Crude Prices Rise as US Renews Warnings Against Iran

International crude oil benchmarks extended recent gains as geopolitical friction between the United States and Iran escalated. Brent crude reached $91.48 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed to $86.97 per barrel, representing an increase of more than $1 per barrel for both contracts compared to Monday trading.

The market reaction followed an appearance by US President Trump in the Oval Office on Monday evening, during which he stated that the United States is prepared to conduct military strikes against Iran if deemed necessary. The warning came on the heels of the first reported exchange of fire in the region in several weeks.

Energy shipping through key regional transit corridors remains constrained. Maritime data indicates that commercial tanker traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz continues to operate at a small fraction of levels recorded before the conflict began.