The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that energy prices surged on Tuesday as the conflict in the Middle East intensified, though an offer by U.S. President Donald Trump to provide insurance and military escorts for ships in the Persian Gulf could ease pressure on jittery oil and gas markets. A triple-bylined item led by Jeffrey Jones reports that as Israeli and U.S. warplanes launched fresh attacks on Iran, and Israel invaded southern Lebanon, Mr. Trump said that he ordered the U.S. development finance agency to provide discounted political risk insurance and guarantees for all commercial ships, especially energy tankers, sailing through the Gulf. If necessary, the U.S. Navy will escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, he wrote on social media. By Sunday, almost 150 tankers had dropped anchor across the Persian Gulf over fears of attacks, halting exports and pushing up insurance costs. However, the action in oil futures suggests traders are betting that the disruptions will not be long-lasting, said Jeremy McCrea, analyst at Bank of Montreal. Contracts for West Texas Intermediate crude for delivery in months beyond June, 2026, have not risen to the same degree as earlier contracts, which have spiked.