Global energy markets turned volatile again as fresh uncertainty surrounding peace talks between Iran and the United States and rising military tensions in the Gulf pushed prices higher. Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel in international markets Tuesday.
Brent crude for July delivery rose more than 4 percent to about $100.12 by 11:30 a.m. Eastern time. Analysts said the main drivers were rising concerns around the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing military situation.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran’s supreme leader, said in a statement that the United States would no longer find safe haven in the Middle East. His warning came hours after U.S. forces struck an Iranian missile base and two mine-laying vessels of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in what Washington called “defensive” strikes.
Washington said the facilities had become a threat to U.S. forces and regional shipping. Iran said the strikes violated the ceasefire agreement, and Tehran warned that any aggression would be met with a response.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global oil supply, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through it each day. Rising tensions around the route have unsettled markets.
An explosion on an oil tanker near the coast of Oman has further complicated the situation. Although everyone on board was reported safe, the incident has revived concerns about disruptions to oil supply.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier said a deal could be reached within days. But contradictory messages and military moves from both sides have quickly dimmed that optimism.
Analysts said geopolitical tensions are exerting greater influence on prices than supply-demand fundamentals.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report