Oil prices soared on Tuesday due to escalating fears surrounding conflicts in the Middle East. Iran's threats of retaliation have raised alarms over potential disruptions in crude supplies. With projections indicating substantial price hikes if the Strait of Hormuz sees blockages, JPMorgan predicts increased Brent prices, while Goldman Sachs alerts to the possibility of Brent hitting $120 if shipping lanes are disrupted.

Brent crude futures climbed 52 cents, or 0.54%, to $96.80 a barrel by 2354 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $92.14 a barrel, up 66 cents, or 0.72%.

The latest escalation came on Saturday when U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers, according to U.S. Central Command. One of the vessels was hit off the coast of Kharg…