Persian Gulf oil exports surpass pre-conflict levels, US Treasury chief says

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Persian Gulf oil exports have surpassed pre-conflict levels, stating Iran's threats have failed to disrupt global energy shipments despite ongoing tensions. Iranian state media reported two supertankers struck a naval mine near the Strait of Hormuz, causing explosions and fires, with crews abandoning the vessels carrying over 4.5 million barrels of crude oil. U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack said a strike on Iran could occur this weekend. President Trump feigned ignorance of an imminent strike but later warned of potential military action, referencing "another little Epic Fury" if negotiations fail. Analysts expect heightened conflict in West Asia ahead of U.S. midterms in November.