Oil prices surged as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran, overshadowed a US government report indicating significant crude stockpiles. The market's focus shifted sharply toward potential supply disruptions from regional conflicts, pushing futures contracts higher despite the inventory data suggesting increased availability. Traders prioritized the risk of Iranian actions affecting global production over the bearish inventory signal, demonstrating how geopolitical risk can override fundamental supply-demand metrics. The Brent benchmark rose above $90 per barrel as investors priced in potential supply chain vulnerabilities.