The dramatic escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran caused a spike in the price of crude and raised fears among oil traders about disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital waterways.

As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, speculation is rising about whether the Iranians will close the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical to the world’s oil production. Two ocean tankers crashed into each other and burst into flames near the strait early Tuesday morning amid reports of electronic interference caused by Israel and

Critical energy infrastructure in Israel and Iran has not escaped unscathed from the first few days of the countries' escalated conflict. Worst-case scenarios have yet to be realized, but the war is already having a notable impact on energy production and exports in both countries.