TRADE & ECONOMY
Oil prices jumped sharply to a four-year high, crossing $126 per barrel, after US President Donald Trump indicated that the naval blockade on Iranian ports could last for an extended period. The warning intensified concerns about global energy supply disruptions, particularly through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade.
Reports suggest Trump has instructed his national security team to prepare for a long-term blockade to pressure Iran into abandoning its nuclear programme. The US administration is also considering further military options, signaling that tensions with Iran remain unresolved despite ongoing negotiations.
Market analysts say the uncertainty surrounding the conflict has shifted investor sentiment, with traders increasingly expecting the crisis to continue rather than resolve quickly. This has pushed energy prices higher and contributed to volatility in global stock markets.
The surge in oil prices has already begun affecting global economies, raising inflation concerns and putting pressure on fuel costs worldwide. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, with both sides maintaining hardline positions.