Saudi Aramco has suspended oil shipments at its al-J’eimi gas plant near the city of Jubail in eastern Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and a U.S. Military buildup in the Middle East.
Simultaneously, the Associated Press, citing satellite imagery, reported that all U.S. Navy ships stationed at the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain have moved to open waters. This repositioning follows a period of increased military posturing by the administration of President Donald Trump, which includes the deployment of aircraft carriers and fighter jets to the region.
President Trump has stated he is “looking at” limited strikes against Iran, according to reports. The developments underscore the sensitivity of energy markets to geopolitical risk, particularly in the Persian Gulf region, a critical hub for global oil supply.
During his State of the Union address to Congress, President Trump stated, “They want to make a deal, but we haven’t heard those magic words: never, ever will they have a nuclear weapon,” reiterating his preference for a diplomatic solution.
