Global Energy Markets: Hormuz Stalemate, Gold Surge, and Renewable Shifts

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted to just 6-8 ships per day, down from roughly 140 before the conflict, as Iran and the U.S. remain deadlocked over reopening conditions. Brent crude surged past $89 per barrel mid-week before retreating to around $87.69 as demand concerns tempered supply fears. Iran has issued six sweeping demands—including compensation and an end to U.S. operations—before the...