Oil rises $2 as Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz following US strikes
Oil prices climbed more than $2 a barrel Thursday as Iran declared the critical energy chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, closed after the US launched additional strikes against Iran. Brent futures rose $2.30, or 2.47%, to $95.40 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed $2.60, or 2.89%, to $92.63. US crude futures gained more than $3 earlier in the session. Iran’s top joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, including oil tankers and commercial ships, saying any vessel that will attempt passage will be shot at.