A reporter from Axios said that negotiations between Iran and the United States, with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, are ongoing, but no major breakthrough has been achieved so far. The delivery of enriched uranium, zero nuclear activity, recognition of Israel, and ceasing support for proxy groups in the region are the US conditions for negotiations, which directly contradict the Islamic Republic’s red lines. So far, there have been rumors of an agreement on handing over the uranium, but the other conditions remain unclear. Meanwhile, Trump is pressuring Iran through Venezuela's oil.

According to informed sources in the OPEC+ alliance, the group is close to officially approving a halt to oil production increases in March. This decision is expected to be ratified at today’s online meeting chaired by Saudi Arabia and Russia. This decision, which was made in November citing seasonal declines in oil consumption, has been confirmed in previous monthly meetings. This decision comes as concerns about a possible US military attack on Iran (an OPEC member) have driven oil prices to their highest level in four months. However, OPEC+ usually acts cautiously in the face of geopolitical tensions, waiting for actual supply disruptions.

Mr. Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, once again threatened the United States in his speech today. He said that "the recent sedition was a coup" and that the Islamic Republic is not afraid of US threats and will not be pressured. Referring to domestic protests, he described the recent event as a "coup" and emphasized that the Islamic Republic will not start a war, but will deliver a firm and extensive response to any attack. He also warned that if the United States starts a war, the conflict will turn into a regional war.

Trump, in an unexpected move, introduced the most hawkish candidate for the Federal Reserve chairmanship. From the market’s perspective, this was not in line with Trump’s pressure to lower interest rates and caused a sharp decline in gold and precious metals. Warsh, who took office with the promise of a "regime change" in monetary policy and reducing the Fed’s balance sheet, claims that the productivity boom driven by artificial intelligence will curb inflation, but interest rate cuts are likely to be gradual.