Iran struck two additional oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday amid efforts by Tehran to assert greater control over the strategic maritime passage. The incidents occurred northeast of Khasab, Oman, a key location along the busy waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply transits.

One of the affected vessels was the Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend, which Iranian authorities characterized as engaged in an “illegal attempt” to navigate the strait. According to UK Maritime Trade Operations, a second tanker was also damaged by an unidentified projectile, resulting in a fire that was subsequently extinguished. Reports indicated that the crew on board this vessel remained unharmed.

The attacks come as part of wider tensions between Iran and the United States, which maintains a naval presence in the region. Tehran has been attempting to challenge US dominance in the Strait of Hormuz, especially following the imposition of new American economic sanctions and a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. These measures have contributed to significant economic difficulties within Iran.

In parallel with the maritime confrontations, Iran witnessed large-scale demonstrations, with hundreds of thousands rallying in support of the regime. These were described as the largest public displays since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East earlier this year.

The ongoing conflict and its potential impact on global oil supply initially prompted price increases; however, oil prices fell on Friday amid easing concerns about disruptions to Saudi Arabian oil shipments. Benchmark Brent crude dropped below $104 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures settled just above $102.

Market analysts attributed the decline to a combination of factors, including increased crude exports from Saudi Arabia through alternative routes in Oman, rising inventories of oil products in the United States, Europe, and Singapore, as well as higher fuel exports from China. These developments helped to offset fears that the conflict would severely constrain oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.