The price of Brent crude has risen by 25% since early last month as hopes fade for a lasting end to the U.S.-Iran conflict. © ReutersSeptember 9, 2026 17:51 JSTUpdated on September 9, 2026 20:45 JSTSINGAPORE (Reuters) -- Brent crude oil futures breached $100 a barrel to hit six-week highs on Wednesday as intensifying conflict in the Middle East heightened concerns about oil flows, catching up to physical oil and fuel prices which have passed the psychological threshold already.Brent crude futures were up $2.77, or 2.83%, at $100.69 a barrel by 1033 GMT, after earlier touching $100.95. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up $2.18, or 2.34%, at $95.21 a barrel, its highest level since early June.Since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, Brent has surged as high as $126.41 a barrel, a peak reached on April 30."The move towards and back above $100 Brent is reflecting a market that increasingly has to change its view on how long the Middle East crisis will continue to curb supply from the region," said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.This week, attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi energy facilities set oil installations ablaze, threatening a significant expansion of the conflict.