Iran and the United States have sharply escalated attacks on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, in the biggest reported wave of tit-for-tat maritime strikes since the conflict began six months ago.
Iran said it attacked 10 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after the U.S. military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers. Tehran said its strikes targeted two U.S. vessels and eight tankers. The United States said its attacks followed Iranian ballistic-missile attempts against U.S. Navy ships.
The latest incidents have raised fresh concerns for commercial shipping through one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported several merchant vessels hit by disabling fire in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman, although the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.
At least one seafarer was killed and another reported missing following an incident involving the oil-products tanker Hercules Star near Dubai. Another tanker, New Andros, reportedly caught fire in Iraqi waters after a suspected drone strike, although its 22 crew members were reported safe.
The escalation is also affecting energy markets. Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel, its highest level since July, as traders assessed the potential for further disruption to oil shipments through Hormuz. The strait carried roughly a fifth of global oil flows before the conflict severely restricted traffic.
Iran has threatened further retaliation and said it plans to announce an expanded maritime exclusion zone. The U.S., meanwhile, has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports and said it can guide some tankers through the strait, although independent shipping data indicates that vessel traffic remains severely depressed.
The worsening security environment is creating significant risks for tankers, container vessels, crew and global supply chains. Any prolonged disruption around Hormuz could increase freight, insurance and fuel costs while putting additional pressure on energy-dependent economies and international trade routes.