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WTI and Brent Rally on Renewed Iran Risk and Energy Security Worries

Key Takeaways -Oil prices rose sharply as renewed military risk around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz pushed WTI above $107 and Brent above $111. -President Trump’s warning to Iran and reports of potential US-Israel attacks increased geopolitical tension, lifting the oil supply-risk premium. -A drone strike near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant added another layer of energy-security risk, though the facility remains safe. -Supply disruptions, elevated crude prices, and persistent Middle East instability continue to support inflation concerns and pressure risk assets. -Technical levels are key: WTI immediate support sits near $100, while resistance lies at $103.50–$106, with further upside targeting $110–115. Markets reacted to a firmer US stance toward Iran after the ceasefire showed cracks. CL-OIL traded at 102.594, up 1.477, or 1.46%, after reaching a session high of 104.294. President Trump warned of urgent action on Iran, prompting traders to price in renewed military risk. Any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil shipments, continues to support the supply-risk premium embedded in Brent and WTI pricing. UAE Drone Strike Adds Risk Layer A weekend drone strike near the Barakah nuclear facility heightened regional risk. While the plant remains operational and radiologically safe, attacks near critical infrastructure amplify fears of escalation, sustaining upside pressure on crude. Inflation and Market Impact Persistent crude above $100 per barrel feeds into broader inflation expectations. Brent crude rose 1.8% to $111.17 a barrel, while WTI increased 2.2% to $107.71 a barrel, sustaining higher energy costs. Rising oil prices increase fuel, transportation, and consumer costs, reinforcing central bank caution on monetary easing. Elevated energy costs also maintain pressure on risk assets while supporting safe-haven demand. Technical Analysis WTI traded at $102.59, holding above the $100 psychological handle. Moving averages (MA5: 100.04, MA10: 98.93, MA20: 99.07) suggest bullish momentum is returning after a period of sideways consolidation. Key resistance sits at $103.50–$106, with major support at $98–100. A clean break above resistance may push WTI toward $110–115, while a drop below support would signal a short-term reversal. Cautious Forecast Oil maintains a moderately bullish bias as long as it holds above $98–100. A continuation above $104 would strengthen the rally, while a break below $98.937 would suggest fading escalation-driven buying. Traders should monitor US-Iran developments, Strait of Hormuz traffic, and any fresh regional military incidents. Discover full expert analysis on oil prices, Iran tensions, and global energy market risks in this article below.

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Publication date:

2026-05-18 08:41:57 (GMT)

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