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.

Morgan Stanley believes the US stock market still has room to rise through 2026, despite late cycle concerns. The bank cites six underpriced drivers, including strong earnings growth, easier monetary policy, deregulation, and productivity gains from artificial intelligence, as factors supporting the ongoing uptrend. Based on this outlook, Morgan Stanley has set a 2026 target of 7800 for the S&P 500 index.

While negotiations are ongoing, both sides (Iran and the United States) are not refraining from military threats. The commander-in-chief of Iran’s army warned that if the enemy "makes a mistake," Tehran may target Israel. These remarks come amid growing concerns about the possibility of a US military strike against Iran. Iranian officials are also preparing for a potential confrontation, including converting underground parking lots into shelters and preparing a mass burial site for the "temporary burial of invading US soldiers." This comes as Iran’s foreign minister emphasized in a social media post that Tehran is ready to accept a "fair and equitable nuclear deal" that ensures "no nuclear weapons" and guarantees the lifting of sanctions.

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.