•Crude oil prices saw a slight ease but stayed at high levels despite escalating threats between US President Donald Trump and Iran.
•Brent crude dipped towards $111 per barrel, while WTI fell to $98 after briefly touching $100.
•Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face power plant bombings; Tehran retaliated with threats against US-Israel infrastructure.
•The global benchmark Brent has surged over 50% since the war began, now in its fourth week, with prices remaining volatile.
•Analysts warn that if the conflict persists, crude prices could exceed the 2008 record high of $147.5 a barrel.
