(Image credit: Getty Images) Stocks closed lower Monday and oil prices climbed on escalating tensions in the Middle East. Market participants also took a cautious stance ahead of another busy week of corporate earnings and Friday's key jobs report. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump said via Truth Social that the U.S. will begin guiding ships out of the Strait of Hormuz that have been stranded there during the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran. "This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran," Trump wrote in his post . "Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for largescale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner." From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor.…