Silver Drops as Iran War Intensifies

Silver fell nearly 2% toward $68 per ounce on Monday, reversing gains from the previous session as the Middle East conflict entered its fifth week with no clear resolution in sight. Hostilities in the region intensified as Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen joined the conflict, targeting Israel over the weekend. The militant group also has the capacity to strike vessels transiting the Red Sea and key Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, the US military is reportedly preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran after additional troops arrived in the region. Silver is currently down almost 30% from its March peak as the oil price shock stoked inflation concerns and reinforced expectations for interest rate hikes from major central banks. Markets are now pricing in a potential rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year, a sharp reversal from earlier expectations for two rate cuts.

Silver strengthened to around $70 per ounce on Friday, reversing losses from the previous session as President Donald Trump postponed his deadline for Iran to secure a deal to end the war. Trump pledged to refrain from targeting Iranian energy facilities until April 6, offering some relief to markets unsettled by nearly a month of hostilities. He also noted that Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz this week as a “present” to the US. Meanwhile, Iran confirmed it had rejected the US’ 15-point plan to end the war and submitted its own conditions, including recognition of Tehran’s authority over Hormuz. On Thursday, silver fell more than 4% amid persistent doubts that the US and Iran can reach a ceasefire soon. Precious metals came under heavy selling pressure as the Middle East conflict and rising energy prices fueled inflation concerns and reinforced expectations that major central banks could hike interest rates this year.

Silver decreased 5% to 67.736 USD/t.oz