Oil Prices Surge on New US Strikes Against Iran Amid Escalating Tensions
Quick Look
- Oil prices rose sharply Thursday following new U.S. military strikes against Iran, intensifying fears of a prolonged conflict and potential energy supply disruptions.
- US crude futures climbed to $92.68/barrel and Brent futures to $95.45/barrel.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The U.S. launched fresh military strikes against Iran, escalating ongoing tensions. Iran claims to have retaliated with attacks on U.S. vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump had previously warned of intensified military response.
Oil prices jumped Thursday after the U.S. launched a fresh round of military strikes against Iran, stoking worries that the Iran war could drag on, disrupting energy supplies for longer.
U.S. crude oil futures for July rose 2.94% to $92.68 per barrel. Brent futures, the international benchmark, for August delivery gained 2.52% to $95.45 per barrel.
In a post on X, the U.S. Central Command said American forces had started "launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief's direction." The military said the operation was carried out "in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression."
Iranian state media, meanwhile, reported that Tehran had carried out missile and drone attacks against U.S. vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest strikes followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in the day warning that Washington would intensify its military response against Iran, as he continued to push Tehran toward reaching a deal with the United States.
Despite a fresh escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict, Rystad Energy said Thursday that the oil market was better-positioned to absorb disruptions than in past crises, citing record U.S. crude exports, softer Chinese demand and alternative export routes that reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
The consultancy's senior vice president Jorge Leon, however, warned that the chances of a near-term diplomatic breakthrough have diminished, leaving oil prices vulnerable to sharp swings as investors assess whether the latest hostilities will remain contained or evolve into a more prolonged conflict.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Oil prices will remain volatile.
Very likely · Short term
Further military escalation between the US and Iran.
Possible · Short term
Open Questions
- Will the conflict escalate further?
- What are the long-term implications for global energy supplies?
- Are there any immediate diplomatic efforts underway?
- What is the extent of damage to U.S. vessels?
