TEHRAN — Washington and Tehran traded strikes on Monday as US deaths in the renewed fighting climbed to three and more ships came under attack in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices surged to a one-month high as the United States and Iran tussled for control of the vital strait, with Brent crude rising above US$91 (RM372) a barrel – the highest price since June 11.

Since the start of the war on February 28, Iran has struck back by targeting US allies and military assets in its own neighbourhood, and by virtually blocking the waterway through which a fifth of world oil supplies transited prior to the war.

A preliminary deal aimed at ending the war has collapsed as the foes fight to break a deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Monday that two oil tankers trying to transit the strait “exploded and were brought to a halt”, according to a statement reported by the Tasnim news agency.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Monday that a vessel was on fire in the strait, citing information from military authorities. The fire’s cause has not been verified.

On Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on countries around the world to share the burden of protecting global shipping.

“It’s clear that Iran, at least some people in Iran, want to control the straits and hold that as leverage against the world,” Rubio told reporters.

“The United States will do and continue to do what it needs to, to protect global shipping, but other countries need to begin to step up and provide, whether it’s hardware or finances, to help carry that burden,” he said.

A fragile truce between Iran and the United States was shattered following reports of Iranian attacks on ships in the strait, though Rubio said he will “continue to try” to reach a diplomatic solution.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday that it successfully completed the ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran.