Unusual and potentially suspicious trading activity was recorded in oil markets shortly before a statement by Donald Trump regarding relations with Iran, according to the Financial Times.
The report states that between 6:49 and 6:50 a.m. New York time, around 6,200 futures contracts for Brent and WTI crude oil were traded, with a total value of approximately $580 million. During that brief window, trading activity surged, while futures tied to the S&P 500 began to rise.
Just 15 minutes later, at 7:04 a.m., Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States and Iran had held “very good and productive” talks in recent days. He also said he had instructed the Pentagon to delay planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure by five days.
The statement had an immediate market impact. Oil prices dropped sharply as investors interpreted the message as a sign of easing tensions. At the same time, stock markets reacted positively, with U.S. and European equities moving higher amid reduced fears of escalation.
Iran Denies Talks: “Fake News”
The market optimism proved short-lived. Later the same day, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denied that any talks had taken place, calling the reports “fake news” aimed at influencing financial and oil markets.
He suggested such narratives were intended to help the United States and Israel “get out of the swamp” they are currently in.
White House Rejects Allegations
The White House firmly dismissed any suggestions of wrongdoing. Spokesperson Kush Desai stated that the administration is focused solely on what is best for the American people and does not tolerate illegal profiteering from insider information.
“Any claim that officials are involved in such activities without evidence is baseless and irresponsible,” he said.
Who Profited?
It remains unclear whether the trades were carried out by a single entity, a coordinated group, or multiple independent traders. However, the timing has raised serious concerns among market observers.
Analysts note that while proving insider trading in such cases is difficult, similar patterns of precisely timed large transactions have been observed in recent months.
“After 25 years of watching the markets, this feels highly unusual. It’s a Monday morning, no major announcements—and someone just made a lot of money,” one investor told the Financial Times.
