European Investor
09 Sep 2026, 09:03
Brent Crude Touches $100 as U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates and Supply Risks Mount
Brent crude oil futures climbed to the $100-per-barrel threshold on Wednesday as escalating conflict involving the U.S., Iran and regional allies intensified concerns over Middle Eastern oil supplies.
Brent was trading at $99.97, up $2.05, or 2.09%, after briefly rising above $100 earlier in the session. Reuters reported an intraday high of $100.19, marking the benchmark’s first move above $100 since July 24.
The latest rally follows a sharp escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict. U.S. forces said they destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday, while Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at a U.S.-used base in Jordan and attacking vessels attempting to cross an area of the Strait of Hormuz that Tehran has declared unsafe. (Reuters)
Supply concerns have also increased after Iran-backed Houthis attacked Saudi cities and energy facilities, causing fires and temporarily halting operations at some sites.
Shipping data underline the pressure on regional energy flows. Only six commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, compared with a 10-day average of about 12, according to preliminary Kpler data cited by Reuters.
Brent has now risen roughly 25% since early August as hopes for a lasting resolution to the conflict have faded. A sustained move above $100 would increase inflation concerns globally and could further complicate the outlook for interest rates ahead of upcoming U.S. inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s September meeting.
Brent crude oil futures climbed to the $100-per-barrel threshold on Wednesday as escalating conflict involving the U.S., Iran and regional allies intensified concerns over Middle Eastern oil supplies.
Brent was trading at $99.97, up $2.05, or 2.09%, after briefly rising above $100 earlier in the session. Reuters reported an intraday high of $100.19, marking the benchmark’s first move above $100 since July 24.
The latest rally follows a sharp escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict. U.S. forces said they destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday, while Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at a U.S.-used base in Jordan and attacking vessels attempting to cross an area of the Strait of Hormuz that Tehran has declared unsafe. (Reuters)
Supply concerns have also increased after Iran-backed Houthis attacked Saudi cities and energy facilities, causing fires and temporarily halting operations at some sites.
Shipping data underline the pressure on regional energy flows. Only six commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, compared with a 10-day average of about 12, according to preliminary Kpler data cited by Reuters.
Brent has now risen roughly 25% since early August as hopes for a lasting resolution to the conflict have faded. A sustained move above $100 would increase inflation concerns globally and could further complicate the outlook for interest rates ahead of upcoming U.S. inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s September meeting.
