Brent crude hits $116 a barrel after Trump says he wants to ‘take the oil in Iran’

The Guardian World News
by Lauren Almeida
March 30, 2026
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Trump's statement about seizing Iranian oil sent crude to $116/barrel, triggering global market sell-offs and raising energy costs.

How This Affects You

Oil prices spiking 2% means gas pump prices will likely rise in coming weeks, increasing transportation and heating costs for American consumers and businesses.

AI Summary

President Trump's statement that he wants to "take the oil in Iran" has sent Brent crude surging to $116 a barrel, a 2% jump in early Monday trading. The remarks, which specifically referenced seizing Iran's Kharg Island export hub, have triggered sharp sell-offs across Asian stock markets as investors fear escalation of Middle East conflict. Oil price spikes of this magnitude typically ripple through global economies, raising costs for consumers and businesses dependent on energy supplies. The statement signals a potential shift toward direct U.S. intervention in Iran's oil infrastructure, a move with significant geopolitical and economic consequences. Markets are now pricing in heightened regional instability and the risk of broader Middle East conflict.

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