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Why Oil Prices Remain on Edge: Middle East Tensions and Market Volatility Explained

More than five months after the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, oil markets are still being jolted by every new development and by contradictory statements from former President Donald Trump. Analysts explain why the Brent crude price has swung wildly, why the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered unprecedented anxiety among investors, and how the industry is coping with reduced refinery capacity and a shift in export routes. Despite the turbulence, Brent has averaged around $94 per barrel since the conflict began, well below early‑war forecasts of $100‑$150. The article outlines the role of U.S. sanctions, the June 17 Tehran‑Washington agreement, and the rapid response of consumers and producers that have kept the market from spiralling further.

August 12th, 2026
3 min read
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More than five months after the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, oil markets are still being jolted by every new development and by contradictory statements from former President Donald Trump. Analysts explain why the Brent crude price has swung wildly, why the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered unprecedented anxiety among investors, and how the industry is coping with reduced refinery capacity and a shift in export routes.

Despite the turbulence, Brent has averaged around $94 per barrel since the conflict began, well below early‑war forecasts of $100‑$150. The article outlines the role of U.S. sanctions, the June 17 Tehran‑Washington agreement, and the rapid response of consumers and producers that have kept the market from spiralling further.

More than five months after the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, oil markets are still being jolted by every new development and by contradictory statements from former President Donald Trump. Analysts explain why the Brent crude price has swung wildly, why the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered unprecedented anxiety among investors, and how the industry is coping with reduced refinery capacity and a shift in export routes. Despite the turbulence, Brent has averaged around $94 per barrel since the conflict began, well below early‑war forecasts of $100‑$150. The article outlines the role of U.S. sanctions, the June 17 Tehran‑Washington agreement, and the rapid response of consumers and producers that have kept the market from spiralling further.

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