Brent crude rises above $110 a barrel as attacks on Gulf tankers fuel Middle East supply fears

Shiptracker Kpler recorded at least 18 vessel attacks in two weeks, and LSEG analysts warned Iran is hitting tankers beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. The Houthis claimed strikes on a Saudi Aramco site in Yanbu and the Shaybah oilfield. US West Texas Intermediate jumped $1.36 to $99.18. Shrinking US crude and fuel stockpiles added further upward pressure.

Iran reportedly told Pakistan's army chief there will be no talks with Washington until its demands are met.

DBS energy chief Suvro Sarkar warned any Qatar- or Pakistan-brokered deal 'is still very distant'.

Brent had already hit a five-month high on Tuesday before mediation hopes briefly cooled prices.