Gold and silver prices plummeted sharply at the market open today.

Meanwhile, crude oil prices extended their gains. As of the latest update, WTI crude oil climbed above $102 per barrel, while Brent crude oil rose above $105.

In the Middle East, significant developments emerged concerning the Strait of Hormuz. According to an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal on the 15th, the U.S. government is preparing to announce the formation of a so-called "escort alliance" for the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. U.S. officials familiar with the matter stated that several countries have agreed to provide escort services for vessels transiting this critical international oil shipping route.

These officials noted that discussions are ongoing regarding whether the escort operations will commence before the U.S. and Israel halt large-scale military actions against Iran. Based on current developments, tensions between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran are expected to persist.

In related news, the Israeli Defense Forces denied claims on the 15th that their missile defense interceptors are "severely depleted" and running low. An officer indicated that Israel had planned military operations against Iran months in advance, stockpiling sufficient interceptor missiles in preparation for a potential "protracted conflict" lasting several weeks. The number of interceptors actually used so far has been "lower than anticipated," the officer added.

A spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that most of the missiles Iran has launched were produced over a decade ago. Many missiles manufactured after the "War of the 12th" in June of last year remain unused, and numerous missile stockpiles have yet to be deployed.

Additionally, an account linked to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba on the messaging platform Telegram released a statement late on the 15th, reiterating that Iran will "seek compensation from its enemies" by any means necessary. If the adversaries refuse to pay, Iran will confiscate assets of equivalent value; if confiscation is not possible, Iran will destroy assets of equal worth.