Oil prices climbed further on Monday as fresh US military strikes on Iran escalated tensions in the Middle East, raising immediate concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies and trade routes.
The development marks a sharp reversal from the brief de-escalation that had buoyed markets earlier in the week, sending risk sentiment into a tailspin across Asian trading sessions.
Brent crude extended its recent surge, reflecting the market's repricing of supply risk amid the renewed conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, remains under threat as hostilities intensify.
Investors are now weighing the potential for sustained export bottlenecks against the backdrop of broader geopolitical instability.
Equity markets reacted negatively to the escalation, with technology shares leading the decline.