The United States also launched a third consecutive night of strikes aimed at weakening Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping, escalating tensions across the Gulf.

The conflict between Iran and the United States deepened after the IRGC announced attacks on two UAE tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.

The United Arab Emirates condemned the strike as "brazen," saying one Indian crew member was killed while eight others were injured.

The IRGC also confirmed it had launched attacks against US military facilities in Jordan and Bahrain, widening the scope of the confrontation beyond the Gulf waters.

The escalation came as the US military completed a third straight night of strikes targeting sites it said were intended to degrade "Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping."

The latest exchange follows President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States was reinstating a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump also said Washington would impose a 20% charge on all cargo transported through the Strait of Hormuz, as BBC reported, a move that could further disrupt one of the world's busiest maritime trade corridors.

The growing conflict rattled global energy markets.

Brent crude rose 1.9 percent to $84.87 a barrel, while US-traded crude climbed 2 percent to $79.75 as traders reacted to the heightened security risks around the strategic waterway.