📝 Executive Summary
Crude oil futures climbed sharply on Tuesday after the US launched airstrikes against Iranian targets in retaliation for a helicopter attack. The escalation raised immediate fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global crude shipments. Brent and WTI both added roughly 2%, hitting multi-week highs, as traders priced in a fresh risk premium. Safe-haven assets like gold also edged higher amid the heightened tensions.