The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with oil prices surging to their highest levels in six years. Iran’s recent missile attacks on targets across the Middle East, including Israel and Gulf nations, have intensified concerns about supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil corridor.

U.S. oil futures recorded their biggest gain in six years, closing at $111.54 a barrel, while Brent crude jumped to $109.03 per barrel. The war, which began on February 28, is entering its sixth week with no signs of easing. Both American and Israeli airstrikes have hit Iranian targets, with President Donald Trump vowing to hit Iran “extremely hard” and “back to the Stone Ages.”

The conflict has resulted in over 1,300 deaths and more than a million displaced people in Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion against Hezbollah. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reiterated his call for the US and Israel to stop the war against Iran, and for Iran to cease attacking its neighbors, warning that the world is on the edge of a wider war.

The UN Security Council is preparing to meet regarding Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to vote on a draft resolution to mandate a force to protect shipping in the strait. Iran has warned the UN Security Council against any “provocative action” ahead of this vote.

Meanwhile, Cuba has announced it will release 2,010 prisoners as a “humanitarian gesture” during Holy Week. In Southeast Asia, Cambodia has launched a project with Japan and the World Food Programme to address malnutrition among garment workers. Indonesia plans to deploy 756 peacekeepers to Lebanon in late May 2026 for a UNIFIL mission.