Oil prices rise in the short term! Trump says he has canceled all talks with Iranian officials and advises allies to

**Source**: Wall Street Insights

**By**: He Hao & Ye Zhen

According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media on the 13th that he had canceled all talks with Iranian officials. The U.S. government issued another security warning, urging U.S. citizens to leave Iran immediately. Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani stated on the 13th that Iran would respond with greater force if its territory is violated by enemies. Affected by these developments, WTI crude oil futures prices surged sharply at one point.

Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated abruptly as President Trump announced the cancellation of all talks with Iranian officials and advised U.S. allies to evacuate the country, triggering violent fluctuations in the global energy market.

As reported by Xinhua News Agency, Trump explicitly stated in a social media post on January 13 that he had canceled the planned engagement. Just two days earlier, he had mentioned that a meeting between the two sides was being arranged. Meanwhile, the U.S. is considering a range of measures to address the Iranian situation, including "some very tough options" such as military action.

In addition, according to Xinhua News Agency, when responding to reporters' questions in Detroit on the same day, Trump publicly suggested that U.S. allies should "evacuate" Iran, calling it a "good idea." At the same time, the U.S. State Department issued a security warning, urging U.S. citizens to consider leaving Iran by land.

Affected by the above news, WTI crude oil futures prices rose rapidly at one point, hitting $61.1 per barrel with a 3.0% gain.

Currently, oil prices have pulled back, with WTI crude trading at $60.9 per barrel.

### Trump Says He Has Canceled All Talks with Iranian Officials

According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media on the 13th that he had canceled all talks with Iranian officials.

On the 11th, Trump stated that Iran had contacted U.S. government officials and proposed negotiations, adding that "a meeting is being arranged." At the same time, the U.S. is considering a series of measures to address the Iranian situation, including "some very tough options" such as military action.

Separately, U.S. media reported that President Trump's national security team will hold a meeting at the White House on the 13th to discuss an "updated version" of the plan for the Iranian situation, though it remains unclear whether Trump will attend.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the media on the 12th that in response to the current situation in Iran, Trump "has always emphasized that diplomacy is the preferred option," but he "will not hesitate to use U.S. military forces" if he deems it necessary.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at a meeting of foreign envoys in Tehran on the 12th that Iran is ready to negotiate with the U.S. on the basis of "mutual respect," while noting that the country is also prepared for war.

### Trump Advises Allies to "Evacuate" Iran

According to Xinhua News Agency, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on the 13th that U.S. allies should "evacuate" Iran.

When answering reporters' questions in Detroit on the same day about whether the U.S. would advise its allies to leave Iran, Trump said: "They should evacuate. It's a good idea."

The U.S. State Department issued a "security warning" on the 12th, requiring U.S. citizens to "consider leaving Iran by land via Armenia or Turkey if it is safe to do so."

### Iranian Defense Minister: Will Respond with Greater Force If Territorially Violated

According to Xinhua News Agency, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani stated on the 13th that Iran would respond with greater force if its territory is violated by enemies.

As reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency, Gharaei Ashtiani made the above remarks in the afternoon of the same day in response to recent threatening comments against Iran by White House officials. He noted that if threats against Iran turn into actions, the country will defend itself with "full strength." In addition, all U.S. military bases in the region and countries that provide facilities to the U.S. will become legitimate targets for Iran.

Regarding Iran's current defense situation, Gharaei Ashtiani said that through considerable efforts, Iran's defense capabilities are now significantly better than during the "12-Day War" triggered by Israel's surprise attack on Iran last June, with relevant damaged facilities repaired and production capacity enhanced.

### Iran Says It Has Arrested 297 Rioters Linked to U.S. and Israel

According to CCTV News, Iran's police force announced on January 13 local time that it had arrested 297 rioters who had contacted riot organizations linked to Israel's "Zionist regime" and the United States.

Earlier on the same day, Iran's intelligence service issued a circular stating that with the effective cooperation of the public and support from intelligence measures, Iranian security agencies had continued operations in Tehran in recent days, arresting a number of key personnel suspected of organizing and directing relevant activities during the recent riots. The statement noted that the arrested individuals had previously carried out "sabotage and terrorist activities" targeting public facilities, religious sites and security forces in multiple areas of Tehran.

Recently, protests against rising prices and currency depreciation have erupted in many parts of Iran, accompanied by riots that have caused casualties. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on the 12th that Iran's security forces have brought the situation across the country under control, and Israel and the United States should bear "direct responsibility" for the incidents in Iran.

### China Hopes and Supports Iran in Maintaining National Stability

According to the Global Times, regarding the situation in Iran, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a regular press conference on the 13th that China hopes and supports Iran in maintaining national stability. We have always opposed interference in other countries' internal affairs and opposed the use or threat of force in international relations, and we hope all parties will do more to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East. She emphasized that "we are closely monitoring the development of the situation in Iran and will take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens."

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