**
Oil prices soared on Thursday, reaching their highest point since 2022, as reports emerged of the US military preparing to brief President Donald Trump on new strategies concerning the ongoing conflict in Iran. The potential for military action has stirred the markets, leading to a significant uptick in energy costs, with Brent crude surpassing $126 (£94) a barrel.
US Military Strategies Fuel Market Anxiety
According to a report by Axios, US Central Command has devised a plan involving a series of “short and powerful” strikes aimed at Iranian infrastructure. This strategy is designed to break the current stalemate in negotiations with Tehran, which have shown little sign of progress. As tensions mount, the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime route through which a substantial portion of the world’s oil is transported—remains effectively blocked.
The Axios article mentioned anonymous sources indicating that the proposed strikes could target key Iranian facilities. Additionally, there is a plan to potentially secure part of the Strait of Hormuz, which would enable the resumption of commercial shipping. Such an operation, however, could necessitate ground troop deployments, heightening concerns about a wider military engagement in the region.
Significant Price Movements in Crude Oil Markets
On the back of these developments, Brent crude prices experienced a dramatic increase of nearly 7%, marking the highest levels seen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The US-traded West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also saw a notable rise, climbing 2.3% to approximately $109 a barrel. The current Brent futures contract, set to expire on Thursday, saw a boost, while the more actively traded July contract rose around 2% to about $113.
Futures contracts, which are agreements to buy or sell specific commodities at a predetermined date, are heavily influenced by geopolitical events like the tensions with Iran. The escalating situation has led to growing concerns about the stability of global energy supplies.
The Risk of Extended Blockades
The US government’s stance has taken a hard line, announcing intentions to blockade Iranian ports as long as Tehran continues to pose threats to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This move has the potential to disrupt global energy shipments considerably
