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Oil prices surged in early Asian trading Monday, triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions after U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites heightened fears of Middle East supply disruptions. Despite the initial rally, crude later eased off its peak levels.

By 00:05 GMT, Brent crude futures for August delivery were up 2.4% at $79.00 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 2.5% to trade at $73.84. Both benchmarks briefly spiked nearly 4%, reaching their highest levels in four months, with Brent nearing $81 per barrel at its peak.

Market volatility followed news of U.S. strikes over the weekend targeting Iran’s major nuclear facilities. In response, Iran threatened retaliation, raising concerns about the broader implications for regional stability and energy exports.

Reports from Iranian state media indicated Tehran might move to block the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime route that facilitates a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments. Such a blockade could severely restrict global energy flows and spark broader market disruptions.

The renewed military confrontations between Iran and Israel, now in their 11th day, have already fueled oil market volatility. Heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington could also trigger new U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports, potentially straining supplies to Asia and Europe.

Market watchers are closely monitoring how Iran will respond in the coming days. Unconfirmed reports have suggested possible targeting of U.S. military assets in the region, adding to the geopolitical risk premium in oil pricing.

Analysts at ANZ described the U.S. actions as a “major escalation” and forecast that oil prices may stabilize in the $90 to $95 per barrel range if the situation continues to deteriorate. They also warned of an increased risk of supply chain disruption through the Strait of Hormuz and viewed renewed diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear program as highly unlikely in the near term.

Gold prices edged lower in early Asian trading on Monday as investor demand for safe-haven assets shifted toward the U.S. dollar following American military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The escalation in geopolitical tensions appeared to reinforce confidence in the greenback, dampening gold’s recent rally.

Spot gold dipped 0.2% to $3,360.11 per ounce, while gold futures slipped 0.3% to $3,374.72 by 01:08 ET (05:08 GMT). Despite Monday’s dip, the precious metal remains elevated compared to earlier in the month, supported by heightened geopolitical uncertainty stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict.

Dollar Strength Weighs on Precious Metals

The primary driver behind gold’s decline was a stronger dollar, which rose over 0.3% against a basket of major currencies. The greenback’s appeal was bolstered by fears of further instability in the Middle East and expectations that inflationary pressures may keep U.S. interest rates elevated.

Over the weekend, U.S. forces targeted three of Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting President Donald Trump to claim the facilities were effectively neutralized. The strikes were reportedly motivated by concerns over Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons—allegations Tehran continues to deny.

The attack marked a significant escalation in regional tensions, with Iran warning of retaliatory measures, including the potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime route for global oil shipments. Fears of such retaliation pushed oil prices higher, reinforcing inflation concerns and supporting the dollar.

Market Awaits Fed Commentary

Investors now turn their attention to upcoming comments from Federal Reserve officials, particularly Chair Jerome Powell, who is scheduled to deliver testimony before Congress starting Tuesday. The Fed’s recent ambiguous tone on rate cuts has already helped lift the dollar in recent sessions.

Platinum and Silver Pull Back from Highs

Other precious and industrial metals also saw minor corrections. Platinum futures eased 0.1% to $1,263.15 per ounce after reaching a four-year high last week. Silver futures gained a modest 0.1% to $36.05 per ounce, staying near their highest levels in over 13 years.

Among base metals, copper prices weakened slightly. London Metal Exchange copper contracts declined 0.1% to $9,643.15 per ton, while U.S. copper futures slipped 0.3% to $4.820 per pound.

U.S. equity futures were largely unchanged on Monday, while oil prices moved higher following sudden American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Investors are now closely monitoring how Tehran might respond — a move that could have serious implications for global oil supplies and geopolitical stability. Meanwhile, attention is also turning to upcoming economic indicators and U.S. fiscal policy developments.

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Markets Cautious as U.S. Strikes Heighten Tensions

As of 08:36 BST (03:36 ET), Dow Jones futures slipped by 25 points (0.1%), with S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures holding steady. On Friday, Wall Street ended the week in negative territory, as escalating conflict between Israel and Iran — and possible U.S. military involvement — rattled investor sentiment.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed targeted strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. The move followed earlier suggestions that the decision could be delayed by up to two weeks. Markets are now assessing the broader impact on inflation, interest rates, and overall risk appetite.

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Oil Prices Rise on Supply Fears

Brent crude futures for August delivery rose 0.8% to $76.11 a barrel, while U.S. benchmark WTI crude gained 0.9% to $74.48, as of early Monday morning. The gains reflect growing concerns that further escalation in the Middle East — particularly involving the vital Strait of Hormuz — could significantly disrupt global oil flows.

“Since the U.S. targeted Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, supply risks for energy markets have increased significantly,” said Warren Patterson, Head of Commodities Strategy at ING.

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Focus on Iran’s Retaliation

Iran has yet to provide a detailed response but has vowed “everlasting consequences.” Tehran has ramped up airstrikes against Israel and suggested the U.S. decision has widened the scope of its possible targets. State media have floated the possibility of blocking the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial chokepoint for global energy shipments — or attacking American military bases in the region.

While geopolitical uncertainty remains high, some analysts say Trump’s definitive move has lifted a cloud of uncertainty over the markets. Still, they caution that lingering concerns about trade policy and fiscal issues will continue to weigh on investor confidence.

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U.S. Senate Set to Vote on Major Fiscal Package

Republican senators are pushing to pass their version of a broad tax-and-spending bill this week, with the aim of sending it to President Trump’s desk before 4 July. The proposed legislation would extend the 2017 tax cuts and increase military and border security spending, partly offset by cuts to social programmes such as Medicaid.

However, the Senate’s rules adviser has flagged several items — including proposed cuts to financial regulators — as non-compliant with budgetary procedure, potentially complicating the path forward.

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Key U.S. Data in Focus: PMIs and Inflation

Markets will also be closely watching incoming economic data from the U.S. this week. The S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for June is expected to show a slight slowdown in activity, with the manufacturing reading forecast to fall to 51.1 and services to 52.9.

These figures precede more important indicators due later in the week, including consumer confidence on Tuesday and a core inflation gauge closely monitored by the Federal Reserve on Friday.

While American consumer sentiment has been weakening due to ongoing trade concerns, inflation remains contained — giving some hope that interest rate cuts could still be on the table later this year.

Corpus Resources Plc (LSE:COR) has raised £200,000 in new capital through the placement of approximately 1.33 billion ordinary shares at a price of 0.015 pence each. The placement represents around 41.3% of the company’s expanded share capital and was executed at a roughly 45% discount to the prevailing mid-market price of 0.0275 pence per share.

As part of the deal, each new share is accompanied by a warrant on a one-for-one basis, exercisable at 0.05 pence for a period of three years following admission, contingent on the publication of a prospectus.

The newly issued shares are expected to be admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and included in the Official List around June 30. The funds raised will support working capital needs and drive progress on the company’s ongoing reverse takeover strategy.

The placing was structured via an initial subscription by Director Richard Glass, who will sell the shares to investors introduced by Peterhouse Capital Limited, Corpus Resources’ corporate broker.

Upon admission, the company’s total issued ordinary share capital will stand at approximately 3.23 billion shares. Corpus acknowledged that, at this stage, it cannot admit all of the placing shares without either publishing a full prospectus or qualifying for a relevant exemption.

Panther Metals Plc (LSE:PALM) has unveiled a bold financing strategy involving Bitcoin to support the acquisition of the Pick Lake deposit in Ontario, Canada. The company has established a Bitcoin Treasury account and plans to purchase £4 million in Bitcoin, which will be used as collateral to secure a loan for the transaction. This approach allows Panther to retain exposure to the cryptocurrency while securing the capital needed for the acquisition.

By integrating digital assets into its financial strategy, Panther Metals is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the mining sector, blending traditional resource development with modern financial tools. The move is intended to unlock growth opportunities, boost shareholder value, and support the company’s commitment to advancing critical mineral assets.

About Panther Metals Plc

Panther Metals Plc is a mineral exploration company listed on the London Stock Exchange, with a focus on critical minerals, gold, and precious metals in Canada. Headquartered in the Isle of Man, the company also benefits from favorable digital asset regulations, enabling it to leverage cryptocurrency strategies in its broader operational and financial planning.

Greatland Resources Limited (LSE:GGP) has completed a major corporate restructuring, establishing itself as the new parent company of Greatland Gold plc through a UK Court-approved Scheme of Arrangement. As part of this transition, Greatland Resources is now listed on both the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market, marking a significant step in the company’s strategic growth plan.

The restructuring included the delisting of Greatland Gold shares from AIM and the issuance of new shares under Greatland Resources, which now serves as the group’s main listed entity. This dual-listing is intended to broaden investor access and strengthen the company’s presence across key mining investment markets. The move supports Greatland’s goal of becoming a top-tier gold-copper producer in Australia, with the Havieron Feasibility Study scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

While Greatland’s current financials reflect challenges, including high valuation concerns and limited income from operations, technical signals and recent corporate actions suggest a positive trajectory. Future growth potential is largely tied to the company’s ability to transition from exploration to full-scale production.

About Greatland Resources

Greatland Resources is a dual-listed mining company focused on gold and copper projects in Western Australia (ASX:GGP / AIM:GGP). Its flagship assets include the fully owned Telfer gold-copper mine and the adjacent Havieron development project, considered a world-class brownfield opportunity. Alongside these, the company maintains a broad exploration portfolio across the Paterson Province, positioning it for long-term production and resource growth.

Aferian plc (LSE:AFRN) has reported a robust financial performance for the first half of fiscal year 2025, highlighted by a 36% year-on-year revenue increase. This growth was primarily driven by the continued momentum of its Amino division, which focuses on connecting Pay TV services to streaming platforms.

The company expects to maintain profitability throughout the year and has projected a 20% rise in full-year revenues. In parallel, Aferian is actively working on refinancing its debt and streamlining costs to reinforce its balance sheet and enhance financial resilience.

About Aferian plc

Aferian plc is a business-to-business provider of video streaming solutions, offering end-to-end technology for both live and on-demand video content across multiple devices. Its two key subsidiaries, 24i and Amino, deliver tailored streaming services—24i creates personalized viewing experiences, while Amino bridges traditional Pay TV with modern streaming platforms. Listed on AIM, Aferian operates globally with offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Harvest Minerals Limited (LSE:HMI) has raised £300,000 through a new share placement to support its ongoing rare earths exploration activities at the Arapuá project in Brazil. In addition to bolstering general working capital, the funding will be directed toward accelerating drilling efforts and expanding research into the site’s titanium dioxide (TiO₂) potential.

This fresh capital injection is expected to strengthen Harvest’s operational capabilities and reinforce its strategic focus on developing Arapuá as a key asset, improving both its resource profile and broader market position.

About Harvest Minerals

Harvest Minerals Limited is listed on the AIM market and primarily engaged in the production of organic fertilizers. Alongside its core fertilizer operations, the company is actively pursuing rare earths exploration at its Arapuá project, with recent attention focused on evaluating TiO₂ mineralization as part of its broader resource development strategy.

Thruvision Group plc (LSE:THRU) has issued an update on its strategic review, revealing that it has formally ended its sale process after failing to receive a viable offer for the company’s share capital. The board is now evaluating alternative options, which include the potential sale of its operating subsidiaries or continuing independently with plans to secure additional financing.

Despite the uncertain strategic direction, recent trading has been encouraging, extending the company’s cash runway through to September 2025—dependent on the successful completion of key near-term sales. This performance has provided some breathing room, although the broader financial picture remains challenging.

Thruvision continues to face headwinds, including declining revenues and profitability concerns. Technical indicators suggest a bearish market trend, and the company’s negative price-to-earnings ratio further highlights valuation concerns. While recent developments such as new product introductions offer glimpses of progress, financial instability and unresolved strategic questions cast a cautious tone over the company’s near-term prospects.

About Thruvision Group plc

Thruvision Group plc is an internationally recognized provider of cutting-edge AI-powered walk-through security screening solutions. Its technology is deployed in over 30 countries by both public sector and commercial clients to facilitate fast and non-invasive screening of high volumes of individuals. The company is headquartered near Oxford, UK, with a key office located in the Washington, D.C. area.

Lombard Odier Asset Management (Europe) Limited has increased its holding in Ten Lifestyle Group PLC (LSE:TENG), raising its voting rights from 9.64% to 10.03%. This move gives Lombard Odier a more influential position within the company and could play a role in shaping future governance and shareholder relations.

The increase in stake highlights continued institutional interest in Ten Lifestyle Group, which has shown consistent financial performance and benefits from a series of strong corporate developments. Market sentiment around the stock is currently positive, with technical indicators showing upward momentum. However, traders may approach with caution as the stock appears overbought, and its high price-to-earnings ratio raises questions about potential overvaluation.

About Ten Lifestyle Group

Ten Lifestyle Group PLC specializes in high-end lifestyle and concierge services for wealthy individuals and corporate clients worldwide. The company operates globally, offering tailored solutions ranging from travel and dining arrangements to exclusive access to events and experiences, all designed to enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.