US to Send Additional Troops to Middle East Amid Rising Oil Prices

Oil prices surged to $103 per barrel on Friday. Driven by fresh restrictions on Chinese fuel exports and reports of increased US military deployments to the Middle East. The move came as President Donald Trump weighed whether to resume strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections.

Brent crude stood at $102.60, higher by 28 cents or 0.27%. Meanwhile, WTI crude was trading at $92.96, up 9 cents or 0.10%. The recent rise in oil prices has raised concerns about a potential worsening of global fuel shortages.

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"Now I have to make a decision. They'll either sign a very fair deal, or they won't exist any longer," Trump told reporters at the White House.

China's decision to restrict fuel exports in March following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran has been a source of concern for oil markets. Beijing had eased those curbs in July. However, has since been managing shipments of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel on a monthly basis.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the US is sending a third aircraft carrier and as many as 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East. The move is part of a broader effort to counter Iranian influence in the region.

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China'It was sudden halt to fuel exports has intensified global anxiety over dwindling fuel supplies, sparking a scramble for alternatives. In response, the US government has urged Germany and France to scale back their emergency diesel stockpiles, a move aimed at mitigating skyrocketing fuel prices worldwide.

Despite the recent rise, Brent remained on course for a 1.93% weekly decline. The benchmark had gained 14% overall in September, while WTI posted a more modest 4% rise last month.