The United States military has announced that it has shot down several Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies. The incident marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two nations, which have been heightened by a series of incidents in recent months.
According to US officials, the drones were detected and intercepted by American forces in the Gulf on Tuesday. The downing of the drones comes amid concerns about potential attacks on shipping lanes in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key chokepoint for oil exports from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, with over 20% of global oil supplies passing through the narrow waterway. Any disruption to these shipments could have significant implications for the global economy, particularly in Europe which relies heavily on imported oil.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential for conflict between the US and Iran, with both sides trading accusations of aggression. The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals against all but essential travel to Iran due to 'heightened tensions' and a 'risk of military action'.