The dollar index jumped to around 99.5 on Monday, marching toward its highest levels in over three months as oil topped $100 a barrel amid mounting concerns that a prolonged Middle East conflict could lead to longer-term disruption of global energy supplies. Investors have been revising inflation expectations since the outbreak of hostilities last week, reinforcing bets that the Federal Reserve will delay interest rate cuts. The dollar also benefited from a flight to safety as the Iran war entered its second week with no resolution in sight, with President Donald Trump demanding Tehran’s unconditional surrender. Meanwhile, Iran appointed Mojtab Khamenei to succeed his father as Supreme Leader, signaling that hardliners remain firmly in control. Over the past week, the dollar has outperformed gold and other safe-haven assets, further attracting market attention.