Hong Kong-listed oil stocks showed strong performance against the general market trend. Among them, PetroChina Company Limited saw an increase of over 4%, while Yanchang Petroleum International rose by 5%. Additionally, China Oilfield Services Limited and CNOOC Limited both advanced more than 3%, reaching new historical highs.

The rise in these stocks is linked to increasing international oil prices, driven by market concerns over escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Both nations have reportedly intensified military activities in the oil-producing Middle East region.

Amid a significant buildup of U.S. forces in the Middle East and speculation of a potential military strike against Iran as early as this weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a clear threat to Iran. In a recent speech, he set what appeared to be a new ten-day deadline, suggesting that military action could occur within approximately the next ten days.

According to reports cited by Xinhua News Agency, President Trump stated on Thursday, February 19, that Iran must reach a "meaningful agreement" with the United States, or else "something very bad will happen." In a speech at a so-called "peace committee" meeting, Trump indicated that it would likely become clear within about ten days whether an agreement with Iran can be reached. He emphasized that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons, stating that peace in the Middle East would be unattainable otherwise.