The U.S. military confirmed it struck two Iran-flagged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Friday, preventing the vessels from reaching an Iranian port.
The move is seen as a direct challenge to the ongoing ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which has been under strain this week.
Brent crude prices responded to the development, with the benchmark rising on heightened shipping risk in the region.
The Gulf of Oman is a key transit point for global oil shipments, and any disruption to the flow of crude through the area typically triggers market volatility.
The incident adds to a broader pattern of military and diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Iran.
Earlier this week, reports emerged of exchanged fire in the Gulf, which had already raised fears of renewed hostilities.