SHIPS ATTACKED: On May 12, 2019 four ships, including three oil tankers, are damaged in mysterious attacks in the Gulf that the United States blames on Iran. On May 25, the United States says it is deploying 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East to counter "credible threats" from Iran. Two tankers, Norwegian and Japanese, come under attack in the Gulf of Oman on June 13. Washington, London and Riyadh blame Iran, which denies involvement.
AFP