Oil near $100 a barrel, markets anxious over escalating US-Iran conflict

Concerns over a prolonged resolution of the conflict between the United States and Iran are keeping the price of Brent crude near $100 a barrel, adding uncertainty to global energy markets.

Investors are expressing fears that the clash could escalate and endanger energy supplies from the Middle East. Iran has signaled readiness for further escalation and has warned it will intensify attacks if the US does not stop strikes on its territory.

The campaign of attacks has also affected regional energy infrastructure, where Tehran-backed Houthi rebels have struck several facilities in Saudi Arabia, causing temporary shutdowns. These actions have deepened the sense of insecurity among investors.

US President Donald Trump has stressed that the possibility of the conflict continuing beyond the November elections is not ruled out, adding that a significant drop in gasoline prices before that date seems impossible.

On Thursday, Brent experienced a slight pullback as investors took some profits from the previous rally, but its value remains near the high recorded since May.