Tensions are rising across the Middle East amid the Iran-Israel war, with disputes over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, new US sanctions, Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and Iranian warnings. An oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an unidentified object in the strait, though the source of the incident and those responsible were not immediately known. British maritime authorities said the fire was later brought under control.

Shipping traffic through Hormuz has declined sharply. Kpler said only five vessels transited the strait on Wednesday, down 28.6 percent from the previous day, while traffic also fell in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. Iran and Oman are discussing a temporary shipping route and mine clearance, but have not agreed on conditions for fully reopening the strait. Qatar’s prime minister is due in Tehran on Thursday for talks on reducing tensions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected the effectiveness of new US sanctions, while President Donald Trump said economic pressure and military action were working. Israel carried out airstrikes and shelling in southern Lebanon, and two drone attacks were reported in Iraq’s Erbil province. Asia’s August crude imports fell by about four million barrels, or 14 percent, compared with before the war began.