Trump Orders Bombing of Iran Nuclear Facility, Tanker Attack Kills One in Hormuz: Global Oil Prices Set to Skyrocket?
WASHINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump has ordered the resumption of hostilities against Iran, targeting a covert nuclear site in a direct escalation of the Gulf crisis. The Strait of Hormuz is now a battlefield. Two oil tankers were attacked, leaving one crew member dead. Global oil markets are bracing for a supply shock.
Overview: Escalation in the Gulf – Key Events at a Glance
Trump informed Congress that the U.S. has resumed war with Iran. The first target is the secret Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility. Simultaneously, Tehran launched attacks on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one fatality. The U.S. has re-established a naval blockade. Trump threatened a 20% tariff on any vessel passing through the strait. Oil futures surged 8% in early Asian trading, reflecting immediate market tremors.
Trump’s Directive: ‘We Will Bomb the Pickaxe Mountain Nuclear Plant’
Trump stated, “We will soon bomb the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear plant in Iran.” According to ANSA, the president communicated the resumption of war to Congress. Il Sole 24 Ore reports that the military objective is to destroy Iran’s covert enrichment capabilities. The strike order is immediate. The Pentagon has confirmed a third wave of attacks against Iranian military targets.
Strait of Hormuz Under Fire: Tanker Attack Leaves One Dead, Oil Flow Threatened
Tehran attacked two oil tankers near Hormuz. One sailor was killed. RAI News reports that the U.S. has re-established a full naval blockade. Trump warned: “Anyone who passes [through Hormuz] must pay 20% [in tariffs].” The New York Times (NyT) reports internal U.S. debate. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President Vance argued the blockade is logistically and politically impossible to enforce. The battle continues.
Global Oil Markets on Edge: Analysts Predict Price Surge
Analysts at Il Sole 24 Ore predict a sharp price spike. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil supply. Historical precedents, such as the 2019 Abqaiq attack, caused a 15% one-day price jump. Current models project a 20-30% increase if the blockade holds. The question in the title is answered: yes, prices are set to skyrocket. Supply chain risk is extreme.
Political and Diplomatic Fallout: US Allies React
The UAE and Bahrain have condemned the tanker attack. Iran has retaliated, striking a U.S. base in Bahrain. Tehran also attacked U.S. naval vessels in the Gulf. Trump’s tariff threat has strained relations with allies. The NyT piece highlights that Rubio and Vance see the tariff plan as a diplomatic trap, warning it could fracture the coalition. The battle for Hormuz continues.
What’s Next? Scenarios for the Gulf and the World Economy
Short-term scenarios include a full-scale U.S.-Iran war or a negotiated ceasefire. A prolonged blockade risks energy shortages and a global recession. Inflation expectations are already rising. The next 48 hours are critical. All three sources—ANSA, Il Sole 24 Ore, and RAI News—project that the U.S. will continue strikes until the nuclear site is destroyed. The world economy is on a knife’s edge.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did Trump order regarding Iran?
- A: Trump ordered the bombing of Iran’s secret Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, resuming hostilities in the Gulf crisis.
- Q: What happened in the Strait of Hormuz?
- A: Two oil tankers were attacked by Tehran, resulting in one crew member dead, threatening oil flow through the strait.
- Q: How are global oil prices reacting?
- A: Oil futures surged 8% in early Asian trading, reflecting immediate market tremors due to potential supply disruption.
Extended Reading
According to the latest news from ANSA, Il Sole 24 Ore, and RAI News, the conflict has now entered its third wave of attacks. The core seed word for this report is notizie oggi, reflecting the real-time nature of these developments.