Large oil trades before Trump Iran announcement raise questions

The timing of the large oil trades ahead of the Iran announcement is certainly unusual and understandably raises eyebrows.

That said, without concrete evidence showing who placed the trades or what information they had, it remains speculation rather than a proven case of insider trading.

As anyone who traded would know, markets often move on rumors, geopolitical expectations, and algorithmic activity, so unusual patterns alone simply aren’t enough to draw firm conclusions.

It’s going to be worth watching how regulators respond, but at this stage there’s no verified wrongdoing!

Didn't the same thing happen just before 9/11?

Big airline short positions from the M.E.?

Nothing this Administration nor it spokespeople says should ever be trusted, their credibility is less than zero at this point.

And if there is one thing about Trump that is certain it is that he's doing insider trading, he's charging tens of millions of dollars for pardons, and he's profiting from the presidency like no other president in American history. I hate to use the word corrupt to define Trump, because that's a direct insult to all the corrupt people that came before him. The eclipses them 100 fold.

I think we've seen this before...

Quell surprise of course it’s what he’s doing it’s the very essence of his personality to gain advantage over something and rob it.im sure his cronies love all the winning……the rest of us not so much at home and abroad.to all the folks abroad take a look how this abomination is hurting everyone…..as he squeezes more money out of the chaos HE created.

One set of rules for 1 group and no rules for the other group. And nothing ever done. My favorite is Pelosi.

How can big trades remain a secret? Surely the culprits can be found and brought to task?

You know, just like the Epstein case.

13 hours ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

Unusually large trades in oil markets shortly before an announcement by US President Donald Trump have raised questions among analysts about whether some investors may have acted on advance knowledge.

Data reviewed by the BBC shows that traders placed hundreds of millions of dollars in bets on falling oil prices minutes before the president said the United States would delay planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

Get today's headlines by email

Surge in trades ahead of announcement

The activity took place early on Monday, shortly before Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Washington had held “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran.

At 07:04 Eastern Time (11:04 GMT), the post signalled a potential easing of tensions. Oil prices reacted immediately, dropping sharply by around 14% within minutes.

However, trading volumes had already surged roughly 15 minutes earlier.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, trades in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude contracts jumped from several hundred to more than 2,000 within a minute, representing about $170m.

A similar spike was recorded in Brent crude contracts, where volumes rose from just a handful of trades to more than 1,600, worth roughly $150m.

Analysts flag unusual timing

Market observers say the scale and timing of the trades appear unusual, particularly given the lack of public information about any diplomatic progress at that point.

Mukesh Sahdev of XAnalysts described the activity as “abnormal”, noting there had been no clear indication that talks between the United States and Iran were underway.

Rachel Winter of Killik & Co said the pattern had prompted speculation about possible insider trading, although there is no evidence confirming that.

She added that the situation could warrant further investigation by regulators.

White House and market reaction

The White House has been approached for comment. A spokesperson told the Financial Times that the administration does not tolerate illegal profiteering based on insider knowledge.

Markets have been highly volatile amid the Middle East conflict. In the days leading up to the announcement, Mr Trump had warned of possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices initially rose when markets reopened on Monday, while stock markets fell. The president’s later comments suggesting progress in talks led to a reversal, with oil prices dropping and equities recovering.

Conflicting statements from Iran

Iranian officials later denied that any talks had taken place, describing the reports as false.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said misleading information was being used to influence financial markets.

The conflicting accounts added to market uncertainty and further price swings.

Previous cases raise further questions

The episode has also drawn attention because similar patterns have been observed in other politically sensitive situations.

In January, a surge in bets on a prediction platform came shortly before developments involving Venezuela’s leadership. One account reportedly made more than $436,000 from a $32,537 wager.

While not directly linked, such cases have fuelled broader concerns about how political events and financial markets can intersect.

Analysts say that while sharp market movements are common during geopolitical crises, the timing and scale of trades in this instance are likely to attract closer scrutiny.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 March 2026

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13 hours ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

Unusually large trades in oil markets shortly before an announcement by US President Donald Trump have raised questions among analysts about whether some investors may have acted on advance knowledge.

Data reviewed by the BBC shows that traders placed hundreds of millions of dollars in bets on falling oil prices minutes before the president said the United States would delay planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

Get today's headlines by email

Surge in trades ahead of announcement

The activity took place early on Monday, shortly before Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Washington had held “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran.

At 07:04 Eastern Time (11:04 GMT), the post signalled a potential easing of tensions. Oil prices reacted immediately, dropping sharply by around 14% within minutes.

However, trading volumes had already surged roughly 15 minutes earlier.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, trades in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude contracts jumped from several hundred to more than 2,000 within a minute, representing about $170m.

A similar spike was recorded in Brent crude contracts, where volumes rose from just a handful of trades to more than 1,600, worth roughly $150m.

Analysts flag unusual timing

Market observers say the scale and timing of the trades appear unusual, particularly given the lack of public information about any diplomatic progress at that point.

Mukesh Sahdev of XAnalysts described the activity as “abnormal”, noting there had been no clear indication that talks between the United States and Iran were underway.

Rachel Winter of Killik & Co said the pattern had prompted speculation about possible insider trading, although there is no evidence confirming that.

She added that the situation could warrant further investigation by regulators.

White House and market reaction

The White House has been approached for comment. A spokesperson told the Financial Times that the administration does not tolerate illegal profiteering based on insider knowledge.

Markets have been highly volatile amid the Middle East conflict. In the days leading up to the announcement, Mr Trump had warned of possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices initially rose when markets reopened on Monday, while stock markets fell. The president’s later comments suggesting progress in talks led to a reversal, with oil prices dropping and equities recovering.

Conflicting statements from Iran

Iranian officials later denied that any talks had taken place, describing the reports as false.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said misleading information was being used to influence financial markets.

The conflicting accounts added to market uncertainty and further price swings.

Previous cases raise further questions

The episode has also drawn attention because similar patterns have been observed in other politically sensitive situations.

In January, a surge in bets on a prediction platform came shortly before developments involving Venezuela’s leadership. One account reportedly made more than $436,000 from a $32,537 wager.

While not directly linked, such cases have fuelled broader concerns about how political events and financial markets can intersect.

Analysts say that while sharp market movements are common during geopolitical crises, the timing and scale of trades in this instance are likely to attract closer scrutiny.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 March 2026

View full article

13 hours ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

Unusually large trades in oil markets shortly before an announcement by US President Donald Trump have raised questions among analysts about whether some investors may have acted on advance knowledge.

Data reviewed by the BBC shows that traders placed hundreds of millions of dollars in bets on falling oil prices minutes before the president said the United States would delay planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

Get today's headlines by email

Surge in trades ahead of announcement

The activity took place early on Monday, shortly before Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Washington had held “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran.

At 07:04 Eastern Time (11:04 GMT), the post signalled a potential easing of tensions. Oil prices reacted immediately, dropping sharply by around 14% within minutes.

However, trading volumes had already surged roughly 15 minutes earlier.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, trades in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude contracts jumped from several hundred to more than 2,000 within a minute, representing about $170m.

A similar spike was recorded in Brent crude contracts, where volumes rose from just a handful of trades to more than 1,600, worth roughly $150m.

Analysts flag unusual timing

Market observers say the scale and timing of the trades appear unusual, particularly given the lack of public information about any diplomatic progress at that point.

Mukesh Sahdev of XAnalysts described the activity as “abnormal”, noting there had been no clear indication that talks between the United States and Iran were underway.

Rachel Winter of Killik & Co said the pattern had prompted speculation about possible insider trading, although there is no evidence confirming that.

She added that the situation could warrant further investigation by regulators.

White House and market reaction

The White House has been approached for comment. A spokesperson told the Financial Times that the administration does not tolerate illegal profiteering based on insider knowledge.

Markets have been highly volatile amid the Middle East conflict. In the days leading up to the announcement, Mr Trump had warned of possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices initially rose when markets reopened on Monday, while stock markets fell. The president’s later comments suggesting progress in talks led to a reversal, with oil prices dropping and equities recovering.

Conflicting statements from Iran

Iranian officials later denied that any talks had taken place, describing the reports as false.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said misleading information was being used to influence financial markets.

The conflicting accounts added to market uncertainty and further price swings.

Previous cases raise further questions

The episode has also drawn attention because similar patterns have been observed in other politically sensitive situations.

In January, a surge in bets on a prediction platform came shortly before developments involving Venezuela’s leadership. One account reportedly made more than $436,000 from a $32,537 wager.

While not directly linked, such cases have fuelled broader concerns about how political events and financial markets can intersect.

Analysts say that while sharp market movements are common during geopolitical crises, the timing and scale of trades in this instance are likely to attract closer scrutiny.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 March 2026

View full article

Well, IMHO I think that too many elected US officials for sure including the immediate presidential circle and families are basically corrupt when it comes to insider trading of any kind. Just check historically the attempts of the US Congress to floor and then pass an anti-insider trading law. They did pass something in 2012 but it basically just requires them to report certain trades but from news reports, most of the congress people ignore those reporting requirements. If there is any doubt whatsoever, check out how much money the Trump family has garnered since he is president - don't even need to check the previous 4 years, just look at this past year - he has collected more money than every president the US has ever had all combined! IMHO this is a sign of a corrupt individual taking advantage of his position and on top of that IMHO too, he is doing a horrible job for the US and its citzens.

7 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

The timing of the large oil trades ahead of the Iran announcement is certainly unusual and understandably raises eyebrows.

That said, without concrete evidence showing who placed the trades or what information they had, it remains speculation rather than a proven case of insider trading.

As anyone who traded would know, markets often move on rumors, geopolitical expectations, and algorithmic activity, so unusual patterns alone simply aren’t enough to draw firm conclusions.

It’s going to be worth watching how regulators respond, but at this stage there’s no verified wrongdoing!

Just another proof without clear evidence but clear motives.

This administration is as corrupt as the day is long. I'm sure Trump and friends are banking billions on front-running White House "announcements."
The DOJ should be all over this, but? Pam "THE DOW IS 50000" Bondi isn't going to do anything. As part of that administration, she's probably making bank as well.

9 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

That said, without concrete evidence showing who placed the trades or what information they had, it remains speculation rather than a proven case of insider trading.

Translated: "I'm MAGA and Donald J Trump is my God. He can do no wrong."

The problem is - it will NEVER BE INVESTIGATED by the Trump DOJ or SEC. <Cue Sgt Schultz: "I see nothing, I know nothing...">

Trump is a grifter.

Grifters grift.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-pac-selling-access-national-172215321.html

3 hours ago, koolkarl said:

One set of rules for 1 group and no rules for the other group. And nothing ever done. My favorite is Pelosi.

This isn’t about Pelosi.

Your attempt at deflecting is noted.

15 minutes ago, connda said:

Translated: "I'm MAGA and Donald J Trump is my God. He can do no wrong."

The problem is - it will NEVER BE INVESTIGATED by the Trump DOJ or SEC. <Cue Sgt Schultz: "I see nothing, I know nothing...">

SEC is chaired by Trump's goon and compromised. The good news is that the Statute of Limitation for insider trading is generally 5 years for civil enforcement and 6 years for criminal charges. Even better news is that the SEC Chair will be replaced when administration change.

Can every trader be temporally banned from any trading until they explain why they made these trades? Phones and emails impounded and evidence gathered?

Posts with derogatory nicknames, intentional misspellings, or personal remarks will be removed. Spell names correctly for all sides of the debate.

I remember when a senior minister in Australia lost his job because his wife was advertising bed linen. As for accepting the gift of an aircraft, the whole nation would be howling for blood.

Obviously, America operates on different standards, or should I say a lack of them.

Corruption, absolutely gobsmacked, shameful (people are dying to create the conditions for this profiteering).

I'm not one for revolutions as a rule, but maybe the French Republic can lend a guillotine to be set up on Pensylvania Avenue?

I'd be checking Pelosi. She's the expert on insider trading.

I see the Trump family have suddenly invested heavily in a drone company and the three largest manufacturers of caskets.

Interesting!

The Iranians are, for a fee paid in Yuan, allowing the tankers of 'non-combative' nations passage through the strait.

The USA my homeland, is now being run by international criminals seemingly taking orders from a diminutive state in the Middle East, guilty of both apartheid and genocide.

6 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Nothing this Administration nor it spokespeople says should ever be trusted, their credibility is less than zero at this point.

And if there is one thing about Trump that is certain it is that he's doing insider trading, he's charging tens of millions of dollars for pardons, and he's profiting from the presidency like no other president in American history. I hate to use the word corrupt to define Trump, because that's a direct insult to all the corrupt people that came before him. The eclipses them 100 fold.

You tend to spoil your case by vastly over-stating it.

1 minute ago, Thingamabob said:

You tend to spoil your case by vastly over-stating it.

He's understating it, if anything.

1 minute ago, TooPoopedToPop said:

He's understating it, if anything.

Your opinion, fair enough.

Much ado about nothing.

I trade gold shares frequently and make (and lose) money in the midst of weeks or months of volatility in the markets.

Trump is always making off-the-cuff remarks about this or that, and surely I am not alone in guessing that Remark X will lead to a rise in the price of Y (or a loss).

The people to "blame" for all the volatility are the Wall Street gamblers (aka "investors") because they are stupid enough to take Trump's remarks seriously. It's not that he lies, it's that he just "wonders'' aloud, and if you know how to "play" that remark, you can temporarily do well.

Nothing to do with insider trading.

Needless to say, Trump's bankers are also listening to his meandering semi-coherent remarks and making money on his behalf.

3 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Your opinion, fair enough.

Thanks bro.

That's a good attitude to have

I wish more peope on the forum shared it.

6 hours ago, Jim Blue said:

Didn't the same thing happen just before 9/11?

Big airline short positions from the M.E.?

No. The claims were unsubstantiated and disinformation.

In this case, the evidence of gaming, and the use of predictive websites is documented. The likelihood of market manipulation is significant. Unfortunately, determining and identifying who was involved is difficult if not impossible because of the use of offshore locations and cryptocurrency.

1 minute ago, Patong2021 said:

No. The claims were unsubstantiated and disinformation.

In this case, the evidence of gaming, and the use of predictive websites is documented. The likelihood of market manipulation is significant. Unfortunately, determining and identifying who was involved is difficult if not impossible because of the use of offshore locations and cryptocurrency.

Omg ...did you get this post of AI?

Gaming ? Lol...?

No idea what your post was about..but look thanks for writing it for free , obviously a man with time on his hands , and you know what they say about that

4 hours ago, Presnock said:

Well, IMHO I think that too many elected US officials for sure including the immediate presidential circle and families are basically corrupt when it comes to insider trading of any kind. Just check historically the attempts of the US Congress to floor and then pass an anti-insider trading law. They did pass something in 2012 but it basically just requires them to report certain trades but from news reports, most of the congress people ignore those reporting requirements. If there is any doubt whatsoever, check out how much money the Trump family has garnered since he is president - don't even need to check the previous 4 years, just look at this past year - he has collected more money than every president the US has ever had all combined! IMHO this is a sign of a corrupt individual taking advantage of his position and on top of that IMHO too, he is doing a horrible job for the US and its citzens.

You use the term "basically corrupt" are you trying to engage in diplomacy, or are you deliberately trying to understand the facts?

Trump is the most corrupt president in history likely by 100 fold, and I do not think that there's a member of Congress or the Senate that is not corrupt, the same applies to his entire Administration, and virtually any politician at the national level in both parties in the broken US of A.