Brent crude surged to $100 per barrel on Wednesday as renewed military exchanges between Iran and the United States intensified tensions around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh fears of disruption to global oil supplies.

Iran launched missiles at US assets in the region in retaliation for American attacks on its oil tankers, according to Iranian state-run media, while Jordan said its military intercepted 18 Iranian missiles without casualties.

The US Central Command said it had destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday night, claiming the action was in response to recent Iranian attempts to attack US warships with ballistic missiles.

The latest escalation sent Brent, the international benchmark, to its highest level since late July and heightened concerns that a prolonged confrontation involving the Strait of Hormuz could further squeeze energy supplies and push crude prices higher.