Iran’s navy said it had seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, escalating tensions in the region after the United States extended a unilateral ceasefire.
The Revolutionary Guard Navy stated that the vessels were detained for alleged maritime violations and transferred to Iranian waters, according to reports from Iran International.
The development followed warnings from United Kingdom maritime authorities that multiple ships had come under attack in the strategically critical waterway.
Reports also indicated that a third vessel had been targeted by military forces, adding to concerns over the safety of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy supplies.
Oil markets reacted to the developments, with international benchmark Brent crude futures for June delivery settling 3.5% higher to $101.91 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures also gained 3.7% to $92.96 per barrel.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre reported that a vessel had been fired upon approximately eight nautical miles off Iran’s coast.
The crew were confirmed safe, and the ship sustained no damage, though the agency warned of high levels of activity in the area.
Earlier in the day, another incident occurred roughly 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman, where a container ship was approached by a Revolutionary Guard gunboat. The vessel reportedly fired on the ship, causing significant damage to its bridge, although all crew members were unharmed.
The escalation comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, citing the need to allow Tehran’s leadership to present a “unified proposal” to end the conflict.
In a separate development, Reuters reported that U.S. forces have intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters, redirecting them away from positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka as part of Washington’s maritime blockade.
The disruption to shipping comes amid an ongoing standoff in which the United States has sought to restrict Iran’s seaborne trade, while Iranian forces have targeted vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump is “satisfied” with the naval blockade and “understands Iran is in a very weak position”, adding that reports of a three-to-five-day deadline for the extended ceasefire are “not true” and that “the cards are in President Trump’s hands right now”.
U.S. Central Command indicated that since the start of its blockade operations, 29 vessels have been instructed to turn back or return to port.
