A new actor joins the fighting in the Middle East. Oil prices rise

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery on the NYMEX is trading at $100.90 per barrel, up 1.26%. Brent crude on the ICE exchange for May delivery is priced at $114.90 per barrel, an increase of $2.07. The Houthis attacked Israel on March 28 in support of Iran. So far, they have carried out at least two attacks using rockets and drones.

The transfer of additional US troops to the region is underway. It is anticipated that they will be deployed in one of three possible ways:

1. to seize the Iranian oil facility on Kharg Island (in recent days, the island has been heavily fortified, and any attempt to capture it would likely result in American casualties),
2. to assist in an operation aimed at seizing Iranian nuclear material,
3. to be stationed along Iran’s coastline to control the Strait of Hormuz from there.

At the same time, negotiations between the United States and Iran are reportedly ongoing. Donald Trump stated that the Iranian side had accepted most of the 15 points of the peace plan proposed by the Americans. As a gesture of goodwill, Iran reportedly allowed 10 tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz last week and agreed to permit the passage of 20 more.