Oil markets reacted sharply on Thursday after Houthi allies of Iran struck shipping in Saudi waters, prompting immediate vows of retaliation from the United States.
The attack marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities, directly threatening commercial transit routes in the Gulf of Oman and raising immediate concerns about supply continuity for global energy flows.
Brent crude prices climbed in the session as traders priced in the heightened risk of sustained disruption to key shipping corridors.
The move reflects growing anxiety among market participants that the conflict could expand beyond sporadic incidents into a broader campaign against commercial vessels, potentially constraining supply from the Persian Gulf region.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of intensifying US pressure on Iran.
President Donald Trump has previously warned of "massive" military consequences if Tehran fails to accelerate negotiations, while US forces have conducted nine consecutive days of airstrikes against Iranian targets.