A president of the most powerful country in the world has been confirmed to be on the "wanted list" of a country with which it has just signed a ceasefire. This is not a movie story, this is the reality that is happening now.
What Really Happened
Israel revealed the latest intelligence information to the United States, claiming that Iran has a new plan to kill President Donald Trump. This is not an empty threat, because it was confirmed by several sources familiar with the issue.
Trump himself did not deny this threat when asked by reporters in Ankara, Turkey. He admitted that he was "on every wanted list" and said that he had been quite lucky so far, but he was not sure that good luck would continue.
Iran has long vowed revenge against Trump since the US drone strike killed their top general, Qassem Soleimani, in 2020. Now, following the recent death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, that revenge sentiment is even more intense.
In fact, during Khamenei's funeral, people were heard chanting slogans demanding Trump's death. A large banner with threatening words was also displayed in public.
Cracks in Trump-Netanyahu Relations
To make the situation even more complicated, Trump's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also begun to deteriorate recently. The two leaders appear to be at odds over the direction of the war with Iran.
Netanyahu wants to continue to press Iran militarily. Trump appears to be more cautious, worried that a prolonged war could affect the global economy.
Despite this, they are still talking and agreeing to continue coordinating.
The Impact on the Market & Our Ringgit
When geopolitical tensions like this involve threats to the leader of a major power, the financial markets usually become anxious. Investors will look for a "safe haven", usually the US Dollar or gold, while avoiding risky assets.
The most important thing to monitor is the Strait of Hormuz, the world's oil route which is located right in the conflict area. If tensions erupt into a larger conflict, oil prices risk soaring.
This in turn could pressure the Ringgit through increased energy import costs.
Key Takeaways
Israel claims Iran has a new plot to assassinate Trump, confirmed by several related sources.
This threat is a continuation of Iran's long-standing grudge since the death of Soleimani, plus anger following the death of Khamenei.
The Trump-Netanyahu relationship has also been strained due to different views on the direction of the Iran war.
Such tensions usually trigger "risk-off" sentiment, with the Dollar and gold becoming safe choices for investors.
If a conflict breaks out in the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices risk rising and could pressure the Ringgit through energy costs.
This situation is still fragile, it can change in the blink of an eye. Prepare an umbrella before it rains, because when world politics is turbulent, our markets are also affected.
