Tensions are high after attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. The USA is blaming Iran. The vessels were hit near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, which divides Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Ships carry about a fifth of the world's oil through it. The US said Iran was behind the "blatant assault". It said the US would defend its allies against "Iranian aggression". However, it gave no proof that Iran was responsible.
The US says the tankers were hit by mines. It showed a video of supposed Iranian forces removing a mine from one of the ships. Iran called the attacks "suspicious". Its navy is investigating them. Iran said the US accusations were "unfounded" and "Iranophobic". The Japanese owner of one of the tankers said some kind of missile, not a mine, hit his ship. The UN said the truth needed to be "clearly established".