Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. More Videos Trump: US is 'ready for the absolute worst' with Iran The British Ministry of Defense MoD said the move was a response to "the heightened threat to commercial shipping in the Gulf," and guidance from the Department for Transport, which advised Friday that ships should not sail through the area.
The decision comes after Iran seized British-flagged Stena Impero oil tanker on Friday in the Strait of Hormuz, considered one of the world's most vital waterways for global oil supply. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani appeared to signal Wednesday that his country might be willing to release the vessel in exchange for the UK's release of a detained Iranian tanker. UK authorities alleged the tanker was attempting to transport oil to Syria, a violation of EU sanctions. The Stena Impero's seizure is yet another in an accelerating series of recent maritime episodes involving Iran.
The crew of the USS Boxer took defensive action against the Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle after it came close to the US naval ship, the official said. However, Iranian officials say none of their drones have been downed. UK vows 'robust' action if Iran doesn't release British-flagged oil tanker. In another incident this month, armed Iranian boats tried unsuccessfully to impede the passage of a British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf, according to two US officials with direct knowledge of the incident.
And in June, tensions between the US and Iran escalated into a military standoff after an American drone was shot down by Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital shipping routes.
