#MiddleEastRisk 20260511

Expert analysis

Trump called Iran’s response to the US peace proposal “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE”.

The market reaction was immediate:

  • Brent moved back above 100 USD/bbl
  • TTF remains elevated around ~45 €/MWh
  • geopolitical risk premium increased again

The core questions remain unchanged:

  • will there be a real agreement?
  • when can the Strait of Hormuz fully reopen?
  • how long can the global energy system tolerate prolonged disruptions?

Right now, the market is pricing:

  • escalation risk
  • but also growing political pressure for a deal.

Why?

US side:
The US election campaign is approaching while Trump’s popularity is weakening.
High oil and fuel prices are politically extremely dangerous because they:

  • increase inflationary pressure
  • weaken consumer sentiment
  • raise logistics and industrial costs
  • directly hurt voters

For Trump, stabilising energy prices and communicating that he can “keep the conflict under control” could become increasingly important politically.

Iran side:
Iran is also facing growing difficulties in sustaining a prolonged conflict.
The key domestic political and economic challenges include:

  • severe inflation
  • weak currency
  • high unemployment
  • ongoing sanctions pressure
  • fiscal problems
  • rising social dissatisfaction

At the same time:

  • oil exports remain vulnerable
  • any prolonged naval blockade could severely reduce revenues
  • the economy is becoming increasingly dependent on a faster resolution to the conflict

This is why the market still believes:

  • neither side benefits from a full-scale prolonged war
  • however negotiations remain extremely fragile
  • every headline can trigger major price swings

The key themes for the coming days remain:

  • Strait of Hormuz
  • LNG flows
  • oil exports
  • geopolitical premium
  • US domestic politics

Source:Reuters

Analysis written by: Tóth Eszter Lilla
11.05.2027

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