President Donald Trump said the USS Boxer destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the aircraft threatened the ship by flying to within 1,000 yards of it. Watch this video to know more.

Trump: US downs Iranian drone, Iran denies claims

Global&nbsp;stocks&nbsp;rose on Friday as investors firmed up&nbsp;bets&nbsp;on a US interest&nbsp;rate&nbsp;cut&nbsp;at the end of July after a speech by a top&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lamakers-propose-barring-big-tech-companies-from-offering-financial-services-digital-currencies-236125&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivgZmF9MDjAhUD73MBHf2NCOoQFjAGegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Czkc6147wnx7-a0sTCHUs">Federal Reserve</a> official further cemented expectations for one, fuelling appetite for risky assets and capping the&nbsp;dollar.

European shares opened higher across the board, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index gaining 0.7% in early trade. Britain's FTSE 100 index gained 0.6% and Germany's DAX rose 0.75%.

In oil&nbsp;markets, crude surged after the United States said its navy had destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for&nbsp;global&nbsp;crude flows, raising concerns about supply disruptions out of the region.

Iran said all its drones had returned safely to base, and there was no sign of a major escalation in the Gulf.

Comments by New York&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;President John Williams on Thursday made it virtually certain, in the&nbsp;markets' view, that the&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;would&nbsp;cut&nbsp;interest&nbsp;rates by at least 25 basis points at its July 30-31 policy meeting and also revived expectations of an even deeper 50 bps reduction.

Financial&nbsp;markets&nbsp;reacted quickly, with&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;fund&nbsp;rate&nbsp;futures at one point pricing in an almost 70% chance of a 50 basis point&nbsp;cut. The odds eased to around 40% after the New YorkFed&nbsp;said William's speech had not been about immediate policy direction.

MSCI's All-Country World Index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, was having its best day in over two weeks, up nearly half a percent on the day. It was, however, still on track to break a six-week streak of weekly gains.

E-mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 index were 0.3% higher, indicating a higher opening on Wall Street later in the day.

"Despite a rather lackluster earnings season so far, investors are focusing on the prospect of a considerably easier monetary policy, which is why we see&nbsp;stocks&nbsp;ready to open higher this morning," said Konstantinos Anthis, head of research at ADSS.

Will the rate cut Suffice?

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 1%, bouncing back from the previous day's losses, while Japan's Nikkei advanced 2%.

Elsewhere in Asia, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.8%, Australian&nbsp;stocks&nbsp;added 0.75% and South Korea's KOSPI gained 1.4%.

For the week, the MSCI ex-Japan index climbed a modest 1%, as riskier assets were partly capped by US President Donald Trump's reiteration of his threat to impose further duties on Chinese imports.

The two sides resumed talks recently to seek an end to a year-long trade war that has rattled financial&nbsp;markets&nbsp;and slowed&nbsp;global&nbsp;growth. But most analysts do not expect an agreement any time soon, with some predicting a strong risk of further tariff escalation.

"Although central banks around the world have embarked on policy-easing in a bid to support their respective economies, investors are left to ponder whether the stimulus will be enough to offset the effects from heightened US-China trade tensions," said Han Tan, market analyst at FXTM.

The&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;index against a basket of six major currencies&nbsp;stood about 0.1% higher at 96.875 after losing roughly 0.5% overnight to a two-week low of 96.671 in the wake of the comments from the&nbsp;Fed's Williams.

The euro was 0.15% lower at $1.1259 after climbing 0.45% the previous day.

US Treasury yields were lower across the board. The 2-year yield was at 1.7894% after touching a two-week low of 1.7520%. The 10-year yield declined to a 10-day low of 2.023% and was last at 2.0465%.

In commodities, US crude oil futures reversed a large part of the previous day's deep losses, briefly rising 1.45% to $56.10 per barrel before easing back to $55.81, up 0.9%.

Crude rallied after the reports on the Iranian drone. Oil prices had fallen on Thursday amid expectations that output would rise in the Gulf of Mexico as operations resumed following last week's hurricane.

Spot gold eased 0.5% as investors locked in profits after bullion surpassed $1,450 an ounce for the first time in more than six years on dovish&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;signals and Middle East tension.

Global stocks rose on Friday as investors firmed up bets on a US interest rate cut at the end of July after a speech by a top Federal Reserve official further cemented expectations for one, fuelling appetite for risky assets and capping the dollar.

Global stocks rose on Friday as investors firmed up bets on a US interest rate cut at the end of July after a speech by a top Federal Reserve official further cemented expectations for one, fuelling appetite for risky assets and capping the dollar. European shares opened higher across the board, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index gaining 0.7% in early trade. Britain's FTSE 100 index gained 0.6% and Germany's DAX rose 0.75%. In oil markets, crude surged after the United States said its navy had destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows, raising concerns about supply disruptions out of the region. Iran said all its drones had returned safely to base, and there was no sign of a major escalation in the Gulf. Comments by New York Fed President John Williams on Thursday made it virtually certain, in the markets' view, that the Fed would cut interest rates by at least 25 basis points at its July 30-31 policy meeting and also revived expectations of an even deeper 50 bps reduction. Financial markets reacted quickly, with Fed fund rate futures at one point pricing in an almost 70% chance of a 50 basis point cut. The odds eased to around 40% after the New YorkFed said William's speech had not been about immediate policy direction. MSCI's All-Country World Index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, was having its best day in over two weeks, up nearly half a percent on the day. It was, however, still on track to break a six-week streak of weekly gains. E-mini futures for the S&P 500 index were 0.3% higher, indicating a higher opening on Wall Street later in the day. "Despite a rather lackluster earnings season so far, investors are focusing on the prospect of a considerably easier monetary policy, which is why we see stocks ready to open higher this morning," said Konstantinos Anthis, head of research at ADSS. Will the rate cut Suffice? MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 1%, bouncing back from the previous day's losses, while Japan's Nikkei advanced 2%. Elsewhere in Asia, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.8%, Australian stocks added 0.75% and South Korea's KOSPI gained 1.4%. For the week, the MSCI ex-Japan index climbed a modest 1%, as riskier assets were partly capped by US President Donald Trump's reiteration of his threat to impose further duties on Chinese imports. The two sides resumed talks recently to seek an end to a year-long trade war that has rattled financial markets and slowed global growth. But most analysts do not expect an agreement any time soon, with some predicting a strong risk of further tariff escalation. "Although central banks around the world have embarked on policy-easing in a bid to support their respective economies, investors are left to ponder whether the stimulus will be enough to offset the effects from heightened US-China trade tensions," said Han Tan, market analyst at FXTM. The dollar index against a basket of six major currencies stood about 0.1% higher at 96.875 after losing roughly 0.5% overnight to a two-week low of 96.671 in the wake of the comments from the Fed's Williams. The euro was 0.15% lower at $1.1259 after climbing 0.45% the previous day. US Treasury yields were lower across the board. The 2-year yield was at 1.7894% after touching a two-week low of 1.7520%. The 10-year yield declined to a 10-day low of 2.023% and was last at 2.0465%. In commodities, US crude oil futures reversed a large part of the previous day's deep losses, briefly rising 1.45% to $56.10 per barrel before easing back to $55.81, up 0.9%. Crude rallied after the reports on the Iranian drone. Oil prices had fallen on Thursday amid expectations that output would rise in the Gulf of Mexico as operations resumed following last week's hurricane. Spot gold eased 0.5% as investors locked in profits after bullion surpassed $1,450 an ounce for the first time in more than six years on dovish Fed signals and Middle East tension.

Fed rate cut bets lift stocks, dollar steadies

Oil&nbsp;prices rose on Friday as tensions spiked again in the Middle East&nbsp;after&nbsp;the United States said it had destroyed an&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;drone&nbsp;in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows.

Benchmark crude prices were still on track for their biggest&nbsp;weekly&nbsp;decline in seven weeks, however, having&nbsp;fallen sharply earlier in the week on concerns over global&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand amid slowing economic growth.

Brent crude futures were up 1.11 cents, or 1.78%, at $63.04 a barrel by 1037 GMT, having risen as high as $63.32. Brent fell 2.7% on Thursday, its fourth straight session of losses, and was&nbsp;set&nbsp;for a&nbsp;weekly&nbsp;drop of around 5%.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures were 81 cents, or 1.44%, higher at $56.11 per barrel&nbsp;after&nbsp;touching $56.36. They ended 2.6% lower in the previous session and were headed for a&nbsp;weekly&nbsp;decline of around 6%.

Indications that the&nbsp;US Federal Reserve will cut rates aggressively to support the economy were also behind Friday's gains, said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Vanguard Markets.

"The Fed backstop and the report of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;shooting down an&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;drone&nbsp;are providing a modicum of support for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;markets amidst a very bearish landscape," he said.

The United States said on Thursday that a&nbsp;US&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;ship had "destroyed" an&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;drone&nbsp;in the Strait of Hormuz&nbsp;after&nbsp;the aircraft threatened the vessel, but Iran said it had no information about losing a&nbsp;drone.

Also on Thursday, two influential Federal Reserve officials sharpened the public case for acting to support the&nbsp;US economy, reviving bets the central bank may deliver a larger-than-expected cut this month.

Still, the longer-term outlook for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;has grown increasingly bearish.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is reducing its 2019&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand growth forecast to 1.1 million barrels per day (BPD) from 1.2 million BPD previously due to a slowing global economy amid a&nbsp;US-China trade spat, it's executive director said on Thursday.

The IEA may cut further if the global economy and especially China show further weakness, Fatih Birol told Reuters.

"Macro-economic concerns, uncertainty on trade discussions and increasing&nbsp;oil&nbsp;supply from the&nbsp;US continued to weigh on sentiments," said Warren Patterson, head of commodities at ING.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch said any start of&nbsp;US-Iran talks or a&nbsp;US-China trade deal would reduce volatility and anchor Brent&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices in a $60-$67 per barrel range.

Oil prices rose on Friday as tensions spiked again in the Middle East after the United States said it had destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows.

Oil prices rose on Friday as tensions spiked again in the Middle East after the United States said it had destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows. Benchmark crude prices were still on track for their biggest weekly decline in seven weeks, however, having fallen sharply earlier in the week on concerns over global oil demand amid slowing economic growth. Brent crude futures were up 1.11 cents, or 1.78%, at $63.04 a barrel by 1037 GMT, having risen as high as $63.32. Brent fell 2.7% on Thursday, its fourth straight session of losses, and was set for a weekly drop of around 5%. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were 81 cents, or 1.44%, higher at $56.11 per barrel after touching $56.36. They ended 2.6% lower in the previous session and were headed for a weekly decline of around 6%. Indications that the US Federal Reserve will cut rates aggressively to support the economy were also behind Friday's gains, said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Vanguard Markets. "The Fed backstop and the report of the US Navy shooting down an Iranian drone are providing a modicum of support for oil markets amidst a very bearish landscape," he said. The United States said on Thursday that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the aircraft threatened the vessel, but Iran said it had no information about losing a drone. Also on Thursday, two influential Federal Reserve officials sharpened the public case for acting to support the US economy, reviving bets the central bank may deliver a larger-than-expected cut this month. Still, the longer-term outlook for oil has grown increasingly bearish. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is reducing its 2019 oil demand growth forecast to 1.1 million barrels per day (BPD) from 1.2 million BPD previously due to a slowing global economy amid a US-China trade spat, it's executive director said on Thursday. The IEA may cut further if the global economy and especially China show further weakness, Fatih Birol told Reuters. "Macro-economic concerns, uncertainty on trade discussions and increasing oil supply from the US continued to weigh on sentiments," said Warren Patterson, head of commodities at ING. Bank of America Merrill Lynch said any start of US-Iran talks or a US-China trade deal would reduce volatility and anchor Brent oil prices in a $60-$67 per barrel range.

Oil rises after US Navy downs Iranian drone; set for weekly fall

Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seized-foreign-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-iran-236898">seized a foreign oil tanker</a> in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports.

Brent crude futures were up 48 cents at $64.14 a barrel by 1148 GMT after hitting a session high of $64.46.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 33 cents at $57.11 after the U.S. benchmark hit a session high of $57.32.

Iran said the vessel, which it did not identify, was smuggling fuel and had been carrying 1 million litres, or around 6,200 barrels.

"The oil price reaction on Thursday shows once again that the conflict in the Middle East is far from solved and tensions could flare up at any time again. As oil keeps flowing, prices are likely to rise only temporarily," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS).

Iran said the vessel impounded was the same one it towed on Sunday after the ship had sent a distress call. US officials said on Wednesday they were unsure whether an oil tanker towed into Iranian waters had been seized or rescued.

Britain urged Iran to ease tensions in the Gulf while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region.

Oil had fallen on Wednesday in response to a sharp rise in US stockpiles of products such as gasoline that pointed to weak demand during the US driving season.

WATCH: Iran says UK's seizure of oil tanker will not go unanswered

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Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a larger-than-expected drawdown in crude stockpiles last week, but traders focused instead on large builds in refined product inventories.

US crude inventories fell by 3.1 million barrels, the EIA said, more than analysts' forecasts for a decrease of 2.7 million barrels.

But gasoline stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 925,000-barrel drop. Distillate stockpiles grew by 5.7 million barrels, much more than expectations for a 613,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed.

The gasoline inventory build in the United States was "especially remarkable in the week after the Independence Day weekend given that this is normally one of the periods of highest demand", analysts at Commerzbank wrote.

The summer driving season normally entails increased consumption of gasoline.

US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose additional tariffs on China has also pressured oil prices, with nerves on edge over when talks between the two countries will resume resolving a trade war that has slowed global economic growth.

Barclays on Thursday lowered its oil price forecasts for the second half of this year and 2020, saying it expected slower demand growth due to a weaker-than-expected global economic backdrop.

Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports.

Oil prices rose about 1% on Thursday after Iran said it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf amid rising tensions between Tehran and the West over the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for energy exports. Brent crude futures were up 48 cents at $64.14 a barrel by 1148 GMT after hitting a session high of $64.46. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 33 cents at $57.11 after the U.S. benchmark hit a session high of $57.32. Iran said the vessel, which it did not identify, was smuggling fuel and had been carrying 1 million litres, or around 6,200 barrels. "The oil price reaction on Thursday shows once again that the conflict in the Middle East is far from solved and tensions could flare up at any time again. As oil keeps flowing, prices are likely to rise only temporarily," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). Iran said the vessel impounded was the same one it towed on Sunday after the ship had sent a distress call. US officials said on Wednesday they were unsure whether an oil tanker towed into Iranian waters had been seized or rescued. Britain urged Iran to ease tensions in the Gulf while pledging to defend its shipping interests in the region. Oil had fallen on Wednesday in response to a sharp rise in US stockpiles of products such as gasoline that pointed to weak demand during the US driving season. WATCH: Iran says UK's seizure of oil tanker will not go unanswered × Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a larger-than-expected drawdown in crude stockpiles last week, but traders focused instead on large builds in refined product inventories. US crude inventories fell by 3.1 million barrels, the EIA said, more than analysts' forecasts for a decrease of 2.7 million barrels. But gasoline stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 925,000-barrel drop. Distillate stockpiles grew by 5.7 million barrels, much more than expectations for a 613,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed. The gasoline inventory build in the United States was "especially remarkable in the week after the Independence Day weekend given that this is normally one of the periods of highest demand", analysts at Commerzbank wrote. The summer driving season normally entails increased consumption of gasoline. US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose additional tariffs on China has also pressured oil prices, with nerves on edge over when talks between the two countries will resume resolving a trade war that has slowed global economic growth. Barclays on Thursday lowered its oil price forecasts for the second half of this year and 2020, saying it expected slower demand growth due to a weaker-than-expected global economic backdrop.

Oil prices rise after Iran says it seized foreign tanker in Gulf

Did Iran Try To Block British Tanker? Tensions worsen in the Strait of Hormuz. Britain says that Iran tried to 'impede' its tanker. Iran calls Britain's allegations 'worthless'. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have previously hinted at capturing a British tanker after Britain captured Iran's tanker last week. This escalation comes amidst worsening ties between Iran and the U.S. Palki explains the significance.

Gravitas: Tensions worsen in Strait of Hormuz

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-us-will-regret-detaining-our-oil-tanker-irans-elite-revolutionary-guards-deputy-commander-234959">Iranian boats threatened a British</a> oil tanker.

The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping."

"I think that that will be developing over the next couple weeks," Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Tensions in the Gulf have increased in the past few weeks, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-vessels-impeded-passage-of-commercial-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-turned-away-after-verbal-warning-uk-234877">Iran's economy in free fall</a> following the re-imposition of US sanctions after President Donald Trump pulled out from a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program.

The rapid chain of events further complicates Britain and other European allies' efforts to salvage the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement despite the US withdrawal.

Watch Video:

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Milley's statement came after London accused Tehran on Thursday of deploying three military vessels to "impede the passage" of a 274-meter (899-foot) BP tanker, the British Heritage.

"We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," a Downing Street spokesman said.

Iran's menacing of the BP supertanker on Wednesday appeared to be in retaliation for Britain's seizure of the Iranian Grace 1 tanker off Gibraltar on July 4.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied involvement in the British Heritage incident but said the United States and Britain would "strongly regret" British detention of the fully-loaded Iranian tanker off Gibraltar for violating sanctions on Syria, allegedly the planned recipient of its cargo.

Washington and Riyadh previously blamed Iran for allegedly using limpet mines to blow holes in Gulf-area ships in May and June, and Trump came close to ordering an attack on Iran in retaliation.

Officials in Britain and France would not confirm the discussions on a tanker escort operation.

Both, like the United States, maintain a constant naval presence in the Gulf. But London and Paris have been reticent to join in Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran to force it to pull back on its involvement in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.&nbsp;

British media reported that the possible deployment of more Royal Navy ships to the region was "being looked at" in the aftermath of the newest incident.

But in France, a government official told AFP that they were not planning for the moment to expand their presence in the Gulf.&nbsp;

"France is on a course of de-escalation," the official said.

"Sending additional military assets to the region does not seem useful to us."

A joint effort would reprise the 1987-1988 US-led operation to protect Kuwaiti oil tankers from Iranian attacks during the Iran-Iraq war.

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed Iranian boats threatened a British oil tanker. The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping.

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed Iranian boats threatened a British oil tanker. The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping." "I think that that will be developing over the next couple weeks," Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee. Tensions in the Gulf have increased in the past few weeks, with Iran's economy in free fall following the re-imposition of US sanctions after President Donald Trump pulled out from a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program. The rapid chain of events further complicates Britain and other European allies' efforts to salvage the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement despite the US withdrawal. Watch Video: Milley's statement came after London accused Tehran on Thursday of deploying three military vessels to "impede the passage" of a 274-meter (899-foot) BP tanker, the British Heritage. "We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," a Downing Street spokesman said. Iran's menacing of the BP supertanker on Wednesday appeared to be in retaliation for Britain's seizure of the Iranian Grace 1 tanker off Gibraltar on July 4. Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied involvement in the British Heritage incident but said the United States and Britain would "strongly regret" British detention of the fully-loaded Iranian tanker off Gibraltar for violating sanctions on Syria, allegedly the planned recipient of its cargo. Washington and Riyadh previously blamed Iran for allegedly using limpet mines to blow holes in Gulf-area ships in May and June, and Trump came close to ordering an attack on Iran in retaliation. Officials in Britain and France would not confirm the discussions on a tanker escort operation. Both, like the United States, maintain a constant naval presence in the Gulf. But London and Paris have been reticent to join in Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran to force it to pull back on its involvement in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. British media reported that the possible deployment of more Royal Navy ships to the region was "being looked at" in the aftermath of the newest incident. But in France, a government official told AFP that they were not planning for the moment to expand their presence in the Gulf. "France is on a course of de-escalation," the official said. "Sending additional military assets to the region does not seem useful to us." A joint effort would reprise the 1987-1988 US-led operation to protect Kuwaiti oil tankers from Iranian attacks during the Iran-Iraq war.

Attempting coalition military, naval escort for commercial ships in the Gulf: Pentagon

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Relations between Iran and the West have been increasingly strained after Britain seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar and London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached by Iranian vessels in the strait between Iran and the Arabian peninsula.

"We are reacting to what is happening in a measured and careful way and we are being clear to Iran that we are not seeking to escalate this situation," Jeremy Hunt told Sky News.

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Relations between Iran and the West have been increasingly strained after Britain seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar and London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached by Iranian vessels in the strait between Iran and the Arabian peninsula. "We are reacting to what is happening in a measured and careful way and we are being clear to Iran that we are not seeking to escalate this situation," Jeremy Hunt told Sky News.

UK says it does not want to increase tension with Iran

Three Iranian ships attempted to "impede the passage" of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-initiator-of-insecurity-will-realise-consequences-warns-rouhani-over-oil-tanker-seizure-234591">British oil tanker in Gulf waters</a>, forcing a UK frigate to intervene, the British government said on Thursday.

"Contrary to international law, three Iranian vessels attempted to impede the passage of a commercial vessel, British Heritage, through the Strait of Hormuz," a British government statement said of the incident, which occurred on Wednesday.

"HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away. We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," the statement said.

On Wednesday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-standoff-tests-show-seized-tanker-was-loaded-to-capacity-with-crude-oil-confirms-uk-government-234176">Britain of "consequences"</a> over the detention of an Iranian oil tanker off the coast of Gibraltar.

"I point out to the British that you initiated insecurity (on the seas) and you shall grasp the consequences of it later on," Rouhani had said in comments to the cabinet broadcast by state TV.

Iran's president had called the seizure of the tanker "a foolish act."

The 330 metre (1,000 feet) Grace 1 tanker, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, was halted on Thursday by police and customs in Gibraltar -- a tiny British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip -&nbsp;with the aid of a detachment of British Royal Marines.

Iran condemned the detention as an "illegal interception," but Gibraltar officials said that the cargo was believed to be destined for Syria, which is subject to European sanctions.

Iran denied it, saying that the destination "was somewhere else."

"The port named in Syria does not even have the capacity for such a supertanker to dock," Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had said.

Three Iranian ships attempted to "impede the passage" of a British oil tanker in Gulf waters, forcing a UK frigate to intervene, the British government said on Thursday.

Three Iranian ships attempted to "impede the passage" of a British oil tanker in Gulf waters, forcing a UK frigate to intervene, the British government said on Thursday. "Contrary to international law, three Iranian vessels attempted to impede the passage of a commercial vessel, British Heritage, through the Strait of Hormuz," a British government statement said of the incident, which occurred on Wednesday. "HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away. We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," the statement said. On Wednesday, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" over the detention of an Iranian oil tanker off the coast of Gibraltar. "I point out to the British that you initiated insecurity (on the seas) and you shall grasp the consequences of it later on," Rouhani had said in comments to the cabinet broadcast by state TV. Iran's president had called the seizure of the tanker "a foolish act." The 330 metre (1,000 feet) Grace 1 tanker, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, was halted on Thursday by police and customs in Gibraltar -- a tiny British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip - with the aid of a detachment of British Royal Marines. Iran condemned the detention as an "illegal interception," but Gibraltar officials said that the cargo was believed to be destined for Syria, which is subject to European sanctions. Iran denied it, saying that the destination "was somewhere else." "The port named in Syria does not even have the capacity for such a supertanker to dock," Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had said.

Iranian vessels impeded passage of commercial ship in Strait of Hormuz, turned away after verbal warning: UK

The Strait of Hormuz is a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world's most strategically important choke points.

World's most important oil transit path: The strait of Hormuz

Iranian boats tried to impede a British oil tanker near the Gulf - before being driven off by a Royal Navy ship, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Iranian boats tried to intercept British tanker

Britain and the United States will regret detaining an Iranian oil tanker, a deputy commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, according to the Tasnim news agency.

Last week, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-vessels-impeded-passage-of-commercial-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-turned-away-after-verbal-warning-uk-234877">British Royal Marines</a> boarded an Iranian tanker, the Grace 1, off Gibraltar and seized it on suspicion that it was breaking EU sanctions by taking oil to Syria.

“Now an action that does not need ability but some stupidity has been carried out by them,” Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi, a deputy Guards commander, said, according to Tasnim.&nbsp;

“The American government ... and also England .... should not have taken action if they had made the smallest calculation,” he said.

“We had rented this ship and we carried the cargo. Their action was very silly and they will certainly regret it. Our reciprocal action will be announced.”

Britain and the United States will regret detaining an Iranian oil tanker, a deputy commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, according to the Tasnim news agency.

Britain and the United States will regret detaining an Iranian oil tanker, a deputy commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, according to the Tasnim news agency. Last week, British Royal Marines boarded an Iranian tanker, the Grace 1, off Gibraltar and seized it on suspicion that it was breaking EU sanctions by taking oil to Syria. “Now an action that does not need ability but some stupidity has been carried out by them,” Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi, a deputy Guards commander, said, according to Tasnim. “The American government ... and also England .... should not have taken action if they had made the smallest calculation,” he said. “We had rented this ship and we carried the cargo. Their action was very silly and they will certainly regret it. Our reciprocal action will be announced.”

Britain and US will regret detaining our oil tanker: Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards deputy commander

The US aims to form a coalition to guarantee freedom of navigation in strategic Gulf waters amid fraught relations <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-standoff-tests-show-seized-tanker-was-loaded-to-capacity-with-crude-oil-confirms-uk-government-234176">between Washington and Tehran</a>, a top general told media on Tuesday.

Tensions in the area -- through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported -- have spiked in recent weeks, with the US blaming Iran for multiple attacks on tanker ships in the region, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-deputy-foreign-minister-says-captured-iranian-tanker-wasnt-headed-to-syria-calls-the-incident-maritime-robbery-233772">Tehran shooting down</a> an American drone.

"We're engaging now with a number of countries to see if we can put together a coalition that would ensure freedom of navigation both in the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab," General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a video carried by the Reuters news agency.

"I think probably over the next couple weeks we'll identify which nations have the political will to support that initiative and then we'll work directly with the militaries to identify the specific capabilities that'll support that," Dunford said.

The US would provide "maritime domain awareness and surveillance," while ships would be escorted by the nations whose flag they carry, the general said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month that he hopes more than 20 countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, would work together on building maritime security.

"We'll need you all to participate, your military folks," Pompeo said.

"The president is keen on sharing that the United States doesn't bear the cost of this."

The US aims to form a coalition to guarantee freedom of navigation in strategic Gulf waters amid fraught relations between Washington and Tehran, a top general told media on Tuesday.

The US aims to form a coalition to guarantee freedom of navigation in strategic Gulf waters amid fraught relations between Washington and Tehran, a top general told media on Tuesday. Tensions in the area -- through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported -- have spiked in recent weeks, with the US blaming Iran for multiple attacks on tanker ships in the region, and Tehran shooting down an American drone. "We're engaging now with a number of countries to see if we can put together a coalition that would ensure freedom of navigation both in the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab," General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a video carried by the Reuters news agency. "I think probably over the next couple weeks we'll identify which nations have the political will to support that initiative and then we'll work directly with the militaries to identify the specific capabilities that'll support that," Dunford said. The US would provide "maritime domain awareness and surveillance," while ships would be escorted by the nations whose flag they carry, the general said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month that he hopes more than 20 countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, would work together on building maritime security. "We'll need you all to participate, your military folks," Pompeo said. "The president is keen on sharing that the United States doesn't bear the cost of this."

We can put together coalition to ensure freedom of navigation in Straits of Hormuz: US General Joseph Dunford

After the Indian Navy launched<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulf-crisis-navy-launches-operation-operation-sankalp-to-reassure-indian-vessels-amid-us-iran-row-229020"> "Operation Sankalp" in the Gulf of Oman</a> to "reassure" Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region in the wake of US-Iran tensions, Indian Navy MARCOS commandos boarded the oil tankers intent on travelling onboard in order to provide protection to the ships.

India has deployed its ships - INS Chennai and INS Sunayna in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf - to undertake maritime security operations as tensions in the Gulf ratcheted up after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-military-intelligence-to-show-us-drone-was-iranian-airspace-russia-230296">Iran shot down a US drone last week</a>.

DG Shipping had issued two advisories on June 13 and 16 to all Indian flagged vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian/ Arabian Gulf region and had advised them to take appropriate protection measures.

Both the gulfs are busy shipping routes through which international trade occurs, aerial surveillance is also being undertaken by India in the area.

Tensions in the Gulf continued to rise nearly a week after Iran shot down a US drone. On Monday, Washington blacklisted Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military chiefs asserting that it would also sanction foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Iran stuck to its contention that the drone which was downed by its Revolutionary Guard had violated its airspace. Russia, a key ally of Tehran, backed Iran's version of events.

Washington has also blamed Iran for mid-June attacks on two tankers in sensitive Gulf waters, a claim Iran hotly refutes.

Trump has said he is ready to negotiate with Iran "with no preconditions" and that Iran could have a "phenomenal future".

"We do not ask for conflict," he said, adding that depending on Iran's response, sanctions could end tomorrow or "years from now."

After the Indian Navy launched "Operation Sankalp" in the Gulf of Oman to "reassure" Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region in the wake of US-Iran tensions, Indian Navy MARCOS commandos boarded the oil tankers intent on travelling onboard in order to provide protection to the ships.

After the Indian Navy launched "Operation Sankalp" in the Gulf of Oman to "reassure" Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region in the wake of US-Iran tensions, Indian Navy MARCOS commandos boarded the oil tankers intent on travelling onboard in order to provide protection to the ships. India has deployed its ships - INS Chennai and INS Sunayna in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf - to undertake maritime security operations as tensions in the Gulf ratcheted up after Iran shot down a US drone last week. DG Shipping had issued two advisories on June 13 and 16 to all Indian flagged vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian/ Arabian Gulf region and had advised them to take appropriate protection measures. Both the gulfs are busy shipping routes through which international trade occurs, aerial surveillance is also being undertaken by India in the area. Tensions in the Gulf continued to rise nearly a week after Iran shot down a US drone. On Monday, Washington blacklisted Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military chiefs asserting that it would also sanction foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Iran stuck to its contention that the drone which was downed by its Revolutionary Guard had violated its airspace. Russia, a key ally of Tehran, backed Iran's version of events. Washington has also blamed Iran for mid-June attacks on two tankers in sensitive Gulf waters, a claim Iran hotly refutes. Trump has said he is ready to negotiate with Iran "with no preconditions" and that Iran could have a "phenomenal future". "We do not ask for conflict," he said, adding that depending on Iran's response, sanctions could end tomorrow or "years from now."

Navy's MARCOS commandos board Indian vessels in Persian Gulf to ensure safety

Amid the US-Iran crisis, President Trump in a tweet said America protests "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-promote-maritime-security-in-strait-of-hormuz-says-pompeo-after-meeting-saudi-king-salman-230032">the shipping lanes for other countries</a> (many years) for zero compensation" while asserting that it does so for "zero compensation"

"China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, &amp; many other countries likewise. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been a dangerous journey," Trump said in a tweet.

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China gets 91% of its Oil from the Straight, Japan 62%, &amp; many other countries likewise. So why are we protecting the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1143128642878410752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We don’t even need to be there in that the US has just become (by far) the largest producer of energy anywhere in the world!"

The US request for Iran is very simple - no nuclear weapons and no further sponsoring of terror!" he said.

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....a dangerous journey. We don’t even need to be there in that the U.S. has just become (by far) the largest producer of Energy anywhere in the world! The U.S. request for Iran is very simple - No Nuclear Weapons and No Further Sponsoring of Terror!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1143128646162493441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As tensions in the region racheted up, US secretary of state <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-welcomes-any-defusion-of-tensions-in-gulf-region-report-229912">Mike Pompeo met Saudi King</a> Salman bin Abdulaziz as they discueed heightened tensions in the region after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone.

"Freedom of navigation is tantamount," he said in a tweet after meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Meanwhile, Iran hinted on Monday that it could be willing to discuss new concessions with Washington if the United States were to lift sanctions and offer new incentives.

"We welcome any reduction of tension, we do not want an increase in the tension and the problems after that," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said.

"Is there any sanction left for America to impose that has not been imposed on us recently or in the last 40 years? And is there anything they have gained from this?," Mousavi asked.

As the US imposed a number of new sanctions, Iran said US cyber attacks on its military had failed after the US media reported last weekend that the United States launched cyber attacks disabling Iran's rocket launch systems.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, was quoted by ISNA news agency as saying on Monday that Tehran did not "want a rise of tensions and its consequences".

Amid the US-Iran crisis, President Trump in a tweet said America protests "the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation" while asserting that it does so for "zero compensation" "China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise.

Amid the US-Iran crisis, President Trump in a tweet said America protests "the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation" while asserting that it does so for "zero compensation" "China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been a dangerous journey," Trump said in a tweet. China gets 91% of its Oil from the Straight, Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise. So why are we protecting the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2019 × "We don’t even need to be there in that the US has just become (by far) the largest producer of energy anywhere in the world!" The US request for Iran is very simple - no nuclear weapons and no further sponsoring of terror!" he said. ....a dangerous journey. We don’t even need to be there in that the U.S. has just become (by far) the largest producer of Energy anywhere in the world! The U.S. request for Iran is very simple - No Nuclear Weapons and No Further Sponsoring of Terror! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2019 × As tensions in the region racheted up, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz as they discueed heightened tensions in the region after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone. "Freedom of navigation is tantamount," he said in a tweet after meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Meanwhile, Iran hinted on Monday that it could be willing to discuss new concessions with Washington if the United States were to lift sanctions and offer new incentives. "We welcome any reduction of tension, we do not want an increase in the tension and the problems after that," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said. "Is there any sanction left for America to impose that has not been imposed on us recently or in the last 40 years? And is there anything they have gained from this?," Mousavi asked. As the US imposed a number of new sanctions, Iran said US cyber attacks on its military had failed after the US media reported last weekend that the United States launched cyber attacks disabling Iran's rocket launch systems. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, was quoted by ISNA news agency as saying on Monday that Tehran did not "want a rise of tensions and its consequences".

US protests sea lanes for other countries for zero compensation, we don’t even need to be there: Trump

After meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz&nbsp;today, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said he discussed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-welcomes-any-defusion-of-tensions-in-gulf-region-report-229912">heightened tensions in the region</a> after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone.

Pompeo said he also discussed the "need to promote maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz".

"Freedom of navigation is tantamount," he said in a tweet after meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Pompeo will be travelling to UAE next as tensions between US and Iran continues unabated. Pompeo had said that he would be taking to American allies in the region on the need to stay "strategically aligned" and to ensure "we can build out a global coalition".

As tensions in the region continued, the US imposed additional sanctions on Iran on Monday. However, Iran's foreign ministry said the new sanctions would have "no impact".

"We really do not know what (the new sanctions) are and what they want to target anymore, and also do not consider them to have any impact," ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

While imposing the sanctions, Trump said: "I look forward to the day that Sanctions come off Iran, and they become a productive and prosperous nation again - the sooner the better!"&nbsp;

Amid the crisis, US media on Saturday had reported that Washington had launched cyber attacks against Iranian missile control systems and a spy network after Tehran downed an American surveillance drone.

However, Iran said no cyber attack had taken place.

"The media are asking about the veracity of the alleged cyber attack against Iran. No successful attack has been carried out by them, although they are making a lot of effort," telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said.

After meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz today, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said he discussed heightened tensions in the region after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone.

After meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz today, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said he discussed heightened tensions in the region after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone. Pompeo said he also discussed the "need to promote maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz". "Freedom of navigation is tantamount," he said in a tweet after meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Pompeo will be travelling to UAE next as tensions between US and Iran continues unabated. Pompeo had said that he would be taking to American allies in the region on the need to stay "strategically aligned" and to ensure "we can build out a global coalition". As tensions in the region continued, the US imposed additional sanctions on Iran on Monday. However, Iran's foreign ministry said the new sanctions would have "no impact". "We really do not know what (the new sanctions) are and what they want to target anymore, and also do not consider them to have any impact," ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. While imposing the sanctions, Trump said: "I look forward to the day that Sanctions come off Iran, and they become a productive and prosperous nation again - the sooner the better!" Amid the crisis, US media on Saturday had reported that Washington had launched cyber attacks against Iranian missile control systems and a spy network after Tehran downed an American surveillance drone. However, Iran said no cyber attack had taken place. "The media are asking about the veracity of the alleged cyber attack against Iran. No successful attack has been carried out by them, although they are making a lot of effort," telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said.

Need to promote maritime security in Strait of Hormuz, says Pompeo after meeting Saudi King Salman

The United States Donald Trump on Friday said he is not looking for war with its foe Iran. However, he did not rule the possibility as he warned that if conflict did occurs then it would result in "obliteration."

"I'm not looking for war, and if there is it'll be obliteration like you've never seen before. But I'm not looking to do that," Trump told NBC News in an interview a day after he aborted a planned air strike against Iranian targets in retaliation for Tehran shooting down a US drone.

On Thursday, an Iranian surface-to-air missile destroyed a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran said the drone was shot down over its territory and Washington said it occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident aggravated fears of a direct military clash between the longtime foes. Oil futures rose more than 1% to above $65 per barrel on Friday over worries about possible disruptions to crude exports from the Gulf.&nbsp;

Trump's decision in May to tighten sanctions to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports led to the latest tensions. In May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 accord between Iran and major powers under which Tehran curtailed its path to building a nuclear bomb in return for sanctions relief.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Donald Trump on Friday said he is not looking for war with its foe Iran. However, he did not rule the possibility as he warned that if conflict did occurs then it would result in "obliteration.

The United States Donald Trump on Friday said he is not looking for war with its foe Iran. However, he did not rule the possibility as he warned that if conflict did occurs then it would result in "obliteration." "I'm not looking for war, and if there is it'll be obliteration like you've never seen before. But I'm not looking to do that," Trump told NBC News in an interview a day after he aborted a planned air strike against Iranian targets in retaliation for Tehran shooting down a US drone. On Thursday, an Iranian surface-to-air missile destroyed a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran said the drone was shot down over its territory and Washington said it occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz. The incident aggravated fears of a direct military clash between the longtime foes. Oil futures rose more than 1% to above $65 per barrel on Friday over worries about possible disruptions to crude exports from the Gulf. Trump's decision in May to tighten sanctions to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports led to the latest tensions. In May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 accord between Iran and major powers under which Tehran curtailed its path to building a nuclear bomb in return for sanctions relief. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says doesn’t want war with Iran but there’ll be ‘obliteration’ if it happens

All Indian operators, in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers, news agency ANI reported. All flights will be re-routed suitably.

Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani said, "No substantial effect on Air India flights. Details being worked out for rerouting incoming flights," ANI reported.

This comes shortly after Etihad Airways announced the suspension of operations through Iranian airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, news agency Reuters reported, adding that the airline will use alternative flight paths on a number of routes to and from its home base of Abu Dhabi until further notice.

United States Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overseas area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.

Some other international airlines are taking related precautions too.

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All Indian operators in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian Airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers. They will re-route flights suitably. <a href="https://t.co/XwxeTRbfgC">pic.twitter.com/XwxeTRbfgC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1142384667682754560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-airways-qantas-lufthansa-suspend-flights-over-strait-of-hormuz-229327">Some of the world's leading carriers</a> including British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

The suspensions affected thousands of passengers and came after the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), "prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman".&nbsp;

Tehran on Saturday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-its-airspace-is-fully-safe-and-secure-report-229574">its airspace was safe</a>, state media reported quoting Iran's Civil Aviation Organization.

"Iran-controlled airspace over the Persian Gulf and other flight routes are completely safe," its spokesman, Reza Jafarzadeh, was quoted as saying.

This comes at the time when tensions seem to escalate between Tehran and Washington.

Earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-one-bullet-towards-iran-will-set-fire-to-americas-interests-iran-229490">Iran warned of tough retaliation</a> in case United States resorts to any form of aggression against the Islamic republic.

"Firing one bullet towards Iran will set fire to the interests of America and its allies", armed forces general staff spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi told the Tasnim news agency.

"Today, the situation in the region is to Iran’s advantage.

President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States was "cocked &amp; loaded" to strike Iran but pulled back at the last minute as it would not have been a "proportionate" response to Tehran's shooting down of an unmanned US drone.

Watch: Is a US-Iran conflict imminent?

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The downing of the drone - which Tehran insists violated its airspace, a claim Washington denies - has seen tensions between the two countries spike after a series of attacks on oil tankers the US has blamed on Iran.

Trump later stated that he aborted retaliatory strike to spare Iranian lives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

All Indian operators, in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers, news agency ANI reported.

All Indian operators, in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Saturday, decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers, news agency ANI reported. All flights will be re-routed suitably. Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani said, "No substantial effect on Air India flights. Details being worked out for rerouting incoming flights," ANI reported. This comes shortly after Etihad Airways announced the suspension of operations through Iranian airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, news agency Reuters reported, adding that the airline will use alternative flight paths on a number of routes to and from its home base of Abu Dhabi until further notice. United States Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overseas area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Some other international airlines are taking related precautions too. All Indian operators in consultation with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have decided to avoid the affected part of Iranian Airspace to ensure safe travel for the passengers. They will re-route flights suitably. pic.twitter.com/XwxeTRbfgC — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2019 × Some of the world's leading carriers including British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone, news agency AFP reported. The suspensions affected thousands of passengers and came after the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), "prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman". Tehran on Saturday said that its airspace was safe, state media reported quoting Iran's Civil Aviation Organization. "Iran-controlled airspace over the Persian Gulf and other flight routes are completely safe," its spokesman, Reza Jafarzadeh, was quoted as saying. This comes at the time when tensions seem to escalate between Tehran and Washington. Earlier in the day, Iran warned of tough retaliation in case United States resorts to any form of aggression against the Islamic republic. "Firing one bullet towards Iran will set fire to the interests of America and its allies", armed forces general staff spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi told the Tasnim news agency. "Today, the situation in the region is to Iran’s advantage. President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States was "cocked & loaded" to strike Iran but pulled back at the last minute as it would not have been a "proportionate" response to Tehran's shooting down of an unmanned US drone. Watch: Is a US-Iran conflict imminent? × The downing of the drone - which Tehran insists violated its airspace, a claim Washington denies - has seen tensions between the two countries spike after a series of attacks on oil tankers the US has blamed on Iran. Trump later stated that he aborted retaliatory strike to spare Iranian lives. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid US-Tehran tensions, Indian airlines decide to avoid part of Iranian airspace

Iran will respond firmly to any US threat against it, news agency Reuters reported citing&nbsp;the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

"We will not allow any violation against Iran's borders. Iran will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told local media.

"Regardless of any decision they (US officials) make, we will not allow the Islamic Republic’s territory to be violated,"&nbsp;Mousavi added.

The continuing tension between Washington and Iran intensified on Thursday after an Iranian missile destroyed&nbsp;a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran said the drone was shot down over its territory and Washington said it occurred in international airspace&nbsp;over the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the&nbsp;downing of the unmanned US drone,&nbsp;President Donald Trump said&nbsp;he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-aborted-retaliatory-strike-to-spare-iranian-lives-229374">aborted a military strike as retaliation</a> because it could have killed 150 people. He also&nbsp;signalled that he was open to talks with Tehran.

During an interview with a US channel, Trump said, "I'm not looking for war, and if there is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-doesnt-want-war-with-iran-but-therell-be-obliteration-if-it-happens-229438">it'll be obliteration like you've never seen before</a>. But I'm not looking to do that."

The incident aggravated fears of a direct military clash between the longtime foes. Oil futures rose more than 1% to above $65 per barrel on Friday over worries about possible disruptions to crude exports from the Gulf.&nbsp;

Trump's decision in May to tighten sanctions to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports led to the latest tensions. In May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 accord between Iran and major powers under which Tehran curtailed its path to building a nuclear bomb in return for sanctions relief.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Iran will respond firmly to any US threat against it, news agency Reuters reported citing the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "We will not allow any violation against Iran's borders.

Iran will respond firmly to any US threat against it, news agency Reuters reported citing the semi-official Tasnim news agency. "We will not allow any violation against Iran's borders. Iran will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told local media. "Regardless of any decision they (US officials) make, we will not allow the Islamic Republic’s territory to be violated," Mousavi added. The continuing tension between Washington and Iran intensified on Thursday after an Iranian missile destroyed a US Global Hawk surveillance drone. Tehran said the drone was shot down over its territory and Washington said it occurred in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz. Following the downing of the unmanned US drone, President Donald Trump said he aborted a military strike as retaliation because it could have killed 150 people. He also signalled that he was open to talks with Tehran. During an interview with a US channel, Trump said, "I'm not looking for war, and if there is it'll be obliteration like you've never seen before. But I'm not looking to do that." The incident aggravated fears of a direct military clash between the longtime foes. Oil futures rose more than 1% to above $65 per barrel on Friday over worries about possible disruptions to crude exports from the Gulf. Trump's decision in May to tighten sanctions to try to eliminate Iran's oil exports led to the latest tensions. In May 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a 2015 accord between Iran and major powers under which Tehran curtailed its path to building a nuclear bomb in return for sanctions relief. (With inputs from agencies)

Will firmly confront any aggression or threat by America: Iran

Some of the world's leading carriers including<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-were-cocked-and-loaded-to-retaliate-i-stopped-it-10-minutes-before-striking-iran-trump-229293"> British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines</a> on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone.

The suspensions affected thousands of passengers and came after the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), "prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman".&nbsp;

The NOTAM was in response to "heightened military activities and increased political tensions that might place commercial flights at risk", an FAA statement said, as Tehran and Washington engaged in a war of words over Thursday's missile strike on the drone.

The FAA's notice applied only to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/had-received-message-from-trump-through-oman-warning-attack-was-imminent-iran-officials-229209">US-registered airlines, and United Airlines </a>said it was suspending its Newark-Mumbai service in response.&nbsp;

But European, Asian and Gulf operators were taking no chances.

"Our safety and security team are constantly liaising with authorities -- including the likes of the FAA -- around the world as part of their comprehensive risk assessment into every route we operate," a BA spokeswoman said.

Germany's Lufthansa and Dutch airline KLM followed suit in bypassing the Hormuz area, although Air France said it was already flying farther south.&nbsp;

Dubai-based Emirates said it had rerouted flights to avoid "areas of possible conflict" while Abu Dhabi's Etihad announced it had "agreed to change a number of the flight paths" operating over the Gulf.

Iran's downing of the drone -- which Washington insists was above international waters but Iran says was within its airspace -- has seen tensions between the two countries spike after a series of attacks on tanker ships blamed by the US on Tehran.

The Global Hawk surveillance aircraft can attain a maximum altitude of 18,000 metres (60,000 feet), nearly double the typical cruising height of a passenger plane.

KLM said: "The incident with the drone is reason not to fly over the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. This is a precautionary measure."

The Netherlands is still reeling from the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, which was hit a missile over eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region where pro-Russian separatist rebels are battling Ukraine government forces.

All 298 people on board were killed, 196 of them Dutch.

International investigators on Wednesday charged three Russians and a Ukrainian with murder over the shooting down of the plane, which was travelling between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

The incident forced airlines on the busy Europe-Asia route to divert flights away from Ukraine airspace.

Responding to the latest tensions over Iran, Malaysia Airlines said it "is closely monitoring the situation and is guided by various assessments including security reports and NOTAMs by respective airspace control authorities".&nbsp;

Australia's flag carrier Qantas said it was avoiding the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman "until further notice", while Singapore Airlines warned passengers that its flight times to Europe would likely take longer now.

Europe-Asia flights have already faced disruption since February, when Pakistan restricted large swathes of airspace near India due to cross-border air strikes which came close to all-out war between the nuclear-armed rivals.

"This (Pakistan's action) has also pushed much of the transiting traffic south, nearer to the area now prohibited to US carriers," the flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said in a blog.

Alex Macheras, an independent aviation analyst in London, said the Hormuz diversions were another image problem for Iran after the "mass exodus" of European airlines, which had to abandon their Tehran routes following the restoration of US sanctions.

Pointing back to the Ukraine downing, Pakistan's closure and other incidents, he told AFP "more and more passengers have been affected by geopolitics", and many travellers were avoiding stopovers in the Middle East altogether.

Some of the world's leading carriers including British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone.

Some of the world's leading carriers including British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines on Friday suspended flights over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-US tensions flared over the downing of a drone. The suspensions affected thousands of passengers and came after the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), "prohibiting US-registered aircraft from operating over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman". The NOTAM was in response to "heightened military activities and increased political tensions that might place commercial flights at risk", an FAA statement said, as Tehran and Washington engaged in a war of words over Thursday's missile strike on the drone. The FAA's notice applied only to US-registered airlines, and United Airlines said it was suspending its Newark-Mumbai service in response. But European, Asian and Gulf operators were taking no chances. "Our safety and security team are constantly liaising with authorities -- including the likes of the FAA -- around the world as part of their comprehensive risk assessment into every route we operate," a BA spokeswoman said. Germany's Lufthansa and Dutch airline KLM followed suit in bypassing the Hormuz area, although Air France said it was already flying farther south. Dubai-based Emirates said it had rerouted flights to avoid "areas of possible conflict" while Abu Dhabi's Etihad announced it had "agreed to change a number of the flight paths" operating over the Gulf. Iran's downing of the drone -- which Washington insists was above international waters but Iran says was within its airspace -- has seen tensions between the two countries spike after a series of attacks on tanker ships blamed by the US on Tehran. The Global Hawk surveillance aircraft can attain a maximum altitude of 18,000 metres (60,000 feet), nearly double the typical cruising height of a passenger plane. KLM said: "The incident with the drone is reason not to fly over the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. This is a precautionary measure." The Netherlands is still reeling from the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, which was hit a missile over eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region where pro-Russian separatist rebels are battling Ukraine government forces. All 298 people on board were killed, 196 of them Dutch. International investigators on Wednesday charged three Russians and a Ukrainian with murder over the shooting down of the plane, which was travelling between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur. The incident forced airlines on the busy Europe-Asia route to divert flights away from Ukraine airspace. Responding to the latest tensions over Iran, Malaysia Airlines said it "is closely monitoring the situation and is guided by various assessments including security reports and NOTAMs by respective airspace control authorities". Australia's flag carrier Qantas said it was avoiding the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman "until further notice", while Singapore Airlines warned passengers that its flight times to Europe would likely take longer now. Europe-Asia flights have already faced disruption since February, when Pakistan restricted large swathes of airspace near India due to cross-border air strikes which came close to all-out war between the nuclear-armed rivals. "This (Pakistan's action) has also pushed much of the transiting traffic south, nearer to the area now prohibited to US carriers," the flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said in a blog. Alex Macheras, an independent aviation analyst in London, said the Hormuz diversions were another image problem for Iran after the "mass exodus" of European airlines, which had to abandon their Tehran routes following the restoration of US sanctions. Pointing back to the Ukraine downing, Pakistan's closure and other incidents, he told AFP "more and more passengers have been affected by geopolitics", and many travellers were avoiding stopovers in the Middle East altogether.

British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa suspend flights over Strait of Hormuz

The US Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US&nbsp;operators from flying in an overwater area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to heightened tensions.

The order came hours after United Airlines suspended flights between New Jersey's Newark airport and the Indian financial capital of Mumbai, which fly through Iranian airspace, following a safety review after Iran shot down a high-altitude US&nbsp;surveillance drone.

The downing of the unarmed Global Hawk aircraft, which can fly at up to 60,000 ft (18,300 m), was the latest of a series of incidents in the Gulf region, a critical artery for global oil supplies, that included explosive strikes on six oil tankers.

FAA said according to flight tracking applications, the nearest civil aircraft was operating within around 45 nautical miles of a U.S. Global Hawk drone when it was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile.

"There were numerous civil aviation aircraft operating in the area at the time of the intercept," FAA said.

The agency said it remained concerned about the escalation of tension and military activity within close proximity to high volume civil aircraft routes as well as Iran's willingness to use long-range missiles in international airspace with little or no warning.

In July 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 on board, prompting carriers to take more steps to uncover threats to their planes.

The U.S. prohibition does not apply to airlines from other countries, but OPSGROUP, which provides guidance to operators, said it would be taken into consideration by carriers globally.

"Since MH17, all countries rely on advice from the US, the UK, France and Germany to highlight airspace risk," OPSGROUP said. "The threat of a civil aircraft shootdown in southern Iran is real."

Flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways flights in the area prohibited for U.S. carriers at 0300 GMT on Friday. Qatar and Etihad did not respond immediately to a request for comment outside usual business hours.

United said it had suspended its flights to India through Iran airspace after a "thorough safety and security review". It did not say how long the suspension would last.

A United spokesman said customers flying from Mumbai to Newark would be booked on alternative flights back to the United States.

"We continue to explore all our options and remain in close contact with relevant government authorities in order to provide our customers with the most efficient travel experience under these circumstances," the spokesman said.

On Thursday, two other carriers, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, said they did not fly over Iran. Japanese carriers Japan Airlines Co Ltd and ANA Holdings Inc also said they did not fly over the area.

The US Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overwater area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to heightened tensions.

The US Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overwater area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to heightened tensions. The order came hours after United Airlines suspended flights between New Jersey's Newark airport and the Indian financial capital of Mumbai, which fly through Iranian airspace, following a safety review after Iran shot down a high-altitude US surveillance drone. The downing of the unarmed Global Hawk aircraft, which can fly at up to 60,000 ft (18,300 m), was the latest of a series of incidents in the Gulf region, a critical artery for global oil supplies, that included explosive strikes on six oil tankers. FAA said according to flight tracking applications, the nearest civil aircraft was operating within around 45 nautical miles of a U.S. Global Hawk drone when it was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile. "There were numerous civil aviation aircraft operating in the area at the time of the intercept," FAA said. The agency said it remained concerned about the escalation of tension and military activity within close proximity to high volume civil aircraft routes as well as Iran's willingness to use long-range missiles in international airspace with little or no warning. In July 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 on board, prompting carriers to take more steps to uncover threats to their planes. The U.S. prohibition does not apply to airlines from other countries, but OPSGROUP, which provides guidance to operators, said it would be taken into consideration by carriers globally. "Since MH17, all countries rely on advice from the US, the UK, France and Germany to highlight airspace risk," OPSGROUP said. "The threat of a civil aircraft shootdown in southern Iran is real." Flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways flights in the area prohibited for U.S. carriers at 0300 GMT on Friday. Qatar and Etihad did not respond immediately to a request for comment outside usual business hours. United said it had suspended its flights to India through Iran airspace after a "thorough safety and security review". It did not say how long the suspension would last. A United spokesman said customers flying from Mumbai to Newark would be booked on alternative flights back to the United States. "We continue to explore all our options and remain in close contact with relevant government authorities in order to provide our customers with the most efficient travel experience under these circumstances," the spokesman said. On Thursday, two other carriers, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, said they did not fly over Iran. Japanese carriers Japan Airlines Co Ltd and ANA Holdings Inc also said they did not fly over the area.

US regulator bars airlines from flying over some Iran-controlled airspace

RQ-4 Global Hawk: How Iran's Revolutionary Guard shot down America's most 'sophisticated unmanned' drone

The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/had-received-message-from-trump-through-oman-warning-attack-was-imminent-iran-officials-229209">US reconnaissance drone</a> over the Strait of Hormuz.

"Our diplomacy does not give Iran the right to respond with military force," Brian Hook, the US special representative on Iran, told reporters in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

"Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force."

Meanwhile, Iran said it had "indisputable" evidence a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-united-airways-new-jersey-mumbai-flight-suspension-dutch-airline-klm-suspends-flights-over-strait-of-hormuz-229192">US drone it downed had violated</a> its airspace, as reports emerged in the US that President Donald Trump had approved then scrapped retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-warns-iran-of-imminent-attack-229251/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The downing of the drone -&nbsp;which Washington insists was above international waters but Iran says was within its airspace -&nbsp;has seen tensions between the two countries spike further after a series of attacks on tankers the US has blamed on Tehran.

Under pressure to respond to the high-stakes incident near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Trump issued orders for retaliatory strikes on a limited number of Iranian targets, the New York Times reported.

The US was planning to hit "a handful of Iranian targets, like radar and missile batteries" Thursday evening, the newspaper said, citing senior administration officials.

"The operation was underway in its early stages when it was called off," one official said. "Planes were in the air and ships were in position, but no missiles had been fired when word came to stand down."

White House and Pentagon officials declined to comment, the Times said, and it was unclear whether Trump had decided to delay retaliatory strikes or cancel them altogether.

The US president had struck a combative tone in his public comments before rowing back.

"Iran made a very big mistake!" he tweeted in response to news Iran had shot down the Global Hawk surveillance aircraft.&nbsp;

"This country will not stand for it, that I can tell you," he said later at the White House.

The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz. "Our diplomacy does not give Iran the right to respond with military force," Brian Hook, the US special representative on Iran, told reporters in Saudi Arabia. "Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force." Meanwhile, Iran said it had "indisputable" evidence a US drone it downed had violated its airspace, as reports emerged in the US that President Donald Trump had approved then scrapped retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets. The downing of the drone - which Washington insists was above international waters but Iran says was within its airspace - has seen tensions between the two countries spike further after a series of attacks on tankers the US has blamed on Tehran. Under pressure to respond to the high-stakes incident near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Trump issued orders for retaliatory strikes on a limited number of Iranian targets, the New York Times reported. The US was planning to hit "a handful of Iranian targets, like radar and missile batteries" Thursday evening, the newspaper said, citing senior administration officials. "The operation was underway in its early stages when it was called off," one official said. "Planes were in the air and ships were in position, but no missiles had been fired when word came to stand down." White House and Pentagon officials declined to comment, the Times said, and it was unclear whether Trump had decided to delay retaliatory strikes or cancel them altogether. The US president had struck a combative tone in his public comments before rowing back. "Iran made a very big mistake!" he tweeted in response to news Iran had shot down the Global Hawk surveillance aircraft. "This country will not stand for it, that I can tell you," he said later at the White House.

Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force: US

Dutch airline KLM said Friday it has suspended its flights over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-regulator-bars-airlines-from-flying-over-some-iran-controlled-airspace-229082">Strait of Hormuz after Iran shot down</a> a US drone in the strategic region.

"Safety is the top priority for KLM," it said in a statement.

"We closely follow all developments that may be related to the safety of airspace 24/7 and we organise the operation in such a way that the safety of the flights is guaranteed.

"The incident with the drone is reason not to fly over the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. This is a precautionary measure."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-chat-on-intensifying-us-iran-tensions-229140/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-hard-to-believe-iranian-shooting-down-of-us-drone-was-intentional-229050">Iran's downing of the drone</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;which Washington insists was above international waters but Iran says was within its airspace -- has seen tensions between the two countries spike further after a series of attacks on tankers the US has blamed on Tehran.

Earlier on Thursday, the US Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overwater area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman due to heightened tensions.

The order came hours after United Airlines suspended flights between New Jersey's Newark airport and the Indian financial capital of Mumbai, which fly through Iranian airspace.

FAA said according to flight tracking applications, the nearest civil aircraft was operating within around 45 nautical miles of a U.S. Global Hawk drone when it was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile.

Inputs: AFP, Reuters

Dutch airline KLM said Friday it has suspended its flights over the Strait of Hormuz after Iran shot down a US drone in the strategic region. "Safety is the top priority for KLM," it said in a statement.

Dutch airline KLM said Friday it has suspended its flights over the Strait of Hormuz after Iran shot down a US drone in the strategic region. "Safety is the top priority for KLM," it said in a statement. "We closely follow all developments that may be related to the safety of airspace 24/7 and we organise the operation in such a way that the safety of the flights is guaranteed. "The incident with the drone is reason not to fly over the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. This is a precautionary measure." Iran's downing of the drone - which Washington insists was above international waters but Iran says was within its airspace -- has seen tensions between the two countries spike further after a series of attacks on tankers the US has blamed on Tehran. Earlier on Thursday, the US Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order prohibiting US operators from flying in an overwater area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman due to heightened tensions. The order came hours after United Airlines suspended flights between New Jersey's Newark airport and the Indian financial capital of Mumbai, which fly through Iranian airspace. FAA said according to flight tracking applications, the nearest civil aircraft was operating within around 45 nautical miles of a U.S. Global Hawk drone when it was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile. Inputs: AFP, Reuters

After United Airways New Jersey-Mumbai flight suspension, Dutch airline KLM suspends flights over Strait of Hormuz

After&nbsp;Pentagon confirmed that Iran had shot down its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-borders-represent-our-red-line-revolutionary-guard-head-hossein-salami-228935">surveillance drone on Thursday</a>, US President Trump tweeted saying Iran had made a "very big mistake".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Iran made a very big mistake!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1141711064305983488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This country will not stand for it, that I can tell you," Trump told reporters.&nbsp;

Pentagon insisted that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-drone-shot-down-in-international-airspace-by-iranian-missile-official-228888">drone was brought down</a> in international airspace and not over Iran as claimed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard head&nbsp;Hossein Salami.

"Iranian reports that the aircraft was over Iran are false," US Central Command spokesman, Navy Captain Bill Urban, said in a statement, adding,"this was an unprovoked attack on a US surveillance asset in international airspace."

Iran, on the other hand, said the shooting down of the US drone was&nbsp;"a clear message" from the "defenders of the borders". Iran will "respond to all foreign aggression and our reaction is, and will be, categorical and absolute," Salami added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-daniele-pagani-on-iran-shoots-down-us-drone-229013/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The incident reportedly occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, just a week after attacks on two tankers in the strategic waterway.

"The borders represent our red line," said Salami.

"We declare that we are not looking for war but we are ready to respond to any declaration of war," he added. "Any such violations of Iran's borders are strongly condemned ... We warn of the consequences of such illegal and provocative measures," said ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi.

The United States has blamed Iran for last week's tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman, a charge denied by Iran.

Oil prices surged after Trump's tweet. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate climbed 6.3 per cent to $57.13 a barrel, while Brent futures in London gained 4.7 per cent to $64.69 a barrel as tensions escalated between Iran and US.

After Pentagon confirmed that Iran had shot down its surveillance drone on Thursday, US President Trump tweeted saying Iran had made a "very big mistake". Iran made a very big mistake!

After Pentagon confirmed that Iran had shot down its surveillance drone on Thursday, US President Trump tweeted saying Iran had made a "very big mistake". Iran made a very big mistake! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2019 × "This country will not stand for it, that I can tell you," Trump told reporters. Pentagon insisted that the drone was brought down in international airspace and not over Iran as claimed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard head Hossein Salami. "Iranian reports that the aircraft was over Iran are false," US Central Command spokesman, Navy Captain Bill Urban, said in a statement, adding,"this was an unprovoked attack on a US surveillance asset in international airspace." Iran, on the other hand, said the shooting down of the US drone was "a clear message" from the "defenders of the borders". Iran will "respond to all foreign aggression and our reaction is, and will be, categorical and absolute," Salami added. The incident reportedly occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, just a week after attacks on two tankers in the strategic waterway. "The borders represent our red line," said Salami. "We declare that we are not looking for war but we are ready to respond to any declaration of war," he added. "Any such violations of Iran's borders are strongly condemned ... We warn of the consequences of such illegal and provocative measures," said ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi. The United States has blamed Iran for last week's tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman, a charge denied by Iran. Oil prices surged after Trump's tweet. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate climbed 6.3 per cent to $57.13 a barrel, while Brent futures in London gained 4.7 per cent to $64.69 a barrel as tensions escalated between Iran and US.

Iran made a very big mistake, says Trump after Revolutionary Guard shoots down US drone

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205">Oil jumped more</a> than 3% to above $63 a barrel on Thursday after Iran shot down a US military drone, raising fears of a military confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Also supporting oil were expectations that the US Federal Reserve could cut interest rates at its next meeting, stimulating growth in the world's largest oil-consuming country, and a drop in US crude inventories.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up $1.38 at $63.20 a barrel at 0854 GMT, having risen 3.3% to $63.88 earlier in the session.

The US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.45 to $55.21.

"It's a combination of factors," Petromatrix analyst Olivier Jakob said of the price rise. "You have more supportive stocks data, the Fed indicating they will cut rates and the shooting down of the drone."

The drone was downed in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, a US official said. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the drone was flying over southern Iran.

Tension has been rising in the Middle East, home to over 20% of the world's oil output, after attacks on two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for oil supplies. Washington blamed Tehran for the tanker attacks. Iran denied any role.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-fall-on-surging-us-crude-stockpiles-economic-concerns-220779">Concern </a>about slowing economic growth and a US-China trade dispute has pulled oil lower in recent weeks. Brent reached a 2019 high of $75 in April.

Also propelling oil higher on Thursday was a larger-than-expected decline in US crude inventories and the prospect of prolonged supply restraint by producer group OPEC and its allies.

After swelling to near two-year highs, US crude stocks fell by 3.1 million barrels last week, compared with analyst expectations for a draw of 1.1 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia agreed this week to meet on July 1-2, ending a month of wrangling about the timing of the meeting.

The coalition known as OPEC+ will discuss whether to extend throughout 2019 a deal on cutting 1.2 million barrels per day of production. The deal expires at the end of this month.

Momentum for an agreement appeared to be building as the United Arab Emirates' energy minister said extending the deal was "logical and reasonable".

Oil jumped more than 3% to above $63 a barrel on Thursday after Iran shot down a US military drone, raising fears of a military confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

Oil jumped more than 3% to above $63 a barrel on Thursday after Iran shot down a US military drone, raising fears of a military confrontation between Tehran and Washington. Also supporting oil were expectations that the US Federal Reserve could cut interest rates at its next meeting, stimulating growth in the world's largest oil-consuming country, and a drop in US crude inventories. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up $1.38 at $63.20 a barrel at 0854 GMT, having risen 3.3% to $63.88 earlier in the session. The US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.45 to $55.21. "It's a combination of factors," Petromatrix analyst Olivier Jakob said of the price rise. "You have more supportive stocks data, the Fed indicating they will cut rates and the shooting down of the drone." The drone was downed in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, a US official said. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the drone was flying over southern Iran. Tension has been rising in the Middle East, home to over 20% of the world's oil output, after attacks on two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for oil supplies. Washington blamed Tehran for the tanker attacks. Iran denied any role. Concern about slowing economic growth and a US-China trade dispute has pulled oil lower in recent weeks. Brent reached a 2019 high of $75 in April. Also propelling oil higher on Thursday was a larger-than-expected decline in US crude inventories and the prospect of prolonged supply restraint by producer group OPEC and its allies. After swelling to near two-year highs, US crude stocks fell by 3.1 million barrels last week, compared with analyst expectations for a draw of 1.1 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia agreed this week to meet on July 1-2, ending a month of wrangling about the timing of the meeting. The coalition known as OPEC+ will discuss whether to extend throughout 2019 a deal on cutting 1.2 million barrels per day of production. The deal expires at the end of this month. Momentum for an agreement appeared to be building as the United Arab Emirates' energy minister said extending the deal was "logical and reasonable".

Oil prices surge as Iran shoots down US drone in Gulf

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-make-sure-to-guarantee-freedom-of-navigation-in-strait-of-hormuz-pompeo-227699">recent attacks on civilian oil tankers</a> in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike.

"The United States is considering a full range of options. We have briefed the President a couple of times, we'll continue to keep him updated. We are confident that we can take a set of actions that can restore deterrence which is our mission set," Pompeo said in a TV interview.

Pompeo, at the same time, suggested that Washington seeks to prevent the ongoing tension with Iran from escalating any further.

"President Trump has done everything he can to avoid war. We don't want war," he said in another interview with Fox News on the same day.

Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran 
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Pompeo, in a series of Sunday television interviews, emphasized the US international outreach in the wake of what the US says were Iranian attacks Thursday on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has denied being involved in the attacks and accused America of promoting a negative campaign against it.

Last week, two oil tankers — Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous — were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.

Shortly after the incident, the United States claimed that Tehran was responsible for the attack, a statement that was denounced by the latter earlier today.

To back its claim, the US released a blurry video which, the country believed, showed the boat crew of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from one of the tankers shortly after the attack.

The UK, in a statement, said that Iran should be held responsible for the attack on four oil tankers off the port of Fujairah last month.&nbsp;

A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over recent attacks on civilian oil tankers in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike.

Amid rising tension between the US and Iran over recent attacks on civilian oil tankers in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is considering a 'full range of options' — including a military strike. "The United States is considering a full range of options. We have briefed the President a couple of times, we'll continue to keep him updated. We are confident that we can take a set of actions that can restore deterrence which is our mission set," Pompeo said in a TV interview. Pompeo, at the same time, suggested that Washington seeks to prevent the ongoing tension with Iran from escalating any further. "President Trump has done everything he can to avoid war. We don't want war," he said in another interview with Fox News on the same day. Gulf of Oman: Saudi Arabia blames tanker attacks on rival Iran Pompeo, in a series of Sunday television interviews, emphasized the US international outreach in the wake of what the US says were Iranian attacks Thursday on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has denied being involved in the attacks and accused America of promoting a negative campaign against it. Last week, two oil tankers — Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous — were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. Shortly after the incident, the United States claimed that Tehran was responsible for the attack, a statement that was denounced by the latter earlier today. To back its claim, the US released a blurry video which, the country believed, showed the boat crew of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from one of the tankers shortly after the attack. The UK, in a statement, said that Iran should be held responsible for the attack on four oil tankers off the port of Fujairah last month. A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. (With inputs from agencies)

US weighing 'full range' of options to counter Iran, including a military strike: Mike Pompeo on Iran

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-commander-says-he-could-send-carrier-into-strait-of-hormuz-despite-iran-tensions-217422">Strait of Hormuz</a>.

Pompeo would not be drawn on what options the US is considering to protect shipping -- or to punish Iran -- in the wake of Thursday's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman.

"What you should assume is we are going to guarantee freedom of navigation throughout the strait," he said in an interview on "Fox News Sunday."

A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

"This is an international challenge, important to the entire globe. The United States is going to make sure that we take all the actions necessary, diplomatic and otherwise, that achieve that outcome," Pompeo said.

He would not lay out US evidence for Iran's involvement in the Gulf of Oman explosions but insisted, "It's unmistakable what happened here. &nbsp;

"These were attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran on commercial shipping, on the freedom of navigation, with the clear intent to deny transit through the strait."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Sunday for last week's attacks on oil tankers and vowed that the United States will guarantee free passage through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Pompeo would not be drawn on what options the US is considering to protect shipping -- or to punish Iran -- in the wake of Thursday's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman. "What you should assume is we are going to guarantee freedom of navigation throughout the strait," he said in an interview on "Fox News Sunday." A third of the world's seaborne oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel bordered to the north by Iran that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. "This is an international challenge, important to the entire globe. The United States is going to make sure that we take all the actions necessary, diplomatic and otherwise, that achieve that outcome," Pompeo said. He would not lay out US evidence for Iran's involvement in the Gulf of Oman explosions but insisted, "It's unmistakable what happened here. "These were attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran on commercial shipping, on the freedom of navigation, with the clear intent to deny transit through the strait."

Will make sure to guarantee freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz: Pompeo

Iran said on Friday it was responsible for maintaining the security of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, state radio reported, adding that blaming it for attacks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/received-distress-calls-from-two-tankers-under-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-us-fifth-fleet-226781">two oil tankers</a> in the Gulf of Oman was alarming.

"We are in charge of maintaining the security of the Strait and we rescued the crew of those attacked tankers in the shortest possible time ... U.S. Secretary of State (Mike) Pompeo's accusations towards Iran is alarming," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

The United States blamed Iran for attacks on the two oil tankers in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-over-tanker-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-226990">Gulf of Oman</a> on Thursday that drove up oil prices and raised concern about a new U.S.-Iranian confrontation.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister shrugged off the U.S. allegations against Iran over the Gulf of Oman tanker attacks were part of "sabotage diplomacy" adopted by a so-called B Team, which he has said includes U.S. national security adviser John Bolton.

"That the US immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran—w/o a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence—only makes it abundantly clear that the #B_Team is moving to a #PlanB: Sabotage diplomacy—including by @AbeShinzo—and cover up its #EconomicTerrorism against Iran," Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

Zarif has repeatedly said that Bolton, an ardent Iran hawk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could goad U.S. President Donald Trump into conflict with Tehran.&nbsp;

Iran said on Friday it was responsible for maintaining the security of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, state radio reported, adding that blaming it for attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman was alarming.

Iran said on Friday it was responsible for maintaining the security of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, state radio reported, adding that blaming it for attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman was alarming. "We are in charge of maintaining the security of the Strait and we rescued the crew of those attacked tankers in the shortest possible time ... U.S. Secretary of State (Mike) Pompeo's accusations towards Iran is alarming," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. The United States blamed Iran for attacks on the two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday that drove up oil prices and raised concern about a new U.S.-Iranian confrontation. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister shrugged off the U.S. allegations against Iran over the Gulf of Oman tanker attacks were part of "sabotage diplomacy" adopted by a so-called B Team, which he has said includes U.S. national security adviser John Bolton. "That the US immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran—w/o a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence—only makes it abundantly clear that the #B_Team is moving to a #PlanB: Sabotage diplomacy—including by @AbeShinzo—and cover up its #EconomicTerrorism against Iran," Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. Zarif has repeatedly said that Bolton, an ardent Iran hawk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could goad U.S. President Donald Trump into conflict with Tehran.

Iran in charge of security of Strait of Hormuz: State radio

What makes Strait of Hormuz world's most important oil artery

Nobody wants war in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-attacks-in-gulf-of-oman-stoke-security-and-oil-fears-226939">Gulf of Oman</a>, China's foreign ministry said on Friday, calling on all sides to exercise restraint following attacks on oil tankers in those waters, and urging dialogue to resolve differences.

The United States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-zarif-calls-oil-tanker-incidents-suspicious-wants-regional-talks-226847">blamed Iran</a> for Thursday's attacks that drove up oil prices and fuelled concern about a new US-Iranian confrontation, although Tehran has denied the accusation.

China was deeply concerned about the rising tension, said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

"Nobody wants to see the war in the Gulf. That is not in anyone's interest," he told a regular news briefing in Beijing, adding that China hoped all sides could resolve differences via dialogue.

"We hope all relevant parties remain calm and exercise restraint and avoid tensions further escalating, and hope all sides can jointly safeguard navigational safety in the relevant waters and regional peace and stability."

China would continue to safeguard its energy security and the lawful rights of its companies, he added.

Earlier, the ministry cited President Xi Jinping as telling Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of a summit in Kyrgyzstan that China would promote steady development of ties with Iran, no matter how the international situation changed.

"China has always viewed Sino-Iranian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective," the ministry paraphrased Xi as saying, but it made no mention of the tension in the Gulf region.

China and Iran have close energy ties, and Beijing has been angered by US threats against countries and companies that violate US sanctions by importing Iranian oil.

China has had to walk a fine line as it has also been cultivating relations with Iran's regional rival, Saudi Arabia, which is also the Asian giant's top oil supplier.

It was not immediately clear what befell the tankers, the Norwegian-owned Front Altair and the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous, which both suffered explosions, forcing crews to abandon the vessels, leaving them adrift in waters between Gulf Arab states and Iran.

On Thursday night, US Central Command spokesman Bill Urban released a video of what the US military said was an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp Gashti Class patrol boat approaching the Kokuka Courageous "and was observed and recorded removing (an) unexploded limpet mine from the Kokuka Courageous."

Iran "categorically" rejected U.S. claims about the attacked tankers.

Tension between Iran and the United States has risen since U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of a deal last year between Iran and global powers that aimed to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief.

Nobody wants war in the Gulf of Oman, China's foreign ministry said on Friday, calling on all sides to exercise restraint following attacks on oil tankers in those waters, and urging dialogue to resolve differences.

Nobody wants war in the Gulf of Oman, China's foreign ministry said on Friday, calling on all sides to exercise restraint following attacks on oil tankers in those waters, and urging dialogue to resolve differences. The United States blamed Iran for Thursday's attacks that drove up oil prices and fuelled concern about a new US-Iranian confrontation, although Tehran has denied the accusation. China was deeply concerned about the rising tension, said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. "Nobody wants to see the war in the Gulf. That is not in anyone's interest," he told a regular news briefing in Beijing, adding that China hoped all sides could resolve differences via dialogue. "We hope all relevant parties remain calm and exercise restraint and avoid tensions further escalating, and hope all sides can jointly safeguard navigational safety in the relevant waters and regional peace and stability." China would continue to safeguard its energy security and the lawful rights of its companies, he added. Earlier, the ministry cited President Xi Jinping as telling Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of a summit in Kyrgyzstan that China would promote steady development of ties with Iran, no matter how the international situation changed. "China has always viewed Sino-Iranian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective," the ministry paraphrased Xi as saying, but it made no mention of the tension in the Gulf region. China and Iran have close energy ties, and Beijing has been angered by US threats against countries and companies that violate US sanctions by importing Iranian oil. China has had to walk a fine line as it has also been cultivating relations with Iran's regional rival, Saudi Arabia, which is also the Asian giant's top oil supplier. It was not immediately clear what befell the tankers, the Norwegian-owned Front Altair and the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous, which both suffered explosions, forcing crews to abandon the vessels, leaving them adrift in waters between Gulf Arab states and Iran. On Thursday night, US Central Command spokesman Bill Urban released a video of what the US military said was an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp Gashti Class patrol boat approaching the Kokuka Courageous "and was observed and recorded removing (an) unexploded limpet mine from the Kokuka Courageous." Iran "categorically" rejected U.S. claims about the attacked tankers. Tension between Iran and the United States has risen since U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of a deal last year between Iran and global powers that aimed to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief.

China says nobody wants war after tanker attacks in Gulf of Oman

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