Iran fired at three ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday and seized two of them, sharply increasing tensions in one of the world’s most important shipping routes.The attacks happened one day after Donald Trump extended a ceasefire but kept an American blockade on Iranian ports. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route where around 20 percent of the world’s traded oil normally passes. Because of the growing standoff between the United States and Iran, exports through the route have nearly stopped.
Iranian media said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was escorting the seized ships, identified as the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, to Iran.
A shipping company managing the Liberian-registered Epaminondas said the vessel was approached and fired upon by an armed gunboat near Oman. The ship’s bridge was damaged, but no crew members were hurt.
Another cargo ship was later attacked and forced to stop in the water. A third ship, called Euphoria, was also targeted after becoming stranded near the Iranian coast.
The White House said the seizures did not break ceasefire terms because the ships were not American or Israeli vessels. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said they were international ships.
Oil Prices Jump, Global Costs Rise
The crisis has pushed global energy prices higher. Brent crude oil rose above $100 per barrel, around 35 percent higher than before the war.
Higher fuel prices are already affecting transport, food, and many everyday goods.
European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen warned that the disruption could have a long-term effect on families and businesses. He said Europe is losing around 500 million euros ($600 million) each day because of the crisis.
Iran Says Blockade Must End
Iranian officials said reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible while the US blockade continues.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said a full ceasefire only makes sense if the US stops blocking Iranian ports.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran has not yet decided whether it will join a new round of talks. He accused Washington of lacking trust and honesty in negotiations.
Violence Continues in Lebanon
At the same time, violence continued in Lebanon. Local officials said three separate Israeli strikes killed at least six people in southern Lebanon.
One of those killed was Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil, who worked for Al-Akhbar. Her body was later pulled from rubble in the village of Al-Tiri.
Israel denied targeting journalists and said people in the area had violated the ceasefire.
Death Toll Keeps Rising
Since the war began, officials say at least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran, more than 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab countries.
The growing conflict continues to threaten global trade, regional security, and hopes for peace talks.
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