Dollar Rises Amidst Middle East Tensions and Oil Price Surge

The dollar is set for its first weekly increase in a month amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S., which have pushed oil prices back over $100 per barrel. Tehran's seizure of two ships in the Strait of Hormuz has intensified the conflict, diminishing investor optimism.

Key issues such as ceasefire negotiations, blockades, and nuclear matters continue to divide the U.S. and Iran, keeping the strategic waterway closed and causing an energy shock across global markets. Currencies like the euro and sterling faced declines, while the Japanese yen remains vulnerable near the intervention threshold.

The Middle East conflict, now nearly two months old, has led to high fuel prices and eroded market pricing for rate cuts. The U.S. dollar benefits from this turmoil, with potential currency swap discussions between the U.S. and UAE adding further complexity to the financial landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)