Britain says priority is to deescalate, but that it is unacceptable for Tehran to threaten shipping in international corridors

Move could include calling on EU and UN to snap back penalties lifted under nuclear deal as Europe urges Tehran to release ship

Tehran avoiding outright conflict with powerful US forces, but strategy of prodding Western interests could lead to armed conflict with global consequences

Lebanese terror group commanders say forces being sent to south for possible conflict, as pressure on Tehran grows

Tehran appears to speak in two voices while explaining confiscation of British-flagged ship, as European powers urge the country to reverse its 'dangerous' course

Tensions have risen sharply in recent months with a string of incidents involving tankers and drones

Officials assert they are operating according to law to investigate accident in Strait of Hormuz, as London seethes over vessel's confiscation

Petrobras says vessels belong to a company sanctioned by the United States

Officials claim ship failed to 'respect maritime rules,' hours after Gibraltar court rules seized Iranian tanker can be held for 30 more days; UK says 'urgently seeking info'

Footage broadcast on state TV comes hours after Tehran admits capturing a foreign vessel, claiming it was involved in smuggling fuel out of country