Oil climbs as Lebanon clashes and Hormuz ship attacks rattle ceasefire hopes

Oil prices rose on Monday as renewed fighting in Lebanon and fresh attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz clouded the outlook for a possible deal to end the US-Iran conflict. The escalation suggests that a negotiated settlement remains distant, traders said, adding a risk premium to crude prices. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane through which about one-fifth of global oil supply passes. Any disruption there can quickly affect global prices. Details on the latest vessel attacks were limited, but the incidents mark a setback after weeks of relative calm in the region. Meanwhile, clashes in Lebanon added to broader Middle East uncertainty, making investors wary of supply disruptions. Analysts noted that while no major oil infrastructure has been hit so far, the market remains sensitive to any sign of widening conflict. As of midday trading, benchmark crude futures were up, reflecting the heightened geopolitical risk.