The escalation of the Iran conflict lifted oil prices and the Chilean dollar on Thursday. Brent reached US$100.62 per barrel and the local dollar hit $947.30.
Brent, the benchmark for Chile, rose 6.52% to US$100.62 after hitting an intraday high of US$101.91. WTI advanced 5.45% to US$91.56. These levels respond to reports of attacks on tankers in the Red Sea and threats from President Donald Trump of a “massive attack” on Iran.
The Houthis in Yemen claimed they attacked two Saudi tankers with drones and missiles. Trump warned that the United States will hold Iran responsible for future Houthi aggression and threatened a “major military punishment” on Tehran. Goldman Sachs estimated Brent could exceed US$120 in the fourth quarter if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted.
In Chile the dollar rose $10.30 and closed at $947.30, its highest value since October 2025. Analysts from Gemines, Capitaria and XTB said the exchange rate could trade between $930 and $970 while the conflict persists, and return toward $900 if tensions ease. Global markets fell, with the Nasdaq down 2.15%.
