The U.S. Justice Department has launched a probe into over $2.6 billion worth of oil trades that were placed suspiciously just before President Donald Trump’s key announcements regarding the Iran war, according to ABC News.

According to market data and international financial reporting, positions worth approximately $7 billion were opened betting on a sharp decline in oil prices shortly before major geopolitical announcements linked to Iran-US tensions. The timing of the trades has raised serious questions among analysts about possible access to non-public political and security information.

The transactions reportedly covered crude oil, gasoline and diesel futures contracts on major exchanges including the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Several of the positions were placed immediately before policy signals and diplomatic statements that triggered sharp volatility in global oil prices.

Market movements show that on March 23, unusually large bearish positions were opened shortly before Trump indicated a delay in planned military actions related to Iranian energy infrastructure. Following the announcement, oil prices dropped significantly, generating substantial profits for traders positioned for a downturn.

A second wave of similar trading activity was recorded ahead of an April 7 ceasefire-related announcement, when Brent crude experienced an estimated 15% decline in value. Additional large-scale positions were also detected on April 17 and April 21, coinciding with statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz and extensions of ceasefire discussions. The combined value of positions during this period is estimated at around $2.6 billion.

Financial analysts have described the sequence of trades as highly irregular, noting that the precision of timing suggests possible prior access to sensitive political or military developments before official disclosure. Some experts argue the pattern points to a structured flow of information between geopolitical decision-making circles and financial actors.

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is reportedly reviewing the transactions, while internal compliance checks are said to be underway at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Although no formal investigation has been confirmed publicly, regulatory scrutiny is understood to be increasing.

The controversy has also revived earlier scandals involving alleged misuse of confidential state or military information for financial gain, including a case in which a US military figure was accused of profiting from classified operational data through betting platforms.

Observers note that rising tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, continue to create extreme sensitivity in energy markets, where even minor geopolitical signals can generate massive price swings and significant speculative gains. (ILKHA)