The United States launched military strikes against targets in Iran on Friday, responding to an Iranian drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The action marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities, moving from diplomatic warnings to direct kinetic engagement over the security of commercial shipping lanes.
The strike comes after Iranian forces fired upon a commercial vessel in the critical chokepoint, which handles a substantial portion of global oil flows.
The US military intervention signals a hardening stance on the protection of international trade routes, with Washington treating attacks on neutral shipping as a direct threat to global energy security.
Markets are assessing the immediate risk to tanker traffic and the potential for further disruption in the Gulf.
While Brent crude had seen volatility earlier in the week, the direct military response introduces a new layer of uncertainty for shipping insurers and freight operators.