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Brent Crude Spikes to $106 After Iran Strikes South Pars Gas Field; Strait of Hormuz Fears Escalate

Global oil benchmark Brent crude spiked 3.1% to above $106 per barrel on Wednesday after Iran reported an attack on its South Pars natural gas processing complex — the world's largest gas field — in apparent retaliation for recent Israeli strikes. The development reignited fears that the conflict could escalate toward a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world's oil supply transits daily.

IEA Approves Record 400 Million-Barrel Emergency Oil Release, but Traders Remain Skeptical

The International Energy Agency's 32 member nations unanimously agreed Wednesday to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves—the largest coordinated drawdown in the organization's 52-year history. Despite the announcement, Brent crude remained above $90, as analysts said the release covers only a fraction of the ongoing supply disruption caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

February CPI Meets Forecasts at 2.4%, But Iran War Threatens to Reignite Inflation in Coming Months

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday that February's Consumer Price Index rose 2.4% year-over-year, in line with economist expectations, with core CPI advancing 2.5%. While the on-target print briefly steadied markets, analysts warn the data predates the Iran conflict-driven oil price spike, leaving the Federal Reserve's rate path highly uncertain as energy-driven inflation risks build for the months ahead.

Iran War Enters Day 11: Oil Retreats From Highs as Trump Signals Conflict Nearing End

U.S. crude oil tumbled to approximately $88 per barrel on Tuesday after President Trump indicated the war in Iran may be approaching its conclusion, offering markets a measure of relief after oil had briefly surpassed $110 per barrel. Iranian authorities, however, signaled readiness to continue the conflict, keeping geopolitical risk premiums elevated across energy, defense, and airline sectors.

Dow Jones Plunges Over 900 Points as Geopolitical Tensions Rattle Markets

U.S. equity markets experienced a dramatic sell-off today as escalating conflict in the Middle East sent shockwaves through global financial markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 900 points, while major indices such as the S&P 500 and NASDAQ also posted sharp losses, fueled in part by a surge in oil prices and renewed inflation concerns.

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz as U.S.-Israeli Strikes Deepen, Sending Oil to Eight-Month Highs

The Islamic Republic declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all maritime traffic on Tuesday as U.S. and Israeli forces launched a fourth consecutive day of strikes, pushing Brent crude above $84 per barrel. The closure of the world's most critical oil chokepoint — through which roughly a third of global seaborne crude exports pass — has ignited fears of a prolonged supply shock and rattled equity markets worldwide.

Global Markets Join Sell-Off as Geopolitical Risk Drives Energy Costs Higher

International equity markets weakened sharply amid renewed geopolitical tensions and a spike in energy prices, reinforcing global risk aversion. Stocks across Europe and Asia saw broad declines as investors digested heightened conflict in the Middle East and the possibility of supply disruptions. Energy and defense sectors outperformed, while traditional growth and travel sectors lagged amid rising risk premiums and inflation concerns.

U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran Trigger Broad Market Selloff as Oil Surges and Safe Havens Rally

A joint U.S.-Israeli military offensive against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, sent shockwaves through global financial markets on Monday, pushing oil prices up as much as 13 percent, gold above $5,400 per ounce, and sparking a broad equity selloff as investors repositioned into safe-haven assets amid fears of prolonged conflict and energy supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume With No Deal, Lifting Oil While Markets Brace for Geopolitical Risk

Diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program concluded in Geneva without a resolution, with technical-level discussions now scheduled to resume in Vienna next week. While the continuation of negotiations eased the most acute fears of an imminent military confrontation, analysts at Raymond James warned that a U.S. military operation against Iran remains likely at this stage, keeping crude oil elevated and energy stocks in focus.