U.S.-Iran war evolves into naval standoff over Strait of Hormuz after both countries seize ships

the u.s. and iran seized commercial ships from the persian gulf to the indian ocean this week, competing for control of the strait of hormuz under a fragile ceasefire. brent oil rose above $100 a barrel as tanker traffic through the strait nearly stopped. only two cargo vessels crossed thursday, per lseg data, while nine tankers have transited since monday. iran demands ships get its permission to pass the strait. trump claimed the u.s. has "total control" and said no ship can enter or leave without navy approval. he ordered the navy to "kill any boat" laying mines. the pentagon said u.s. forces intercepted a sanctioned tanker carrying iranian oil in the indian ocean. iran claimed to have seized two cargo ships attempting to transit "without authorization." a uk marine warning noted activity in the strait is high after an iranian gunboat fired on a container ship tuesday, heavily damaging its bridge. it's unclear how long the ceasefire will hold.