran's latest draft agreement response aimed at ending the conflict, Trump stated that he "is not considering" making any concessions to Tehran. Trump also warned that Iran is already aware of "what is about to happen."
When asked about regional sources claiming that Iran is attempting to use "delaying tactics" on Washington regarding nuclear issues and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump responded that he "has not heard of such claims."
According to Israeli sources on the 18th, following a phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day, Netanyahu convened the security cabinet for two consecutive nights to prepare for the potential resumption of military action against Iran by the U.S. and Israel.
It is reported that Netanyahu, for the second time in less than 24 hours, convened a small group of senior officials and aides for security consultations to assess the current situation and possible options. An Israeli official stated, "Given that hostilities may resume before the end of this week, the situation is highly tense."
On the Iranian side, the social media account of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reposted his first statement since taking office on the 18th, reiterating that Iran will consider opening new fronts in areas where the enemy lacks expertise.
The statement noted that research on opening other fronts has been completed, and "the enemy has very little experience and is extremely vulnerable in these areas."
The statement added that if the "state of war" continues, Iran will open these new fronts.
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