Brent crude futures jumped 2.8% to $90.60 a barrel following fresh military clashes between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, re-igniting fears of critical energy supply disruptions.
American forces struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island to prevent sea mine deployment. In response, Iran attacked U.S. positions stationed in Jordan with ballistic missiles, according to Fox News reports.
U.S. defense batteries intercepted the incoming barrage aimed at airbases in Jordan. Jordanian military authorities confirmed that at least eight incoming missiles were successfully destroyed over their national airspace during the confrontation.
The escalation drove U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude up 2.5% to $85.53 per barrel. Energy traders quickly factored in elevated transit risks across the Strait of Hormuz, a vital bottleneck for global petroleum.
This engagement marks the first direct U.S. strike against Iranian targets in a month. It follows a temporary lull where Washington prioritized economic sanctions over active military strikes to constrain Tehran’s revenues.
With roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption passing through the Strait, any renewed military friction threatens to sustain higher risk premiums across commodity markets as geopolitical volatility returns to the Gulf.
