Oil Prices Plummet as Iran Avoids Energy Infrastructure in Retaliatory Strikes
Crude markets witnessed a dramatic reversal as Brent crude tumbled 6% to $71.11/barrel, erasing gains sparked by Middle East tensions. The selloff accelerated after Iran's precision strikes on US military bases conspicuously avoided oil infrastructure - a calculated de-escalation that reassured traders.
The market's relief reflects Tehran's strategic restraint, mirroring its 2020 playbook when similar base-targeting strikes caused temporary volatility without disrupting supplies. "This was a well-telegraphed MOVE to respond without weaponizing oil," noted Michael Alfaro of Gallo Partners, emphasizing the market remains adequately supplied despite geopolitical friction.