Nafta: napetosti na Bližnjem vzhodu dvigujejo Brentovo nafto nad 90 dolarjev

The price of Brent crude oil surged past $90 per barrel on Monday, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The September Brent crude contract climbed 2.72% to $90.50 at around 1:00 GMT, while its U.S. counterpart, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), rose 2.39% to $84.46. The sharp increase came amid heightened conflict, including continued U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran and reports of a burning vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The rising prices were fueled by renewed military activity in the region. U.S. forces have been conducting air strikes against Iranian targets for nine consecutive nights, according to official statements. These attacks follow recent casualties among American troops in the area, with President Donald Trump asserting that the United States was “very harshly” retaliating against Iran. The White House confirmed that the strikes targeted Iranian communication networks and command centers, though specific locations were not disclosed. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of concern. The British Maritime Security Agency, known as UKMTO, reported that a ship caught fire near the strategic waterway, approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Kamaran, Oman. The incident occurred at a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, with nearly a fifth of the world’s petroleum moving through the strait before the outbreak of hostilities. Although the cause of the fire remained unclear, the situation raised alarms among energy markets and regional authorities. In response to the growing unrest, the Kuwaiti military announced it had been hit by drone attacks attributed to Iran. The attack reportedly damaged infrastructure within the country, prompting increased security measures. In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have struck U.S. aircraft stationed at the King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan. This exchange of blows further intensified fears of a broader regional escalation. The ongoing conflict has led to a surge in oil prices, reflecting market anxieties over supply disruptions and geopolitical instability. Analysts noted that the combination of military action and logistical challenges in key shipping lanes has created a volatile environment for energy traders. With both sides continuing their respective campaigns, the risk of further incidents remains high, particularly given the narrow and heavily trafficked nature of the Strait of Hormuz. As the situation unfolds, international observers remain closely monitoring developments. While the U.S. and its allies continue their efforts to counter Iranian influence, Tehran has shown no signs of backing down. The potential for additional confrontations, whether in the skies over the Gulf or along the vital sea routes, remains a pressing concern for global energy markets and policymakers alike. For now, the focus remains on the immediate consequences of these actions and how they might shape the trajectory of regional stability in the coming days.