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Oil Surges Past $100 as Hormuz Blockade Threatens Markets

April 13, 2026

Summary

Global oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel, with Brent crude up 7.4%, as the US threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after failed Iran talks sparked fears of an energy supply shock and led to declines in European and Asian equities.

How coverage differs

Left outlets frame the oil surge around US blockade plans and potential 'Iran War,' while right outlets focus on international backlash against Trump's plan and failed Iran talks.

  • Left: US blockade threat sparks global oil surge, isolating allies Left-leaning outlets focus on the escalating tensions, reporting on the US plans for a Strait of Hormuz blockade and the potential for an 'Iran War.' They highlight the immediate impact of these actions as oil climbs above $100 a barrel, emphasizing the geopolitical risks involved.
  • Center: Geopolitical tensions drive commodity prices higher, impacting global markets Center outlets report on the broad market repercussions, detailing how Dow futures fell 450 points and crude oil prices spiked again. They also note that aluminum prices rose to a four-year high, attributing these shifts to Hormuz blockade fears and failed Iran talks.
  • Right Right-leaning outlets highlight the international backlash against President Trump's blockade plan, specifically noting Keir Starmer's criticism that the Strait of Hormuz must remain 'open, not shut.' They connect this controversy directly to oil prices jumping back over $100 after the collapse of Iran talks.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Iran War Live Updates: Oil Climbs Back Above $100 as U.S. Plans Hormuz Blockade

Center

  • Dow futures fall 450 points as crude oil prices spike again: Live updates
  • Aluminum Prices Rise to Four-Year High on Hormuz Blockade Fears, Failed Iran Talks

Right

  • Starmer hits out at Trump's blockade plan saying Strait of Hormuz must be 'open, not shut' as oil prices jump back over $100 after Iran talks collapse

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