Oil surpasses US$100 again amid U.S.-Iran tensions

Oil prices returned above US$100 per barrel amid escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran and growing concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude, the benchmark for European markets, advanced 2.56% to US$100.43, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 2.12% and closed at US$95.01. With this movement, Brent accumulated a nearly 20% increase during September and recovered levels not seen since July 23.

The escalation resumed after a near-month lull. Fresh attacks between Washington and Tehran have been reported since late August, elevating uncertainty for international markets and refocusing attention on energy supply continuity.

Approximately one-fifth of global crude oil supply transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Any interruption or increased risk to vessels traversing this passage could intensify upward pressure on crude prices.

In recent hours, the United States attacked five Iranian oil tankers, while Iran reported actions against two vessels and a U.S. military base in Jordan, along with eight other tankers in the Persian Gulf. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: "Iran continues attempting to attack U.S. Navy vessels, and each time they do or attempt to do so, they will lose tankers."

According to U.S. Central Command, the crews of Iranian vessels were alerted prior to operations, which resulted in the ships being disabled. The incidents occurred near Kharg Island, a key point for oil exports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also claimed to have captured a U.S. unmanned submarine and confirmed a missile attack against a U.S. base in Al Azraq, Jordan.