Brent crude climbed above $90 on Monday as the conflict between the United States and Iran continued to intensify. The move in oil prices came as traders reacted to another night of U.S. strikes and the growing risk that the confrontation could affect major energy shipping routes.
Market attention is centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil flows. Any threat to shipments through the waterway can quickly push prices higher, and the latest fighting has added to concerns about possible disruptions.
The rise in crude reflects a broader risk premium returning to energy markets as the standoff shows little sign of easing. With American forces carrying out a ninth straight night of strikes against Iranian targets, investors are watching closely for signs that the conflict could spread further or interfere more directly with supply.
For now, the jump past $90 in Brent highlights how sensitive oil markets remain to geopolitical shocks in the Middle East. As long as tensions between Washington and Tehran stay elevated, concerns over transport and supply are likely to keep prices under upward pressure.
