The FTSE 100 opened in negative territory on Tuesday, extending a broad-based global equity decline that has persisted since Monday's session.
The London benchmark faces dual headwinds: renewed security threats in the Strait of Hormuz and escalating geopolitical rhetoric from Washington, which has cast a shadow over global trade flows and energy markets.
Investors are pricing in heightened shipping risk as tensions between the US and Iran intensify.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, and any disruption to tanker routes through the corridor would have immediate implications for energy prices and freight rates.
Market participants are closely monitoring developments for signs of further escalation or de-escalation.
This latest downturn follows a period of volatility driven by geopolitical uncertainty.