Oil prices moved higher on Wednesday after fatal attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman renewed concern about disruptions to two major shipping corridors for global energy and trade. Brent crude futures rose about 1.24% to $90 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures advanced 1.3% to $84.3 per barrel. The move came despite diplomatic signals that talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz may be making headway. Iran-backed Houthi rebels killed six people in an attack on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday, the first reported fatalities from assaults on Red Sea shipping in more than a year. Later, U.S. forces said they fired missiles at a container ship that allegedly tried to break Washington's blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman. Together, the incidents highlighted how the nearly six-month-old war is still affecting maritime routes that matter for oil flows. Interactive Brokers Senior Economist José Torres said the market remains focused on Middle East supply risk even as the U.S. and Iran may be edging closer to an agreement over the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan has expressed optimism about a possible accord, but Torres said investors are still waiting for concrete progress. In a note late Tuesday, he said a tangible deal would likely be needed for yields to fall significantly and for stocks to extend gains, adding that slightly firmer oil prices suggest supply concerns have not faded.