Top US diplomat tells royals in Saudi Arabia and UAE that Trump wants them to contribute to maritime security around vital Strait of Hormuz

In Kuwait, Brian Hook says Washington not interested in military conflict, bolstered troops 'for purely defensive purposes'

State airline Saudia joins multiple carriers in rerouting flights, as Iran-US tensions flare over the downing of an American military drone

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

Head of IRGC aerospace force says army deliberately avoided targeting jet that accompanied drone, claims 2 warnings were given before UAV was destroyed

The US president is said to have urged Tehran to come to the table, warning of impending US military action; Iranian officials say they conveyed the matter to Khamenei

Democrats have derided the administration for an incoherent strategy they say is escalating tensions. But the president's allies insist everything is going exactly as planned

Tehran claims it shot down surveillance aircraft over its territory and not international waters, as maintained by Pentagon; UN chief urges restraint

Rhetoric escalates as Revolutionary Guard chief threatens: 'Any enemy that violates the borders will be annihilated'

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