<p data-start="220" data-end="563">In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, crude oil markets have surged following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The sharp rally in prices underscores growing concerns over the security of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz&mdash;one of the world&rsquo;s most critical chokepoints for energy transit.</p>
<p data-start="220" data-end="563">&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="220" data-end="563"><strong>ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/general/israel-pounds-iran-s-nuclear-missile-targets/13688</strong></p>
<p data-start="565" data-end="1062">Brent crude spiked over 10% in intraday trading, breaching the $80 per barrel mark, while WTI crude followed closely, surging past $78. This swift price action reflects both a bullish technical structure and heightened geopolitical anxiety. The breakout was triggered as confirmation emerged of Israel&rsquo;s precision strikes on high-value Iranian targets, including IRGC facilities and suspected nuclear installations&mdash;escalating fears of broader regional conflict that could impact oil supply chains.</p>
<p data-start="1064" data-end="1330">Market sentiment had already turned constructive ahead of the event, with crude trading above its recent equilibrium. The latest geopolitical flashpoint provided the catalyst for a rapid upside breakout, reinforcing energy&rsquo;s role as a barometer of geopolitical risk.</p>
<p data-start="1332" data-end="1576">Technical analysts are now watching key support levels at $72&ndash;$75 per barrel. A sustained move above this zone could establish $80 as the next psychological ceiling, while any break below $70 may invite a steeper correction toward the $68 mark.</p>
<h3 data-start="1578" data-end="1595"><strong>ALSO READ:https://www.benefitnews24.com/defence/iran-vows-retaliation-after-israeli-targeted-strike/13670</strong></h3>
<h3 data-start="1578" data-end="1595">Markets React</h3>
<p data-start="1597" data-end="1899">Asian equity markets, traditionally sensitive to Middle Eastern unrest, opened lower on Friday, reflecting investor unease. Tokyo&rsquo;s Nikkei 225 shed 1.2%, while Seoul&rsquo;s Kospi dipped 0.7%. Hong Kong and Shanghai were also in the red, albeit more modestly. Australia's ASX 200 saw a marginal 0.3% decline.</p>
<p data-start="1901" data-end="2148">Although markets in the Asia-Pacific region maintain diversified energy supply chains and deeper links with Gulf producers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, any sustained disruption in the Persian Gulf could ripple through global trade and logistics.</p>
<h3 data-start="2150" data-end="2198">Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz</h3>
<p data-start="2200" data-end="2575">The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the market&rsquo;s nervous response. More than 20 million barrels per day&mdash;roughly 20% of global oil demand&mdash;passes through this narrow waterway. Iran, positioned on its northern flank, has historically threatened to block the strait in response to hostile actions, and with Tehran now vowing retaliation, the risk premium on crude has surged.</p>
<p data-start="2577" data-end="3050">Iran currently produces around 3.3 million barrels per day (roughly 3% of global supply), exporting nearly half of that&mdash;primarily to China and Turkey. While China has recently pared back imports amid global scrutiny, it continues to rely on Iranian barrels, especially in the context of discounted crude deals. India, which stopped purchasing Iranian oil following U.S. sanctions, remains insulated from direct supply shocks but still exposed to the broader pricing impact.</p>
<h3 data-start="3052" data-end="3074">The Bigger Picture</h3>
<p data-start="3076" data-end="3364">The geopolitical calculus is delicate. A limited Israeli operation may avoid full-scale confrontation, but any Iranian retaliation could prompt further escalations, potentially drawing in regional oil giants such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE&mdash;all major contributors to global supply.</p>
<p data-start="3366" data-end="3602">For now, traders will keep a keen eye on Israel's next move and Tehran&rsquo;s response. Meanwhile, energy companies and national governments are likely reviewing strategic reserves and contingency logistics in case of a prolonged disruption.</p>
<p data-start="3604" data-end="3755" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><strong data-start="3604" data-end="3755" data-is-last-node="">With crude reasserting its role as a geopolitical barometer, today&rsquo;s surge is not just about barrels&mdash;but the balance of power in a volatile region.</strong></p>

Oil exploration (image source: social media)

Strikes on Iran push Brent above $80; Asia equities dip as markets brace for geopolitical fallout

Oil Surges as Israel-Iran Clash Fuels Supply Fears

Strikes on Iran push Brent above $80; Asia equities dip as markets brace for geopolitical fallout

June 13, 2025 | 19:13 IST