European natural gas prices experienced volatility as traders closely monitored the fragile ceasefire situation in the Middle East following renewed conflict between the United States and Iran. Benchmark futures fluctuated between minor gains and losses on Tuesday, with market sentiment dominated by uncertainty after prices rose 5.2% on Monday. These contracts are highly correlated with the movement of oil prices. The U.S. Central Command stated on Monday that American forces repelled attacks from Iranian drones, missiles, and armed small boats while escorting two U.S.-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation of conflict—which also included a new round of attacks against the UAE—has cast a shadow over the four-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. As of 12:27 p.m. Amsterdam time, the European benchmark, the Dutch front-month gas futures contract, rose 0.6% to €48.45 per megawatt-hour.