In any clash between navies, Iran is likely to avoid full-scale battles and choose clandestine, indirect operations, experts say

US secretary of state appeals to Asian countries dependent on Gulf shipping for fuel, says new US deployment to Middle East is possible

Parliament speaker backs accusation by claiming, falsely, that US targeted its own ships in WWII

Mohammed bin Salman warns kingdom does 'not want a war in the region' but will not allow harm to its 'people, sovereignty, interests'

TV report says Israeli intelligence shares US, UK assessment, claims mines and a torpedo were used in Thursday's strikes in Gulf of Oman

US president calls Iran 'a nation of terror,' and warns Tehran not to close strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying it wouldn't manage to do so for very long

Press TV says footage 'refutes false reports by some media outlets claiming that Iran avoided helping the sailors'

Foreign minister seems to suggest Tehran's enemies are behind assaults on ships in Persian Gulf, after Washington issues video it says shows Iranian forces interfering with vessel

Pentagon also sends out picture showing hole in side of Japanese vessel and alleged explosive device, as tensions escalate; Iran denies involvement

Dispatched to the Persian Gulf, the USS Abraham Lincoln has yet to enter it, possibly in a bid to calm nerves in the region