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Middle East conflict closes Strait of Hormuz, spikes crude oil prices

By Estefano Gomez · Published May 13, 2026 · 3 min read · Source: Crypto Briefing
Blockchain

## Market Snapshot

The WTI Crude Oil market for May 2026 is currently priced with a 51.5% likelihood of prices hitting $110, reflecting a substantial increase in recent days. For the question of oil hitting $150, the probability remains lower at 20.5%. Meanwhile, the Fed’s interest rate decision for June shows a 1.1% probability of a rate decrease.

## Key Takeaways

– Market pricing suggests that the ongoing Middle East conflict is consistent with high WTI Crude Oil price outcomes in May. – The likelihood of the Federal Reserve decreasing interest rates appears low, potentially due to inflationary pressures from the conflict. – Crude oil prices spiking due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz may indicate a prolonged impact on global commodity markets.

## Article Body

The economic implications of the ongoing Middle East conflict are becoming increasingly severe, with commodity markets experiencing significant disruptions. Crude oil prices have surged over 10% in the past week, and copper prices have reached historic highs. Analyst Alex Krainer warns that these trends could lead to aggressive global inflation, potentially affecting European and UK markets the hardest. The conflict, which began with US-Israel strikes on Iran, has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG flows. This closure has led to a near standstill in shipping and sustained control indicates a high level of escalation with no resolution in sight.

## Market Interpretation

The market reaction to the Middle East conflict appears to support a YES outcome for WTI Crude Oil reaching significant price targets in May. This is a high impact development, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global oil supplies, driving prices higher. Meanwhile, the probability of the Federal Reserve decreasing interest rates remains low, reflecting concerns over inflationary pressures exacerbated by the conflict.

## What to Watch

Observers should monitor developments in the Middle East, particularly any changes in the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, watch for statements from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate policy, as inflationary concerns could influence their decisions. Key actors such as OPEC+ and the US government may also play pivotal roles in shaping market conditions in the coming weeks.

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What Price Will Wti Hit In May 2026
Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h
May 2026 2.5% -0.1¢ $35K View market →
May 2026 5.5% 0.0¢ $87K View market →
May 2026 10.5% 0.0¢ $128K View market →
May 2026 20% -0.5¢ $99K View market →
May 2026 51.5% 0.0¢ $157K View market →
Fed Decision In June 825
Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h
June 2026 1.2% 0.0¢ $334K View market →
June 2026 0.9% 0.0¢ $471K View market →
June 2026 0.4% -0.1¢ $126K View market →
June 2026 97.5% -0.1¢ $178K View market →
June 2026 0.2% 0.0¢ $138K View market →
Fed Decision In July 181
Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h
July 2026 91.5% 0.0¢ $33K View market →
July 2026 2.9% +0.1¢ $35K View market →
July 2026 1.4% 0.0¢ $20K View market →
July 2026 0.4% -0.1¢ $23K View market →
July 2026 5.2% 0.0¢ $16K View market →
Updated 2min ago ⚡ Also Impacted by This Story
This article was originally published on Crypto Briefing and is republished here under RSS syndication for informational purposes. All rights and intellectual property remain with the original author. If you are the author and wish to have this article removed, please contact us at [email protected].

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