The price of oil accelerates gains and surpasses the threshold of $114 a barrel, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after Donald Trump launched new threats against Iran and the prospects for a quick peace deal remain uncertain. International Brent crude rose by about 3% to $114.64/barrel, marking the eighth consecutive session of growth, while WTI crude advanced by 3.6% to $103.54/barrel. Since the beginning of the conflict at the end of February, American oil has accumulated an advance of more than 49%. The rally is fueled by fears of a possible extension of the blockade on Iranian exports, after the US administration is considering measures to restrict maritime transport to and from Iran’s ports, according to sources cited by the international press. «Iran should get down to business quickly,» Trump said in a public message, suggesting increased economic pressure on Tehran. In parallel, negotiations to end the conflict appear deadlocked, which amplifies the risks of a prolonged disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical point for global energy supplies. Investors are also assessing the impact of the United Arab Emirates’ surprise withdrawal from OPEC, a decision that weakens the cartel’s cohesion but which analysts say has a limited short-term effect compared to geopolitical risks.
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