Oil Prices Climb as U.S. Strikes Intensify in Yemen

Brent crude futures edged higher in early Asian trading on Monday, rising 0.6% as geopolitical tensions escalated. The uptick came after the United States vowed to continue military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis until they halt attacks on commercial shipping routes.

The recent U.S. airstrikes, the largest Middle East military operation since President Donald Trump took office, have already resulted in at least 53 casualties, according to Yemen’s Houthi-run health ministry. A U.S. official told Reuters that the campaign could extend for weeks as Washington seeks to protect global trade routes.

The Houthi-led disruptions have significantly impacted global commerce, forcing the U.S. military into costly operations to intercept missiles and drones targeting shipping vessels. As a result, Brent crude prices saw a 40-cent increase, trading at $70.98 per barrel at 2208 GMT on Monday.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a crucial region for oil supply, has raised concerns over potential supply chain disruptions. Investors and analysts are closely monitoring the situation, as prolonged instability could push crude prices even higher in the coming weeks.

Oil traders remain cautious as geopolitical risks grow, with the possibility of extended U.S. military actions fueling uncertainty in global markets. Market analysts anticipate further fluctuations in oil prices depending on the conflict’s progression and its broader impact on energy security.

With rising tensions in the Red Sea region, the oil market remains volatile, and energy traders are bracing for potential price swings driven by further developments in U.S. military operations and Houthi responses. The coming days will be critical in determining the extent of the disruption and its effect on global crude prices.