Brent crude oil rose toward $89 per barrel on Tuesday after recovering from earlier losses, as traders balanced escalating conflict in the Middle East against renewed diplomatic efforts. The US carried out a 10th consecutive day of strikes after President Donald Trump vowed Iran "will pay" for attacks that killed American soldiers, while Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Kuwait. At the same time, hopes for de-escalation persisted after Iran confirmed it had received mediation proposals and reports of discussions over a possible 10-day ceasefire. Oil prices have remained highly volatile as markets react to shifting prospects for further conflict or renewed negotiations. Adding to supply concerns, Yemen's Houthi movement threatened to block Saudi maritime traffic in the Red Sea, a key export route that allows the kingdom to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia said it would take all necessary measures to protect its shipping in line with international law.