Iran has claimed to have attacked a tanker, causing U.S. crude oil prices to rise above $79 per barrel on Thursday, CNBC reported.
The price of West Texas Intermediate oil was last up 6.86%, or $5.12, at $79.78 per barrel. Global benchmark Brent rose 4.31%, or $3.51, to $84.91 per barrel at 11:30 a.m. ET. Oil prices have risen by more than 17% this week.
Iran claimed to have struck an oil tanker with a missile, according to a state media report.
Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed almost completely since the war began. About 20% of global oil consumption is exported through the strait.
