Oil prices rise as US-Iran standoff shuts down the Strait of Hormuz

A geopolitical standoff between the US and Iran has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage responsible for 20% of global oil and gas supply. Consequently, Brent crude prices spiked toward wartime highs, surpassing $109.53. Analysts warn that even if diplomatic negotiations resolve the situation immediately, restoring normal shipping operations will likely take four to six months. This energy supply disruption threatens to increase global inflation and force central banks to tighten monetary policy, creating a challenging macroeconomic environment for speculative assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, while simultaneously pressuring Bitcoin mining margins due to rising energy costs.

(Source：Crypto Briefing)