US Strikes on Iranian Tankers Send Oil Prices Soaring

Oil prices surged on September 6, 2026 after the US launched strikes against three Iranian oil tankers, destroying one of them. The attacks were in retaliation for previous ballistic missile attacks on American Navy warships. Brent crude rose by as much as 0.8% to trade near $97 a barrel at the open, while West Texas Intermediate was around $92.

The US said it launched the strikes over the weekend, targeting Iranian vessels that posed a threat to regional security. Tehran responded by declaring a new restricted zone outside of the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about prolonged disruptions to energy flows through the waterway.