- A senior US military source says US forces in Iraq are under "missile attack from Iran".
- Gold rallies to fresh highs of $1,591.93 and USD/JPY spikes to the downside to a low of 107.99.
- WTI rallies to a fresh high of $64.43, $66.58 on the radar ahead of $76.88.
This is a developing story.
So far, we know that some 13 missies have been reported launched at the Ain Assad Air Base. White House says they are aware of the attack – US President Trump has been briefed and is monitoring the situation.
Updates (since first publishing of the main headline):
The markets are somewhat relieved as a US official tells CNN there are no reports of US casualties at this time but an assessment is still underway).
- Trump may make a statement tonight.
- US Defense Secretary Esper and U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo have arrived at the White House.
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, also.
- Iran's guards warn US any aggression against Tehran will get a crashing response - Statement/State TV.
- Iran's guards advise US to withdraw its troops from the region to prevent the killing of more soldiers - Statement/State tv
- Iranian and US fighter jets have taken off – Social media rumours
- Iran says another US retaliation will result in an Iranian attack on Israel.
Footage of missiles launched at US airbase
The Ayn al Asad is an Iraqi Armed Forces and United States armed forces base located in Al Anbar Governorate of western Iraq. The base is also used by UK forces in Iraq. It was the second-largest US military airbase in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Initial key notes
-
Soldiers of IRGC's aerospace unit have launched a successful attack on Al Assad military base – IRGC
-
US Official: No news of damage form the rocket attacks – Reuters
-
Six rockets landed at Iraq's Ain Al-Asad air base that contains US forces - Al Madeen TV
-
Missiles being launched towards Al Asad Airbase in Iraq - Fox News
How will the Pentagon respond?
There are reports in the middle east (unconfirmed as of now) saying at least one US military jet is on fire at Ain Al-Asad base in western Iraq following a barrage of Iran rockets targeting the US base.
Depends on whether there were US casualties.
It is unclear how the US will now respond, but the Pentagon has acknowledged and will take appropriate action:
Market reactions, so far
- USD/JPY declines 40 pips to 108 as Iran takes revenge of Soleimani's killing by the US
-
WTI price jumps to 8.5-month high on Iranian retaliation
-
Gold refreshes multi-year top to cross $1600 amid calls of Iran attacks
-
Japan's Nikkei share average falls more than 2 pct after US says Iran launched missiles - Reuters
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD clings to daily gains above 1.0650
EUR/USD gained traction and turned positive on the day above 1.0650. The improvement seen in risk mood following the earlier flight to safety weighs on the US Dollar ahead of the weekend and helps the pair push higher.
GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data
GBP/USD reversed its direction and advanced to the 1.2450 area after touching a fresh multi-month low below 1.2400 in the Asian session. The positive shift seen in risk mood on easing fears over a deepening Iran-Israel conflict supports the pair.
Gold holds steady at around $2,380 following earlier spike
Gold stabilized near $2,380 after spiking above $2,400 with the immediate reaction to reports of Israel striking Iran. Meanwhile, the pullback seen in the US Treasury bond yields helps XAU/USD hold its ground.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in Premium
Bitcoin price shows no signs of directional bias while it holds above $60,000. The fourth BTC halving is partially priced in, according to Deutsche Bank’s research.
Week ahead – US GDP and BoJ decision on top of next week’s agenda
US GDP, core PCE and PMIs the next tests for the Dollar. Investors await BoJ for guidance about next rate hike. EU and UK PMIs, as well as Australian CPIs also on tap.