A Thai-flagged cargo vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday shortly after departing from the United Arab Emirates, as regional tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

Attacks on ships are escalating in the Arabian Gulf as Israel and Iran both launched fresh waves of intense strikes overnight.

Even after a cease-fire, Iran is keeping a chokehold on traffic, forcing countries to cut deals that could put them at odds with the U.S.

Some of the sea mines were reportedly deployed haphazardly or may have drifted, US officials stated, making them difficult to locate and remove

Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz stood at well below 10% of normal volumes on Thursday ​despite a U.S.-Iran ceasefire as Tehran asserted its control by warning ships to keep to its territorial waters while doing so.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. military would remain around Iran until a real agreement is reached and fully complied with.

Trump: Iran war 'going well' ahead of peace talks. 00:00:53, play videoTrump: Iran war 'going well' ahead of peace talks 0:21Vance: Trump gave 'clear guidelines' for Iran negotiations. 00:00:21, play videoVance: Trump gave 'clear guidelines' for Iran negotiations 0:26Israeli strikes hit city in southern Lebanon.

President Donald Trump sought to ratchet up pressure on Iran to cut a deal as the two sides prepared for direct talks in Pakistan to turn their fragile truce into a lasting peace.