Brent Jumps 2.5% to $99 on May 26 After U.S. Confirms Strikes in Southern Iran

On May 26, Brent crude rose 2.5% to $99 per barrel in European trading as the U.S. military confirmed strikes in southern Iran that it said targeted vessels allegedly trying to deploy mines and missile launch positions. The Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20% of global oil supply, or about 20 million barrels per day, transits—returned to focus, while WTI July futures were down 4.1% at $92.79 versus Friday’s close after Monday’s Memorial Day holiday. The report also cited a $3 to $5 per barrel Hormuz risk premium and outlined potential impacts on U.S. energy producers’ free cash flow and capital returns.