OIL EXPORTS FROM PERSIAN GULF SURPASSED PRE - CONFLICT LEVELS , CLAIMS US TREASURY SECY BESSENT

What happened: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said oil exports from the Persian Gulf have surpassed pre-conflict levels despite Iran's efforts to disrupt energy shipments. Iran's IRGC Navy said two supertankers hit a naval mine near the Strait of Hormuz. Key numbers: IRGC claimed the two tankers carried more than 4.5 million barrels of crude combined. Why it matters: The remarks came amid continued tensions over shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts expect a spike in the West Asia conflict as both the US and Iran harden their positions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said oil exports from the Persian Gulf have surpassed pre-conflict levels despite Iran's efforts to disrupt energy shipments. Iran's IRGC Navy said two supertankers hit a naval mine near the Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks came amid continued tensions over shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts expect a spike in the West Asia conflict as both the US and Iran harden their positions.