Iran conducts ‘provocative’ live rocket tests near US ships

Iran’s navy conducted rocket tests last week near US warships and other commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the American military has said.
The tests threaten to cause new tensions between the two nations following their landmark nuclear deal.
Iran fired “several unguided rockets” about 1,370m (1,500 yards) from two US vessels and a French frigate, US military spokesman Kyle Raines said.
The tests were “highly provocative”, said Cmdr Raines.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that provides passage for nearly a third of all oil traded by sea. The strait is also crucial for ships taking part in the war against so-called Islamic State.
In 2012 Iran threatened to block the strait, which lies at the entrance of the Gulf and is 33km (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point.
The latest incident, which took place on Saturday according to the US, follows a series of weapons tests by the Islamic Republic. Iranian media and officials did not immediately comment on the reports.

 

Read More: Iran conducts ‘provocative’ live rocket tests near US ships – BBC News