Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the best crude oil stocks to invest in amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have led to significant volatility in global crude oil prices [1]. Industry Overview - Ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have raised concerns about potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade, handling approximately 16.7 million barrels per day in 2025 [2]. - A potential closure of the Strait could lead to major supply disruptions, significantly increasing oil prices [2]. - Kpler analyst Muyu Xu estimated that if Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz for just one day, oil prices could surge to between $120 and $150 per barrel, compared to the current Brent crude price of just over $70 per barrel [3]. Investment Opportunities - The article identifies several crude oil stocks with significant upside potential, as determined by Wall Street analysts and hedge fund interest [6]. - YPF Sociedad Anónima (NYSE:YPF) has an upside potential of 25.30% as of February 13, 2026, with 18 hedge fund holders [8]. - JPMorgan raised YPF's price target from $51 to $54, indicating an upside of over 44% from current levels [9]. - YPF signed a joint development agreement with Eni and XRG for a large-scale LNG project in Argentina, expected to deliver 12 million tons per annum of LNG capacity [10]. - Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:VIST) has an upside potential of 36.75% as of February 13, 2026, with 21 hedge fund holders [11]. - BofA resumed coverage of Vista with a 'Buy' rating and a price target of $88, indicating an upside of over 63% from the current share price [12]. - Vista's acquisition of Equinor's onshore business in Argentina's Vaca Muerta basin for $1.1 billion is expected to enhance its production capabilities [12]. - The Bandurria Sur assets produced an average of 24,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) in Q3 2025, while Bajo del Toro reported an output of 2,100 net boed [13].