Live Updates > Live Update Details
2026-05-23 13:12:59
[Iranian War Clouds Loom, Markets Sensing Explosiveness; Be Wary of Energy and Safe-Haven Pulses] ⑴ Trump's key aide, Dan Scavino, released a video of a B-2 bomber. Historical patterns show that the US and Israel attacked Iran immediately after the last such release. Combined with Trump's cancellation of family events and hasty return to the White House citing "government affairs," the cancellation of vacations by high-ranking military and political officials, and the update of the emergency recall list for overseas bases, this suggests a major operation is imminent. ⑵ Late Friday night, sources revealed that the Trump administration is preparing for a new round of military strikes against Iran. Although not yet finalized, a NOTAM has been issued for western Iranian airspace, closing most airports in the western part of the Tehran Flight Information Region. Only eight airports will be partially open from sunrise to sunset, valid until next Monday. Commercial flights require special permits. ⑶ Orders at Domino's Pizza near the Pentagon surged by 227%, and at a pizzeria 2.2 miles away, they also jumped by 167%, considered by traders as a "DOUGHCON Level 1" stress indicator. Meanwhile, some US troops in the Middle East are being withdrawn in rotation to reduce exposure and guard against Iranian retaliation. (4) The Iranian Armed Forces, through Tasnim News Agency, warned that they are prepared with "Combat Version 3" to deal with any foolish actions, which will involve new equipment, entirely new targets, and war strategies. The five Gulf states collectively sent a letter to the International Maritime Organization opposing Iran's unilateral establishment of the "Persian Gulf Straits Authority" and designated shipping lanes, and refusing to coordinate with the Revolutionary Guard Navy. (5) The rules for passage through the Strait of Hormuz face the risk of substantial disruption. If a military conflict triggers shipping lane control or a retaliatory blockade, crude oil and liquefied natural gas transportation will be directly pressured. Safe-haven demand may push up gold, the Swiss franc, and US Treasury bonds. Close attention should be paid to signals of escalation over the weekend.
