Earlier this month, a US military operation captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and transported him to New York to face trial for narco-terrorism conspiracy. This was followed by the massive protests in Iran, which were bloodily suppressed by the Iranian regime. President Trump strongly hinted at a military response against Tehran and fears of war in the Middle East increased dramatically. Trump now appears to have backed off, saying it is because Iran agreed not to execute hundreds of protestors. Oil prices, which had climbed to multi-week highs during the unrest, eased after Trump moved away from military action.