Iran escalated its maritime offensive in the Persian Gulf, launching a fresh wave of attacks on commercial tankers that briefly pushed crude oil prices back above $100 a barrel. The strikes mark a significant intensification of regional tensions, disrupting global energy flows at a time when markets were already volatile. Energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude futures surging on the news before settling slightly lower as initial panic subsided.

The attacks come amid heightened geopolitical friction in the region, where Iran has increasingly targeted shipping lanes as leverage in its standoff with Western powers. The Persian Gulf remains critical for global oil supplies, with roughly a fifth of the world's crude passing through the Strait of Hormuz daily. This latest assault follows a pattern of Iranian provocations that have included drone strikes and naval harassment of commercial vessels over the past year.

The International Energy Agency described the current situation as the biggest oil market disruption in history, underscoring the severity of the crisis. With tanker traffic under threat and insurance costs soaring, the attacks threaten to exacerbate supply chain bottlenecks already straining global markets. Energy traders are now pricing in a higher risk premium, and analysts warn that sustained conflict could push prices significantly higher if key shipping routes remain compromised.