WASHINGTON: Hormuz Crisis concerns intensified on Friday after US President Donald Trump ordered fresh investigations into leaks about Pentagon weapons stockpiles, while rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed global oil prices higher and raised new questions about regional security.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump ordered the investigations after reports suggested the United States had depleted significant quantities of precision-guided munitions during the recent conflict with Iran. The administration, however, insisted the US military remains fully prepared for future operations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States has “more than enough firepower” to carry out any military mission authorized by the president. She also warned that officials responsible for leaking classified defence information could face prosecution.

Trump Defends US Military Readiness

Speaking at the White House, Trump acknowledged that supplies of some munitions were tighter than others. Nevertheless, he said the United States still possesses substantial ammunition reserves and remains capable of responding to any threat.

Moreover, reports said Trump privately worried that public discussion about shrinking weapons stockpiles could strengthen Iran’s negotiating position and undermine Washington’s diplomatic leverage.

The reports also prompted meetings between Trump, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior national security officials to review military readiness, accelerate munitions production and strengthen the US defence industrial base.

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Hormuz Talks Continue Amid Security Concerns

Meanwhile, Trump said negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz were making progress and suggested an agreement with Iran could be reached soon.

Although he stopped short of confirming a final deal, Trump said the United States remained actively involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Therefore, any disruption to shipping continues to influence global energy markets and international trade.

Oil Prices Jump as Shipping Slows

Brent crude climbed nearly 5% to around $82.30 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose about 4% to $78 following reports of explosions near Iran’s Qeshm Island.

Furthermore, European natural gas prices increased by more than 11% as investors reacted to continued uncertainty in the Gulf.

Shipping activity also slowed sharply this week. Market data showed significantly fewer vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz compared with previous weeks as shipowners remained cautious over security risks.

Regional Tensions Escalate

Iranian officials said naval forces carried out operations against what they described as hostile targets near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz after explosions were reported on Qeshm Island.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s military reported that Houthi missile and drone attacks killed 17 soldiers, while government air defences intercepted several drones over Marib.

In Israel, media reports claimed Mossad dismissed two senior intelligence officials following the collapse of an alleged plan targeting regime change in Iran. Israeli authorities did not immediately comment on the reports.

At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said recent US and Israeli strikes damaged power plants and disrupted nearly 230 million cubic meters of daily gas production. However, he said authorities largely prevented widespread electricity outages despite the attacks.

As diplomatic negotiations continue, governments and financial markets remain focused on developments in the Gulf, where military tensions and energy security continue to shape the global economic outlook.