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Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Surge Amid Supply Concerns

Wall Street Journal Markets •
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Brent crude surged 9.0% to $100.29 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate rose 8.9% to $94.97 as Iranian attacks on shipping lanes threaten the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn prolonged disruptions could tighten global oil supplies despite the International Energy Agency's 400 million barrel emergency release.

Geopolitical instability in the region has overshadowed short-term supply assurances, with traders prioritizing conflict-driven risks over inventory replenishment efforts. The IEA's intervention, while substantial, failed to calm market nerves as fears of sustained output interruptions persist.

Oil's sharp ascent reflects heightened sensitivity to Middle East volatility, with energy markets bracing for potential cascading effects on refining and transportation networks. Investors are closely tracking developments that could exacerbate supply constraints.

This sharp price movement underscores the fragility of energy markets amid escalating tensions, highlighting how geopolitical flashpoints continue to dominate commodity trading dynamics.