Hormuz Closure Threat Sends Oil Markets and Safe‑Haven Assets into Turbulence

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi’s declaration that the country is in a ‘state of war’ has revived fears of a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait’s Shutdown: Oil Flow Shockwave

■Brent crude rose to $89.30 per barrel, up +2.4% intraday.

■WTI climbed to $86.10, gaining %2.1.

■Gulf oil giants Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) face up to %20 risk to export capacity if the waterway is blocked.

Currencies and Gold: Flight‑to‑Safety Demand

■The Dollar Index (DXY) climbed to 106.45, gaining %0.8.

■EUR/USD tested the 1.0720 support level.

■Gold spot price rose to $2,015 per ounce, up %1.2.

Caner Yılmaz: A Hormuz shutdown would trigger a short‑term supply shock, yet strategic petroleum reserves and alternate routes (Suez Canal, Cape of Good Hope) could temper the market. In algo‑driven trading, I suggest a 1.5% stop‑loss on short Brent futures; for medium‑term investors, a modest long position in gold offers portfolio protection.