• A second vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, following an earlier attack that set a tanker on fire.
  • The UK military confirmed the incident, while Iranian state media said the first ship ignored warnings but stopped short of claiming responsibility.
  • U.S.-Iran talks remain on hold, raising concerns over oil (BP) market volatility and shipping disruptions.

Escalating Maritime Attacks

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a second ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, just hours after an earlier attack left a tanker ablaze. The incidents mark a significant escalation in the region, where nearly a fifth of the world's oil passes. According to people familiar with the matter, the first vessel was struck by a drone, while the second was targeted by an unidentified projectile. No group has claimed responsibility, but Iranian state media asserted that the initial tanker ignored multiple warnings. The U.S. Fifth Fleet declined to comment on the ongoing operations.

Stalled Diplomacy

The attacks come as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain frozen. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said talks are "at an impasse" amid disagreements over nuclear enrichment and sanctions relief. Without a diplomatic breakthrough, the risk of further incidents in the strategic waterway looms large. "Each attack pushes the region closer to a broader conflict," said a Gulf-based security analyst.

Market Jitters

Oil prices jumped 2% on the news, with Brent crude trading above $85 a barrel. Shipping insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Strait have surged, according to industry sources. "The cost of insuring a tanker through the Gulf has doubled in a week," a London-based broker said. Analysts warn that sustained disruptions could tighten global supply, adding to inflationary pressures. The attacks also threaten to disrupt supply chains for refined products, with several shipping firms (RIO) already rerouting vessels.

Human Cost

Crews aboard the affected ships were evacuated safely, according to maritime officials. However, the psychological toll on seafarers is mounting. "Navigating these waters has become a nightmare," a captain of a cargo vessel told Reuters, requesting anonymity. The International Transport Workers' Federation called for enhanced protection for crews in the region.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the number of vessels hit. Two ships were struck, not one.