Brent crude futures climbed in early trading as geopolitical risks in the Middle East intensified, following reports that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident marks a significant escalation in shipping security concerns, prompting immediate repricing of supply disruption risks across global energy markets.
The seizure of the tankers has triggered a wave of caution among shipping operators, with traffic through the Bab el-Mandab strait hitting a one-week high as vessels seek alternative routes to bypass the volatile Hormuz corridor.
This rerouting adds time and cost to supply chains, further tightening the effective supply of crude oil and supporting higher benchmark prices.
The development comes amid broader concerns over maritime security in key global chokepoints.
The IRGC’s actions signal a willingness to directly target commercial shipping, raising the stakes for international energy flows.