US-Iran Clash Sends Oil Prices Soaring Past $90 Per Barrel
Crude oil futures surged more than 2 percent on August 31 morning after a direct military exchange between the US and Iran inside the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation began when US forces conducted targeted strikes against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Larak Island, near the center of the strait.
The operation was characterized by CENTCOM as 'a limited, precise action' aimed at neutralizing an imminent threat to the vital maritime corridor.
Iran retaliated hours later, firing ballistic missiles and drones at US military installations stationed in Jordan. The Jordanian Armed Forces reported intercepting and destroying eight missiles that breached its airspace.
The IRGC confirmed targeting technical infrastructure and fighter aircraft positions at two US bases and warned via state broadcasters that the initial U.S. attack 'will be answered by the sons of Iran and will result in the punishment of the aggressor.'