An oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman reported hearing two explosions on Thursday, a British maritime agency said, as diplomatic efforts over the strategic waterway appeared to advance.
Iran said an agreement with Oman over the strait is in its final stages, and US President Donald Trump suggested a deal could be announced within days. The incidents come amid heightened tensions in the region, which have raised concerns about global oil supplies.
In financial markets, UK stock futures rose early on Middle East optimism, though later reports indicated UK stocks were poised to lag as oil prices fell on the same optimism.