AMERICAN OIL TANKER STRUCK IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ. This marks the fifth commercial vessel targeted in the past 36 hours. At least three ships have been heavily damage while several others sustained minor damage. Some of the attacks were reportedly carried out using drone boats. As tensions escalate in one of the world’s most critical oil corridors, Brent crude briefly surged above $100 this morning. The attacks come just hours after the US announced plans to release 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves in an attempt to stabilize global energy markets. Countries can release oil from reserves to ease short-term supply shocks. But the bigger issue remains: Until the Strait of Hormuz reopens, the oil disruption isn’t going away.