Remind me, what’s the latest in the Strait of Hormuz?published at 13:00 BST
13:00 BST
Joe Coughlan
Live reporter
Image source, ISNA/WANA/ReutersImage caption,
A vessel in the strait on Monday
Tensions between the US and Iran have reignited following Donald Trump’s announcement of “Project Freedom” on Sunday, which he says will see the US military “guide” cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran told the US on Monday that it will attack US forces if they enter the strait. Later on, Iranian media reported a US warship had been hit by two missiles – a claim denied by US Central Command (Centcom).
While we wait for US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to speak at the Pentagon, here’s a reminder of the latest developments:
Ships crossing the strait: Today, shipping company Maersk told the BBC one of its US-flagged commercial vessels exited the strait. It comes after Centcom said on Monday the US Navy and two US-flagged merchant vessels successfully passed through the waterway.
Iranian small ships attack: Trump later said US forces had struck seven Iranian “small boats”. In an interview with Fox News, he said that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks US vessels.
“Just getting started”: On Tuesday, the speaker of the Iranian parliament warned the US that “we are just getting started” after attacks in the strait yesterday.
UAE tanker hit: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Monday a tanker affiliated with its state-owned oil company had been hit in the strait later adding it had intercepted 15 Iranian missiles and four drones on Monday.
South Korean vessel strike: South Korea said there had been a “suspected strike” on one of its cargo vessels, which Trump ultimately blamed Iran for.