UK maritime security firm: Ships transiting Gulf, Western Indian Ocean should stay alert

DUBAI – British security firm Ambrey advises merchant vessels transiting the Gulf and Western Indian Ocean to stay alert in case of increased uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) activity in the region.

Ambrey says it received information that indicated an “Israeli military strike” was conducted on Isfahan, Iran.

Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency had said it had seen similar reports but that there were no indications commercial maritime vessels were the intended target of the strike.

Oil prices also jumped as high as $3 a barrel in reaction to reports of the strike, sparking concerns that Middle East oil supply could be disrupted. Brent crude gives up some of those gains, trading up 1.85% at $88.74 at 0551 GMT after reaching a high of $90.75.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported three explosions near an army base in the central city of Isfahan. An Iranian official told Reuters there was no missile attack and the explosions were the result of the activation of Iran’s air defense systems.