# stock futures slid sharply while oil prices surged after escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

*semiconductor · news · 2026-04-13 · Benzinga*

## Key points

- U.S. Central Command will block all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports starting Monday.
- WTI crude oil prices surged over 8% to $104.58 per barrel after the blockade announcement.
- Diplomatic talks in Pakistan failed due to Iran's refusal to abandon nuclear weapons development.
- Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply, with only three supertankers transiting Saturday.

**Countries:** United States, Iran, Pakistan

[Read the full story on Benzinga](https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/04/51771593/dow-futures-drop-oil-spikes-104-trump-hormuz-blockade-iran)

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