Aluminum prices fell by more than 4%, and other metals also saw sharp declines after a stock market sell-off dampened sentiment in commodity markets. Global stocks fell as investors shifted away from technology shares and assessed further hawkish comments from a US Federal Reserve official. Metals' performance has been closely tied to changes in equity markets over the past few months, as investors have been betting on increased demand related to artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure.These conditions increased pressure on metals, with all major contracts on the London Metal Exchange recording sharp declines. Aluminum, however, is facing additional pressure as the US and Iran make progress in peace talks, boosting expectations of a recovery in Middle Eastern supplies.The United States issued a 60-day license allowing Iran to sell oil on global markets, a move aimed at providing Tehran with economic relief and indicating that negotiations are progressing relatively smoothly. Traders are currently monitoring the speed at which aluminum supplies from the Middle East, a major supplier before the outbreak of war at the end of February, will recover.