Iran war-driven oil shock puts Fed’s rate pause under pressure as crude tops $90 a barrel
Disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran have constrained access to about 20% of global oil and natural gas supplies, pushing crude above $90 a barrel this week. The rebound in energy costs is adding to inflation pressures at a time when U.S. inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Fed Chair Warsh reiterated the 2% commitment but warned the economy has entered a new phase of inflation and that further action may be needed if underlying trends do not improve.