RE: Iran's refusal for Westerners to use the PersiGeorge - two years ago, the mere hint of Mahmoud farting sent oil prices through the roof. For whatever reason, this threat by Iran had almost zero impact on the oil market. Very interesting, no? I am continually baffled by the market - there is almost no discernible pattern - no method to the madness. I don't think this is a case of the market not realizing what this potential threat could mean - people aren't that short sighted, especially people who control money. I can't see this threat actually being carried to fruition. It doesn't help Iran in the least - no tangible benefits. It reeks of desperation IMO, and I'm almost certain that given enough time their will to continue the sabre rattling will fade under the pressure of mounting sanctions. Furthermore, I don't think it's Iran we need to worry about - it's the American response that'll dictate how this unfolds. If they've only learned one thing in the last ten years, I hope it's the understanding that modern military intervention sure isn't what it's cracked up to be.