-- Crude rose on Monday despite the US "Project Freedom" plan to move trapped vessels, as traders remain skeptical that trade flows can resume anytime soon through the Strait of Hormuz.
Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude futures added 0.2% to $102.18 per barrel, while Brent futures were up by 1.6% to $109.90/bbl.
"Oil remains the macro anchor as markets watch whether the US plan to help free ships stuck around the Strait of Hormuz can ease supply pressure," Saxo Bank analysts said.
"The market remains fragile because the plan's implementation is uncertain, and Kuwait's oil exports reportedly falling to zero underlines how severe the regional supply disruption has become," Saxo Bank analysts added.
Sentiment was briefly shaken by the announcement of "Project Freedom," a US plan to guide commercial ships out of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, initial selloffs were quickly reversed as the market grew unconvinced by the plan's scope.
Initial reports of an Iranian attack on an Adnoc-owned tanker in the Strait of Hormuz were confirmed Monday after the UAE government released a statement condemning the incident.
Analysts note that without active US Navy escorts for inbound vessels, the move likely only provides temporary relief by clearing out existing floating storage rather than restoring normal trade flows.
Supply concerns are further exacerbated by a lack of progress in diplomatic channels and shifts within OPEC+.
Although the group announced a 188,000 b/d supply increase for June, its first meeting since the UAE's surprise exit, market experts doubt the full volume will reach the market.
Over half of the scheduled increase is tied to Persian Gulf producers currently restricted by the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
With President Trump reportedly labeling Iran's latest peace proposal "unacceptable" and Tehran refusing to discuss nuclear terms until port blockades are lifted, crude prices continue to hold a significant risk premium.