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Stock markets turn volatile after US seizes vessel flying Iranian flag

20 April 2026 10:10 (UTC +04:00)

Concerns over the durability of the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran increased on Monday, Reuters reports.

It was stated that the reason is the U.S. announcement that it had seized an Iranian cargo ship attempting to break the blockade, and Iran’s statement that it would respond.

It was noted that efforts to establish a more lasting peace in the region also appear uncertain:

“Iran has announced that it will not participate in the second round of talks that the United States plans to begin before the ceasefire expires on Tuesday.

The United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran had first lifted and then reinstated restrictions on maritime transport passing through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Amid these developments, oil prices rose by more than 5%, while volatility was observed in stock markets. Traders fear that the ceasefire may collapse and that transportation in the Gulf region may remain at minimal levels.

US-Iran tensions ceasefire Reuters Strait of Hormuz oil prices global markets stock market volatility Gulf region maritime transport blockade geopolitics