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Oil prices rise rapidly amid Mideast conflict

China

China

China

Oil prices rise rapidly amid Mideast conflict

2026-03-17 18:19 Last Updated At:21:07

International oil prices rebounded sharply in intraday trading on Tuesday as markets weighed continued uncertainty over a proposed U.S.-led naval escort arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside reports that a tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile.

The West Texas Intermediate for April delivery jumped 3.39 percent to 96.67 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, as of 15:30 Beijing time (0730 GMT).

Brent crude for May delivery rose 3.08 percent to 103.30 U.S. dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

A statement from The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Tuesday that a tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman had been attacked by an unidentified projectile, suffering minor structural damage. No injuries were reported.

The UKMTO said the incident occurred 23 nautical miles (about 42.6 kilometers) east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. No environmental pollution was reported. The statement did not provide further details.

Oil prices rise rapidly amid Mideast conflict

Oil prices rise rapidly amid Mideast conflict

Iranian media on Tuesday released a handwritten condolence letter from Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, addressed to fallen naval soldiers.

The release came as Israeli officials claimed Larijani had been killed. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Larijani was killed in an Israeli airstrike the previous evening. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that Larijani was the target of the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on social media Tuesday that the Israeli leader had ordered the elimination of senior Iranian officials.

Iranian media releases Ali Larijani's handwritten letter amid reports about his death

Iranian media releases Ali Larijani's handwritten letter amid reports about his death

Iranian media releases Ali Larijani's handwritten letter amid reports about his death

Iranian media releases Ali Larijani's handwritten letter amid reports about his death

Iranian media releases Ali Larijani's handwritten letter amid reports about his death

Iranian media releases Ali Larijani's handwritten letter amid reports about his death

Iranian media releases Ali Larijani's handwritten letter amid reports about his death

Iranian media releases Ali Larijani's handwritten letter amid reports about his death

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