An oil tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after striking a naval mine, according to a statement from Iran's army carried by state media, which said the incident happened in a "restricted area" in the eastern part of the strait.
Late on Tuesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre, citing military authorities, said a tanker had been involved in an incident in the strait, with the status of the crew, the extent of damage and any environmental impact unknown. In a separate notice, UKMTO said a tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile about 19 nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman; its crew was safe and no environmental damage was reported.
Abu Dhabi's ADNOC Logistics & Services also said one of its vessels was damaged in an attack in UAE territorial waters on Tuesday afternoon.
Oil markets reacted quickly. By 0420 GMT on Wednesday, Brent crude was up $1.04, or 1.1 percent, at $92.53 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate had gained 67 cents to $86.71, rebounding from two-month lows hit the previous day.
According to sources, data from a US think tank show 37 ships were attacked in October, the highest monthly total since the Middle East war began, with little sign of a slowdown in November. Analysts say the next move in prices hinges on how far Iran is willing to meet US demands for a diplomatic deal.