Brent Crude Eyes $120 as Middle East Supply Risks and Bullish Technical Signals Lift Outlook

by VT Markets
/
Jul 22, 2026

Brent crude is being framed as having upside potential towards $120, with the argument centred on geopolitical supply disruption risks and supportive chart signals. The stated risk factors include conflict involving Iran, possible chokepoint disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, and rising Houthi attacks in the Red Sea that could threaten physical export routes. The text also references the possibility of a US ground operation aimed at Iranian energy infrastructure such as Kharg Island, which it says could disrupt Middle Eastern exports and force a reassessment of the risk premium.

Technical indicators cited include a bullish crossover in the oversold area on the Stochastic oscillator, alongside the Commodity Channel Index, or CCI, moving towards a break of the zero line. The setup is described as targeting a weekly price gap at $103.5, while Brent is also said to be close to finishing above the Bollinger Bands moving average at 95. That is presented as a development that could open a path towards the upper band around 120.

Trading Recommendations And Strategies

We recommend that derivative traders aggressively position for an upward surge by buying Brent crude call options and going long on futures contracts. With Brent currently hovering near $95, we should target the immediate technical gap at $103.5, with a longer-term strike eye on $120. This strategy aligns with strong technical indicators, such as the weekly Stochastic oscillator’s bullish crossover and the Commodity Channel Index breaking above zero.

Risks, Market Dynamics, And Technical Triggers

We must realize that the market is severely underpricing the threat to the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 20 million barrels of oil pass daily. Any escalation involving Iran or a disruption at Kharg Island, which handles over 90% of Iran’s crude exports, will instantly trigger a massive supply deficit. Historically, similar supply shocks, like the 1979 Iranian revolution, caused oil prices to more than double in a matter of months.

Recent data shows Red Sea shipping transits have dropped by over 50% due to ongoing Houthi attacks, forcing tankers to take longer, more expensive routes. This shipping friction is already squeezing physical market structures and driving up freight rates. We advise traders to secure out-of-the-money call options now before the wider market suddenly reprices this persistent risk.

Technically, Brent is closing above its 95 Bollinger Band moving average, confirming a powerful structural shift to the upside. We should use short-term price dips to build long exposure, as the path toward the upper band at 120 is now wide open. Utilizing bull call spreads can help us manage premium costs while still capturing the bulk of this projected $25 upside.

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