Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they seized two ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the latest escalation in a conflict that has roiled global energy markets and raised fears of a wider war.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre confirmed that two container ships were fired upon in waters near the strait, attributing one of the attacks to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The crews of both vessels were safe.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose to nearly $100 a barrel following the reports, while WTI, the US benchmark, climbed to above $90 a barrel. Analysts warned of further volatility if the situation escalates.
LoseyouripThe seizures came just hours after President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran to allow more time for peace talks, even though a US blockade on Iranian ports remained in place.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, with roughly 20% of the world's oil passing through it. Any disruption to traffic through the waterway has immediate and far-reaching consequences for global energy supplies.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait in response to US sanctions and military pressure, though analysts say such a move would also devastate Iran's own economy.
The US Fifth Fleet, based in nearby Bahrain, said it was monitoring the situation and called on Iran to release the vessels immediately. "We urge Iran to cease these provocative actions and respect the free flow of commerce through international waters," a spokesperson said.
European and Asian allies expressed concern, with several calling for restraint. Japan, which depends heavily on oil imports through the strait, said it was "closely monitoring" the situation.
Additional reporting from CNN's Schams Elgwini, Mostafa Salem and Sophia Saifi.