Market Reaction - US stocks experienced a rise, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by 228 points, or 0.5%, while the S&P 500 rose by 0.1% and the Nasdaq dipped by 0.1% as President Trump indicated a potential end to the conflict in Iran [1][4] - Brent crude oil prices fell by 0.4% to $112.10 after reaching $115 earlier in the session, while West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 3.3% to $102.97 [2][9] Oil Prices and Geopolitical Tensions - National average gasoline prices reached $3.99, the highest since 2022, amid ongoing concerns about damage to Middle Eastern energy infrastructure [4] - Brent crude has surged over 55% in March, potentially marking its steepest monthly gain on record, as analysts caution that repairs to energy infrastructure will take time [6] Conflict Developments - President Trump warned of severe consequences for Iran if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within a week, emphasizing the strategic importance of this maritime route for global oil supply [5][11] - Iran's recent attacks on Israel's largest oil refinery and other energy facilities have heightened concerns about sustained elevated energy prices, regardless of a potential resolution to the conflict [5][7] Market Sentiment and Future Outlook - Analysts suggest that oil prices are closely tied to real-time developments in the Strait of Hormuz, with a significant increase in traffic and acknowledgment of peace talks needed to lower prices from current elevated levels [8]