White House Loses Control as Energy Markets React to Middle East Conflict

Global energy markets are spiraling after Israel''s airstrikes on Iran, with Brent crude surging $8 to $73/barrel in under 24 hours. Analysts warn of $100 oil if conflict disrupts key export channels—a price last seen during Russia''s Ukraine invasion. The geopolitical shockwaves are hitting US consumers directly, with GasBuddy predicting a 25-cent gasoline price hike within weeks.

The timing couldn''t be worse for an administration that campaigned on lowering energy costs. Natural gas and electricity prices are climbing in lockstep, leaving policymakers with dwindling options. Market forces appear indifferent to political promises—a reality underscored when the Energy Secretary faced public rebuke over pre-existing price pressures.

This crisis exposes the fragile equilibrium of global energy markets. As Rapidan Energy''s Bob McNally observed during the last major supply shock, ''Markets punish hesitation.'' The coming weeks will test whether digital assets can maintain their decoupling thesis from traditional energy markets.