Iran War Escalation Sends Oil Prices Soaring Over $2
Oil prices surged over $2 on Monday as global supply concerns grew due to the stalemate in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iran war.
U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran's surrender and threatened to bomb Oman, while a senior Iranian official vowed to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and beyond if the U.S. fails to implement an interim peace deal fully within weeks.
Brent crude futures settled up $2.35, or 2.65 per cent, at $90.87 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled up $2.10, or 2.55 per cent, to $84.50 a barrel.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the president has 'a lot of latitude' to wait out Iran while economic sanctions and an oil embargo squeeze them, adding that 'the world doesn't need Iranian oil.'