Iran accuses US of 'reckless military adventure'
A spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guards described the continuing US naval operation in the Strait of Hormuz as a 'reckless military adventure.' He said harassment of US vessels could continue. Brent crude held above 105 dollars per barrel.
Revolutionary Guards spokesperson General Ramezan Sharif said on state television that the increased US military presence under 'Project Freedom' in the region could carry serious consequences. Sharif suggested that an 'independent group' was behind last week's attack on a South Korean-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Fifth Fleet Command said small unmanned aerial vehicle approaches towards its naval patrols had been detected four times over the past week and all had been neutralised. The command also said additional minesweeping boats had been deployed to keep maritime traffic flowing.
Brent crude traded at 105.55 dollars per barrel. The Indian government maintained its call for reduced fuel consumption. Saudi Arabia is reviewing whether to bring on additional output. OPEC+ sources said a coordinated band increase could be on the agenda at the June meeting.
More from Middle East
Lebanon says Israeli strikes killed 39 people
Lebanon's health ministry said 39 people were killed and 75 wounded in Israeli strikes on the country's south and the Bekaa Valley. The Israeli military said the targets were Hezbollah depots. The Lebanese government filed a formal complaint at the UN Security Council.
Israeli Military Investigates Soldier's Act Against Virgin Mary Statue in Lebanon
The Israeli military said it has opened an investigation into a soldier accused of damaging a Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon. According to the BBC, the inquiry began after footage of the incident spread on social media platforms.
Bowen: Strait of Hormuz standoff raises risk of sliding back into all-out war
BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen warns that the US and Iran's mutual pressure in the Strait of Hormuz has put the fragile ceasefire at serious jeopardy, risking a return to full-scale conflict.