Oil prices climbed again because of the war with Iran, tightening their grip on the global economy and sending stock markets lower around the world.

Brent crude oil rose 9% this week while US crude finished the week with a small loss, as the US said it is sending three warships and thousands of additional Marines to the Middle East.

U.S. stocks climbed back from earlier declines, trading down less than 0.5% on the day.

The Brent-WTI crude oil spread has widened to an 11-year high of roughly $18 per barrel as Middle East supply disruptions expose a deepening split between global and U.S. crude markets.

On March 19, 2026, gold’s slide pulls on Newmont, and oil shocks ripple through an already risk‑averse U.S. market.

BofA raises 2026 Brent crude forecast to $77.50 from $61 after Strait of Hormuz disruptions drain 200M barrels. E&P stocks FANG, DVN, OVV get price target boost.

By Georgina McCartney and Siddharth Cavale HOUSTON/New York, March 18 (Reuters) - The discount for U.S. crude futures versus Brent on Wednesday hit the widest in 11 years, as attacks on Middle Eastern oil infrastructure drove the global benchmark higher while rising supply in the U.

Tobin Marcus, Wolfe Research policy and politics head, joins 'Squawk Box' to discus the latest developments in the Iran war, efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, what a potential endgame could look like,