Global oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday after the United States confirmed that a naval escort ensured the safe passage of an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for the world’s energy markets. The announcement helped calm investors who had been reacting to escalating geopolitical tensions and fears of a major oil supply disruption linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. U.S. crude oil dropped around 15 percent to $79.96 per barrel, while Brent crude, t