Global energy markets are on a knife-edge as crude oil futures surged past $106 a barrel. This dramatic spike follows US President Donald Trump's formal rejection of an Iranian peace proposal, pushing the war between the United States and Iran into a highly volatile eighth month. Speaking from Washington D.C, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that while Tehran remains open to "real diplomacy," it is fully prepared for a "doomsday war" if American aggression resumes.