A U.S. official indicated that the campaign could extend for several weeks. Brent futures rose 28 cents, or 0.4%, reaching $70.85 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 22 cents, or 0.3%, reaching $67.39.
This increase in crude prices was also driven by economic data from China, which showed a slight rebound in retail sales during January and February, generating expectations of higher domestic consumption.
However, industrial production slowed, and unemployment increased. According to official data, China's oil refining capacity grew by 2.1% compared to the previous year, driven by a new refinery and increased travel during the holidays, although refining margins remain weak.
Luego de las advertencias de Trump el precio del petróleo aumentó
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, declared that he will hold Iran directly responsible for any future attack carried out by the Houthi rebels from Yemen, backed by Tehran, who have attacked American and other countries' ships in the Red Sea.
In a message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that "every shot fired by the Houthis will be considered, from this moment on, as a shot coming from Iran's weapons and leadership, and Iran will be responsible, and will suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be severe".
This message from Trump further escalated his administration's campaign against the Houthi rebels. Over the weekend, airstrikes killed at least 53 terrorists in Yemen, and they are expected to continue.
Los hutíes yemeníes atacan a cualquier embarcación que cruce por el Golfo de Adén
Meanwhile, Iran is evaluating how to respond to a letter sent by Trump last week, in which he attempted to revive negotiations on Tehran's advanced nuclear program.
Trump correctly described the Houthis as "sinister thugs" and warned that any attack by this group would be met with "great force", without guaranteeing that this force would stop there.
He attributed to Iran the direct responsibility for the actions of the Houthis, accusing the Tehran regime of providing them with weapons, money, sophisticated military equipment, and even intelligence.
Trump also pointed out that Iran has played the role of "innocent victim" by claiming that it has lost control of the Houthis, when in reality, according to him, they dictate every move of the group.
Trump's publication was not linked to a specific event, although the leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard attempted to dissociate the Houthis' actions from Tehran's next weekend.
The Houthis also launched drones and missiles against the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, although none hit the ship, which continued its air operations in the region.
On the other hand, oil prices rose slightly on Monday after the United States promised to continue attacking the Houthis until the Iran-aligned group ends its attacks on navigation in the Red Sea.
La Guardia Revolucionaria de Irán intentó despegarse de los hutíes
Senior analyst Phil Flynn from Price Futures Group commented that the combination of economic stimulus in China and intensified attacks by the Houthis was providing a significant boost to the oil market.
Despite this rebound, Brent is still down nearly 5% so far this year due to concerns about a global economic slowdown, partly driven by growing trade tensions between the United States and other nations.
The OPEC's planning to increase oil production starting in April has also pressured prices.
Los países de la OPEC planean aumentar la producción de petróleo
However, according to Ole Hansen from Saxo Bank, the prospect of stricter U.S. sanctions against Iran counteracts this gradual increase in OPEC production, as the reduction in Iranian supply could remain a significant factor driving prices.
Finally, Trump also mentioned that he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the war in Ukraine, highlighting that the talks would likely involve territorial concessions by Ukraine and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
However, Trump warned that the agreement could increase the supply of Russian crude in the global market, which could negatively affect oil prices.
Trump mantendrá una conversación con Putin para discutir acerca del conflicto en Ucrania
