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Iran tensions rise as Strait of Hormuz closure looms, oil market unmoved

By Estefano Gomez · Published April 18, 2026 · 2 min read · Source: Crypto Briefing
Blockchain

The Wall Street Journal describes the Iran-Venezuela situation as “reverse,” with heightened tensions in Iran. The market for crude oil hitting $90 by the end of June sits at 0% YES, shaped by the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Market reaction

The WSJ report contrasts US-led operations in Venezuela and Iran. Venezuela is seeing de-escalation with a transitional government, while Iran faces increased hostilities after the assassination of its Supreme Leader. The crude oil market is pricing in near-zero probability of a $90 spike, even as a Strait of Hormuz closure would directly threaten global oil supply. Current face value of trades is $0, and $6,636 is needed to move the price by 5 points.

The Iran leadership status market, tracking whether Iran has no head of state by the end of 2026, is also at 0% YES. A hardliner successor has maintained control through the ongoing regional tensions.

Why it matters

The crude oil market carries a 25% expected move given potential supply disruptions from a Hormuz closure. But the $0 trade volume signals that no one is actively positioning. The gap between the theoretical supply risk and actual market activity is wide: traders are not yet treating a prolonged Hormuz disruption as likely enough to bet on.

What to watch

Buying YES at 0¢ offers a theoretical high return, but requires belief in prolonged conflict shutting down global oil routes. EIA updates, OPEC+ announcements, and statements from Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister or Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister could all shift pricing quickly. The 0% reading means any concrete development toward a Hormuz closure would produce outsized price movement relative to capital deployed.

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Term Structure
Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h
June 30 4.5% Trade →
December 31 13.5% Trade →
Related to This Story Ukraine targets Russian oil infrastructure, threatening 40% export capacity
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