USA launches new attacks against Iran Oil prices rose more than 3% this Monday (13), reflecting the escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran. The rise was driven by the intensification of attacks between the two countries over the weekend and by Tehran's decision to once again close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's main oil transport routes. (check coverage in real time) At around 7:47 am (Brasília time), Brent oil, an international reference, increased 3.1%, quoted at US$ 78.44 per barrel. WTI, a reference in the United States, rose 3.2%, to US$ 73.71. The Strait of Hormuz contains around a fifth of the oil traded in the world. Any interruption in navigation through the region increases the risk of global supply problems and tends to put pressure on commodity prices. The escalation of tensions has also increased risk aversion in financial markets. Investors reduced exposure to assets considered more risky and sought protection in applications seen as safer, such as the dollar. Global markets In Asia, stock exchanges closed without a single direction. The Shanghai index fell 2.06% to 3,913 points, reaching its lowest level in three months. The CSI300, which brings together the largest companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen, fell 1.79%, to 4,695 points. The Hang Seng, from Hong Kong, advanced 0.16%, to 24,213 points. Among the other markets in the region, Japan's Nikkei fell 1.92%, to 67,242 points; the Kospi, from South Korea, fell 0.95%, to 6,806 points; the Straits Times, from Singapore, lost 0.11%, at 5,463 points; Taiex, from Taiwan, rose 0.06%, to 45,380 points; and the S&P/ASX 200, in Australia, advanced 0.03%, to 8,808 points. In the foreign exchange market, the dollar gained strength in the face of the search for assets considered safer. Sterling fell 0.1% to $1.339, while the euro rose 0.2% against the British currency to 85.38 pence. Understand the escalation of the conflict The market reaction occurred after a new exchange of attacks between the two countries. According to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, Iranian forces struck American military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as targets in Jordan and Oman. In response, the US military said it attacked Iranian air defense systems, radars, missiles, drones and vessels. The military escalation also cast doubt on a provisional agreement reached between Washington and Tehran last month, which provided for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a reduction in tensions after weeks of negotiations. In an interview with Reuters, US President Donald Trump stated that he considers the ceasefire to be over, but said he still sees room for new negotiations. On the Iranian side, the speaker of Parliament and the country's main negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, adopted a tough tone. In a post on the social network X, he stated that "the era of unilateral agreements is over" and demanded that the US fulfill its commitments. The war between the USA, Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, increased instability in the Middle East and led Iran to attack American military bases in different countries in the region. The conflict has already left thousands dead, mainly in Iran and Lebanon. In a statement released this Monday, the Revolutionary Guard stated that normal ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will only be reestablished when the US ends military operations in the region. The group also warned that new clashes could cause even greater impacts on the global oil and gas market. The Iranian government also reported that it is trying to negotiate a mechanism with Oman to manage the passage of vessels through the strait, but said that talks have been hampered by American pressure. The rise in oil prices increases concern about a possible rise in fuel prices and inflation in several countries, if the conflict continues and affects the global supply of the commodity. *With information from Reuters Oil extraction pumps, Iran, Middle East Reuters