Oil Markets Ignore Mounting Risks at Their Own Peril
AI Summary
Escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities and attacks on critical infrastructure near the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits are increasing expectations for higher oil prices amid risks of extended maritime conflict.
Escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities, attacks on critical infrastructure, and near-halted Hormuz tanker traffic are fueling expectations of higher oil prices. Friday, July 17, 2026 US forces striking civilian infrastructure in Iran, Tehran attacking a Kuwaiti power and desalination plant, repeated attacks on tankers in the Hormuz Strait and the potential extension of maritime warfare towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait – all this points towards oil prices continuing their upward movement in the days to come. With Hormuz transits falling close to…