The United States’ recent aggressive show of power could
cost the world an economic turmoil triggered by the higher oil prices.
Following the news of US drone strike killing Iranian commander Qasem
Soleimani, oil prices went up over four percent on Friday. Soleimani, who was
killed in an attack on Baghdad's international airport early Friday, was head
of Iran’s Quds Force, one which the US designated as a terrorist group.
US President Donald Trump’s orders which brought US forces
in direct war with Iran has been criticized by many for the recent escalation that could trigger another war in the oil-rich region. As the consequence of the
attack, investors fear that the supplies of the commodity would be hit, and
market anxiety led to pushed Brent up by 4.4 percent to $69.16 and WTI jumped
4.3 percent to $63.84. Brent prices reached its peak like last year when oil
prices spiked more than 14% in September after the attacks on Saudi Arabian
energy production facilities. The current scenario is hinting at more
significant oil supply disruptions and renewed upward pressure on prices.
In retaliation to the US strike, Iran pledged to seek revenge.
This made investors worry about the disrupted supplies, as they fear that Iran
would target commercial shipping in the region like last year, when oil
tankers, carrying roughly 20 million barrels of oil, were attacked near the
Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
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