U.S. President Donald Trump issued a pointed warning to Iran via a post on Truth Social, using an AI-generated image of himself holding a gun to underscore his message.
The post, which read 'No more Mr. Nice guy!', has intensified fears of renewed geopolitical friction in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil supplies.
The Strait has been a focal point of regional tensions for years, and Trump's remarks have rekindled worries about potential disruptions to energy flows.
Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, has seen renewed upward pressure in response to the heightened geopolitical risk.
The market is now pricing in a higher probability of supply-side volatility, with traders closely monitoring developments in the region.
The move reflects the sensitivity of energy markets to even indirect signals of instability in the Middle East.