What happened
Oil prices rose by about 4 percent due to attacks on shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a tropical storm threatening US offshore production.
At least nine tankers have reported being struck by unidentified projectiles since the beginning of October, causing fires or damage to engine rooms.
No casualties or environmental damage have been reported, and crews have confirmed they are safe in at least two cases.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations urged vessels to transit with caution, while the US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate Iran's intent to assert presence along key transit lanes.
Iran's military leadership reaffirmed its control over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian army commander Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Dadras saying Iran's armed forces were 'more prepared than at any other time'.
The US Central Command rejected Iran's claim of control, saying that Washington and its regional partners were in control of the waterway, with traffic flowing through the Strait of Hormuz carrying commercial goods and energy supplies.
