US equity indexes ended mixed Wednesday after crude oil prices rose following Iran's new warnings that it would block routes that it has not authorized.

* Tankers are facing a higher risk of attacks and intimidation as they try to get critical shipments through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran issued new warnings that it would block routes that it has not authorized, sources told Reuters.

* This comes as tropical storm Isaias continues to strengthen ahead of landfall on the northern Gulf Coast by this weekend, CNN reported.

* November West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose $2.76 to settle at $90.99 per barrel, while December Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen up $3.53 at $103.73.

* Starbucks (SBUX) has explored a takeover of Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) and has worked with advisers in recent months on a potential proposal, the Financial Times reported. Chipotle shares rose about 6.3%, the second-best performer on the S&P 500.

* Nvidia-backed (NVDA) Firmus Grid is poised to delay its initial public offering amid slack investor demand, Bloomberg reported. The Australian data center company had been looking to raise as much as $5.5 billion, including an over-allotment option, and may consider a private funding round instead, the report added. Nvidia shares were down 2.9%, the worst performer on the Dow.