Key facts
- Iran's IRGC claimed two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz turned back after one caught fire.
- The IRGC stated the Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and firmly controlled by its navy.
Oil prices rose after Iran's IRGC claimed to have stopped two tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with one catching fire. This follows a series of drone attacks and clashes in the region, prompting threats of further U.S. strikes.

The ongoing conflict and Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint, directly impact global energy supply and prices, potentially leading to further escalation and broader economic instability.
Oil prices climbed as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have stopped two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with one catching fire. The IRGC stated that the Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and firmly controlled by its navy, adding that it cannot be reopened amid U.S. interference.
Brent crude oil prices jumped to above $90 per barrel early Thursday, with the international benchmark up by 1.5% as of early morning in Europe. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces confirmed they had completed a wave of strikes against IRGC targets in response to Iran’s attempted missile attacks on U.S. forces.
Kuwait's military reported responding to drone attacks on vital facilities, while U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran. The incidents follow a series of escalating tensions and clashes in the Middle East, including drone attacks on energy infrastructure in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.