The United States launched targeted strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating Middle East tensions, prompting fears of soaring oil prices and drawing sharp reactions globally.

Iran’s parliament voted to respond to the US strikes by cutting off vital shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, where around a fifth of global oil supplies pass through. However, Brent was last up a relatively restrained 1.1pc at less than $78, with no sign of panic selling across markets.