Brent Crosses $90 as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise: Iran Market Pulse, Midday Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026; TEDPIX Hits 5.914 Million

Brent crude jumped more than 2.5% on Monday evening, August 17, to cross $90 a barrel, and sits near $91 today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a fresh maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz this morning, and Reuters reported Iran has shifted to an "offensive" posture. Meanwhile Tehran's TEDPIX rose 0.28% to 5,914,672 by 11am, while the dollar and domestic gold stayed calm.