The US and Iran exchanged strikes and rival claims over the Strait of Hormuz after a weekend of regional attacks. The confrontation has sharpened fears of a wider war and undermined ongoing ceasefire diplomacy.

The US and Iran exchanged fresh strikes while both claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz. The confrontation has deepened fears of a wider regional war and stalled diplomacy.

Washington is urging Tehran to publicly assure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The demand has become a test of the ceasefire as Iran's internal rifts cloud permanent peace talks.

Prior to this week's attacks, daily tanker traffic had risen to its highest since the war began, averaging 40 ships transiting the strait.