U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent drew criticism after saying he did not “really understand” a sharp Thursday jump in oil prices, as Democratic lawmakers blamed President Donald Trump’s war with Iran for higher energy costs. Brent crude futures rose 2.4% to $93.78 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate climbed 2.7% to $86.64, extending a multi-session advance tied to Middle East supply risks. Bessent called one-day moves “noise,” expressed confidence bond yields would keep falling, and argued U.S. economic measures against Iran should eventually push oil lower, pledging to outline strategy and pursue “the toughest sanctions in history.” The surge coincides with continued threats to flows through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil and LNG normally transit, after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran beginning in February and repeated breakdowns of ceasefires.