The release of 400 million barrels by members of the International Energy Agency is designed to "address disruptions in oil markets stemming from the war in the Middle East".

The reports of attacks on commercial ships came after the US said it "eliminated" 16 Iranian mine-layers in the area. Elsewhere, two drones were downed near Dubai airport.

The US says the ships were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz - a key shipping route. Meanwhile, at least two attacks have been reported on commercial ships in the area.

Iran steps up retaliatory strikes on Israel and US targets in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, state media says Meanwhile officials in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait report intercepting more Iranian ...