Fears grow for a full-scale return to hostilities in the Middle East

President Trump said two US- flagged merchant vessels had transited the waterway and the US navy had destroyed a number of Iranian fast boats. Iran said it had attacked American ships, but the US says none were hit.

The shipping firm Maersk told the BBC one of its merchant vessels had successfully left the Strait under American military protection.

A nightmare scenario for holiday makers on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, a virus outbreak has killed three people and rendered several others ill.

(Photo: A handout photo made available by the US Navy shows the USS Antietam (CG-54) conducting operations in international waters; Credit:
EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)