Commando units and airborne infantry participate in annual exercise, which comes amid rising nuclear tensions

Iranian navy shows off 2 new warships during military exercises in Gulf of Oman; President Rouhani says US sanctions will fail

After Trump orders navy to destroy Iranian gunboats if they harass US ships, Tehran cautions that 'any adventurism, harassment or provocation will be met with a firm reaction'

'Securing safety of vessels related to Japan is an important duty of the government,' PM Abe says as Takanami ship departs for rare overseas mission

Destroyer and patrol aircraft will not join US-led coalition or patrol Strait of Hormuz, but seek to protect oil shipments in Gulf of Oman and elsewhere

Tokyo says it'll continue to work closely with Washington even without joining mission aimed at protecting vessels from Iranian attacks

'Flying object' seen by ship's crew, first blamed for explosion, likely an unmanned Iranian aircraft monitoring targets

Leon Panetta tells Army Radio that by appearing to give up balanced approach, Washington now finds it difficult to be trusted to provide a fair peace plan

Officer says parts from unexploded mine used to attack ships last week similar to bomb made by firm linked to Revolutionary Guards

US president tells Time magazine he would not take military action to protect oil supplies