Hedge funds have significantly increased their long positions in energy stocks as the Iran conflict continues, according to a report by Hazeltree. The data shows a more than 10% rise in long positions since February, with 55% of tracked companies receiving long bets. The U.S. Navy's blockade of Iranian port tankers follows failed negotiations, contributing to a 22% rise in the energy sector this year. Morgan Stanley data indicates the energy sector was the only U.S. equity sector with net buying as of April 10, driven by hedge funds' interest in crude oil-linked positions.