Spokesman for Central Command says incident in which missile struck Iranian ship is 'tragic loss of life'; criticizes training exercise for taking place so near to Strait of Hormuz

US president had threatened to sink Iranian vessels after ships harassed US warship; escalation comes a day after surprise Iranian satellite launch

11 Iranian naval vessels make 'dangerous and harassing' maneuvers, passing as close as 10 meters from American ships in Strait of Hormuz confrontation

Islamic Republic seeks sanctions relief amid medical crisis, but continues uranium enrichment and sets up missile batteries near Strait of Hormuz

Officials tell CNN there are intense efforts to assess when Tehran will attempt to retaliate for killing of top general -- with estimates ranging between days and weeks

IRGC commander also warns of the importance of shipping channels in region, says Tehran has identified vital American targets

Tehran's nuclear activities and tanker attacks, as well as targeting of Saudi oil facility and US drone, along with Trump's pullout from nuke deal, all contributed to situation

Naval effort aims to protect shipping in the troubled Strait of Hormuz after a string of attacks blamed on Iran

But officials say Sabiti turned off its tracking system; Tehran claims vessel was struck by missile attack off Saudi coast

Buildup includes Patriot batteries, THAAD ballistic missile interception system and two fighter squadrons following attack on oil plant blamed on Iran