Asia-Pacific markets are expected to open lower as oil prices rise due to fears that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could further undermine energy supplies. Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has warned that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed and could open other fronts if the conflict continues. International benchmark Brent crude oil prices rose by 9.22% to close at $100.46 per barre, marking the first time Brent closed above $100 since August 2022. U.S. President Donald Trump has downplayed the rise in oil prices, stating that the country's primary focus is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.