Arabic version: المستثمرون يضعون 7 مليارات دولار في رهانات النفط قبل إعلانات ترامب

Investors have reportedly placed roughly $7 billion in bets on falling oil prices during March and April, shortly before major announcements by US President Donald Trump concerning Iran policy and the war in the Middle East. According to Middle East Eye, this trading activity primarily occurred during these months and involved futures contracts for crude oil, diesel, and gasoline.

The trading patterns drew attention as they coincided with key statements from Trump that led to sharp declines in oil prices. Notably, unusual trading activity was first detected on March 23, just minutes before Trump announced a delay in attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure, which caused prices to fall sharply.

Further similar trading patterns were observed on April 7, preceding a ceasefire announcement that pushed Brent crude down nearly 15 percent. Additional instances of this unusual trading behavior were reported on April 17 and April 21, aligning with Trump’s comments concerning the Strait of Hormuz and an extension of the truce.

The estimated value of trades linked to these four critical dates amounts to approximately $2.6 billion, raising questions about the potential use of undisclosed information by investors prior to the announcements.