September WTI crude oil posted its strongest weekly gain in months, rallying over 11% as traders rapidly rebuilt a geopolitical risk premium into the market. After opening the week near $72.50, prices climbed above $80 before easing slightly into Thursday's close. The move marked a dramatic reversal from the previous two weeks, when optimism over improving oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz had pressured prices lower. This week, renewed military action between the United States and Iran shifted the market's focus back to the risk of supply disruptions.

Renewed Middle East Fighting Drives Crude Oil News Today

The biggest catalyst came over the weekend when fighting between U.S. and Iranian forces intensified. New U.S. airstrikes targeting military facilities near Iran's southern coast were followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks on U.S. positions in the region. The renewed conflict raised concerns that oil exports from the Persian Gulf could once again be disrupted. Iran also threatened to interfere with shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and potentially the Red Sea through allied Houthi forces. Since roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne crude oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz, traders quickly priced in the possibility of tighter global supplies.

U.S. Inventory Report Reinforces Oil Price Forecast

The market also received support from fresh U.S. inventory data. The Energy Information Administration reported that crude…