Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. After Iran shot down a U.S. Apache helicopter, the U.S. military launched retaliatory airstrikes against Iran. Trump recently threatened that if Iran refuses to sign an agreement, 'we will bomb them to smithereens.' However, he claimed he had spoken directly with Iranian officials, who requested an end to the bombing. Iran, on the other hand, denied any contact with Trump and announced that, effective immediately, the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all vessels—including oil tankers and commercial ships—and any vessel attempting to pass through will be attacked. Can U.S.-Iran negotiations still materialize? How should investors position themselves in safe-haven assets, crude oil, and U.S. equities?