Weeks of US and Israeli air strikes, sanctions, and restrictions have hit Iran hard, but it could be geology that eventually pushes it into making concessions in its ongoing standoff with the United States. As the US naval blockade of Iran approaches the end of its third week, data from shipping and industry monitors suggests that tankers have been unable to move Iranian crude through the Strait of Hormuz toward markets in Asia. This means that Iranian oil storage capacity is rapidly filling, and the clock is ticking before Iran will need to cease…

Oil prices continued to climb in early Asian trade on Thursday, with traders pricing in a prolonged disruption to Middle East supply flows as inventories continue to shrink. Brent crude for July delivery climbed to $113.09, up 2.65%, while West Texas Intermediate rose 2.28% to trade at $109.30. Notably, the expiring front-month Brent contract was trading at over $121, highlighting just how tight prompt supply has become in the region. The latest rally has come on the back of failed diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and a continuing…