Brent Hits 6-Month High Amid U.S. Military Buildup in Gulf as Gold Holds Above $5,000

Oil prices surged as Brent crude reached a six-month high of $71.55 per barrel, while WTI traded at $66.37. The rally is primarily driven by reports of the U.S. amassing military forces near the Persian Gulf as diplomatic negotiations with Iran remain stalled. This heightened geopolitical risk has sustained gold's historic rally, keeping the precious metal firmly above the $5,000 threshold. Simultaneously, the market continues to digest hawkish minutes from the Federal Reserve (FED), which have dampened sentiment for risk assets. Analysts suggest that the convergence of military escalation and restrictive monetary policy is creating a high-volatility environment for global commodities. Investors remain on high alert for any further developments that could disrupt energy supply chains in the Middle East.