Brent crude jumps near $100 as tanker attacks, Iran-US tensions spike

Oil prices surged on Thursday, with Brent crude climbing toward the $100-per-barrel threshold as fresh tanker attacks near Saudi Arabia and escalating US-Iran tensions intensified concerns over potential supply disruptions. International benchmark Brent jumped more than 4.9% to around $98.7 per barrel, its highest level since late May, while West Texas Intermediate advanced to around $90 a barrel.

Tanker Attacks and Houthi Claims

Prices extended their gains after the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said a tanker caught fire after being struck about 70 nautical miles southwest of the Saudi port of Al Shuqaiq. Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility, saying it had targeted two Saudi tankers with drones and missiles for violating its declared maritime blockade. The attacks heightened fears that shipping disruptions could spread to the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Trump Threat and Iranian Response

The attacks came hours after President Donald Trump warned that Washington would strike an Iranian bridge or power plant each time Tehran attacked a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by warning it would retaliate against US-linked infrastructure and energy assets across the region if Washington carried out the threatened strikes.