President Trump said he is hopeful about reaching a "deal" with Iran, easing short-term fears of a US strike.
A diplomatic flurry — including a visit by Qatar’s prime minister to Tehran and an Iranian official’s trip to Moscow — coincided with falling oil prices and rising Gulf stock markets.
Analysts caution that military action could backfire and potentially hasten the regime's collapse, producing unpredictable consequences.
US President Donald Trump said he is hopeful about reaching a "deal" with Iran, comments that helped calm immediate fears of a US strike against the Islamic Republic.
Those remarks came amid a diplomatic surge aimed at avoiding conflict: Qatar’s prime minister visited Tehran and a senior Iranian official traveled to Moscow. The diplomacy appeared to reduce the risk of an imminent attack.
Markets reacted to the improved outlook — oil prices fell and Gulf stock markets rose — reflecting investor relief at the lowered near-term threat of military action.
At the same time, risks remain. Air defenses protecting American forces in the Middle East are still being upgraded, leaving some vulnerability in the region. Analysts warn that any US military action could backfire and even "hasten [the regime's] collapse," with unpredictable consequences.
The New York Times: "[Military action] could hasten its collapse," with uncertain consequences.
For now, the combination of high-level diplomacy and cautious rhetoric has eased immediate tensions — but regional stability remains fragile and outcomes are uncertain.
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