Oil prices are gaining ground during the Asian trading session. In a commentary by Thadeu Dos Santos of Infinox, crude oil remains volatile as the market digests developments in the Middle East. Reports indicate that the U.S. military stated its forces fired on a Panama-flagged vessel early Tuesday that attempted to break the American blockade of Iranian ports. The Infinox regional director noted that without a concrete diplomatic breakthrough in the region, volatility in crude oil prices is likely to remain elevated. Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 0.55% to $83.66 per barrel, while Brent crude futures climbed 0.5% to $89.36 per barrel.