Hormuz gunfire attacks commercial ships

The attacks were carried out by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, according to reports from Iranian state media.

Two of the vessels, the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas, were reportedly seized and escorted to the Iranian coast for alleged 'maritime violations.' The morning assaults have further complicated already faltering efforts to bring the U.S. and Iran together for peace talks in Pakistan.

The strategic waterway, which handles around 20% of the world's oil shipping, remains at a near standstill as tensions escalate.