14.07.2026 01:30
The escalation of military tension in the Strait of Hormuz into open conflict has caused an earthquake effect on global energy markets. The US's first-ever operation using kamikaze unmanned naval vehicles against Iranian military facilities and its declaration of a "blockade" in the Strait of Hormuz have triggered oil prices. With successive hot news from the region, the price of Brent crude oil surged by over 6% within hours, breaching the $80 barrier.
The kamikaze unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV) attacks carried out by the USA against Iranian military facilities, followed by escalating military activity around the Strait of Hormuz, led to a sharp rise in global oil markets. Due to increasing security risks in the region, the price of Brent crude oil rose above $80 per barrel again.
BRENT AND WTI CRUDE OIL SEE SHARP INCREASE
Brent crude oil, which climbed to $79.44 during the day yesterday but closed at $76.01, showed a rapid upward trend on the new trading day. As of 19:59, Brent crude oil traded on futures markets gained approximately 6.1% compared to the previous day's close, reaching $80.65. At the same time, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was bought at $75.69 per barrel.
KAMIKAZE UMVs USED FOR THE FIRST TIME
This sudden price surge was directly influenced by operations conducted by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) targeting military facilities in the region. In an official statement from CENTCOM, it was reported that US military elements used kamikaze unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs) for offensive purposes for the first time at sea, striking a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran. In response to these attacks, which began in the early hours of yesterday and continued uninterrupted through the night, Iran retaliated. Iranian forces launched attacks targeting the Gulf countries of Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan in the morning hours.
TRUMP: IRAN BLOCKADE TAKES EFFECT
In response to the developments, US President Donald Trump made statements via his social media account, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open under all circumstances. Trump stated that they are only blocking the entry and exit of Iranian ships and customers operating on behalf of Iran, and noted that this practice has officially taken effect under the name "Iran blockade."
IRAN'S STRAIT OF HORMUZ CHALLENGE
A swift response came from Iranian military authorities to this US move. The Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, the main unit of the Iranian Armed Forces conducting warfare, announced that they will not allow the US to interfere with the security balances in the Strait of Hormuz under any circumstances. As mutual challenges continue in the region, the uneasy wait in energy markets persists.