Oil prices have climbed sharply following reports that the US is preparing for an ‘extended’ blockade of Iran.
Brent crude rose to around $115 (£85) a barrel on Wednesday, having closed at just over $110 (£81) on Tuesday evening. The price had fallen slightly to $114.37 (£84.68) just before midday BST.
It follows reports from the Wall Street Journal that US President Donald Trump has instructed aides to prepare to extend the ongoing blockade of Iran’s ports, in an effort to squeeze the country’s economy.
Iran has said it will continue to disrupt traffic travelling through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US blockade.
The price of oil has seen sharp swings since the start of the war, as the key Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for weeks due to the conflict.
Iran has severely restricted shipping through the strait — which usually carries about a fifth of the world’s supply of oil and liquid natural gas — in response to US and Israeli strikes that began on 28 February.
Earlier this month, Tehran warned that any vessel that approaches the strait would be targeted.
The US then announced that its forces would intercept or turn back vessels travelling to or from Iran’s ports.