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Global oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday, rising to their highest level since September 2025 as markets reacted to mounting fears that a potential U.S. military strike on Iran could disrupt supplies from the Middle East. Brent crude futures the international benchmark surpassed $70 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also posted significant gains, marking a strong upward move across energy markets.
Analysts say investors are pricing in the risk of supply disruptions if geopolitical tensions escalate, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of global oil exports must pass.
The upsurge in crude prices reflects deepening concerns over a possible U.S. military action against Iran’s nuclear and security infrastructure after renewed pressure from the U.S. administration. Reports indicate that President Trump has increased diplomatic pressure and that U.S. naval forces have moved into the regionil developments traders see as heightening the risk of conflict.
Iran, a key member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), produces over 3.2 million barrels per day. Any threat to its output or to shipping routes could tighten global supplies and feed further upward pressure on prices.
Financial markets have responded strongly, with commodities such as oil and gold rising as investors seek hedges amid uncertainty. Analysts warn that even limited disruptions or the threat of supply bottlenecks can meaningfully tighten global energy markets, pushing prices further upward.
According to industry sources, this price rally also marks one of the sharpest monthly gains in recent years, reflecting the premium markets now place on geopolitical risk.
“The immediate market concern is the potential impact on supplies if geopolitical tensions escalate especially if key shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz are affected,” said one energy analyst, highlighting how conflict risk is now being priced into global crude benchmarks.
