FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

EMEA Oil Update: Crude Surges on Trump's Hormuz Blockade Order

-- Oil prices surged 7% on Monday as global markets reacted to President Trump's order for a naval blockade on Iranian cargoes in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking fears of a long-term supply crunch.

The Brent futures contract gained about 7.4% to $102.22 per barrel. The front-month Murban crude contract surged 6% at $104.04 per barrel.

"This morning, the Brent June contract is up 7.4% again to $102.2/b as the negotiations this weekend yielded no results, while the US has also announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Now clarified to affect only Iranian cargoes," SEB analysts noted.

The primary driver for the price surge is the total collapse of high-level negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan.

After 21 hours of marathon talks between Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials, the sides failed to reach a deal regarding Iran's nuclear program and regional conflicts.

In response, President Donald Trump announced a significant escalation via social media.

The US Navy has been instructed to interdict any ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz that are carrying Iranian cargoes.

US forces will begin destroying naval mines allegedly laid by Iran in the shipping lanes.

It also includes seeking out vessels in international waters that have paid transit "tolls" to Iran, which the US has labeled illegal.

President Trump acknowledged the domestic impact on Sunday, noting that gasoline and oil prices are likely to remain elevated through the November midterm elections.

Iranian officials have warned that they maintain full control of the waterway, raising the specter of direct naval confrontations.

Related Articles

Asia

Adisyn Secures Rights to Commercialize Graphene-Based Stealth Technology

Adisyn (ASX:AI1) said 2D Generation's subsidiary, 2D Radar Absorbers, signed a license and research agreement with Ramot, the technology transfer company of Israel's Tel Aviv University, for the exclusive rights to commercialize graphene-based radar signature reduction or stealth technology, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.The technology combines graphene and other 2D materials in composite materials to minimize radar detectability by absorbing and dissipating electromagnetic signals, the filing said.The deal includes a 12-month company-funded research program with Tel Aviv University, expected to cost less than AU$100,000, per the filing.

$ASX:AI1
International

Japan's Trade Surplus Expands in March as Exports to China, US Jump

Japan's trade surplus expanded to nearly 667 billion yen in March from 529.8 billion yen a year earlier as exports outpaced imports, data from the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday showed.Exports during the month climbed 11.7% to 11.003 trillion yen from 9.852 trillion yen, after shipments to its two largest trading partners, China and the US, rose 17.7% and 3.4%, respectively.This March export reading is triple that of the export growth of 4% the month prior.Exports to the Middle East plunged 45.9% while imports fell 10.7%, as the Iran war effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for Japan's oil imports from the region.Overall imports, meanwhile, grew 10.9% on year to 10.336 trillion yen from 9.322 trillion yen, boosted mostly by imports from Asian nations.

$^N225
Asia

Meteoric Resources to Raise AU$40 Million via Share Placement; Shares Up 15%

Meteoric Resources (ASX:MEI) received firm commitments to raise AU$40 million through the placement of about 235.3 million new shares at an AU$0.17 apiece, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.Proceeds will be used to advance the company's Caldeira project in Brazil towards a final investment decision, the filing said.Shares rose nearly 15% in morning trade Wednesday.

$ASX:MEI