Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Iranian navy flexes its muscles in Strait of Hormuz

 

Ap
Friday 28 December 2012 09:26 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Iran's navy has begun manoeuvres in the area of the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world's oil passes.

State TV said the manoeuvres began early today, involving warships, submarines jet fighters and hovercrafts.

The drills come as the West increases its pressure over Iran's nuclear programme.

The West suspects it may be aimed at producing nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies.

Iran has threatened to close the straits over Western sanctions but has not repeated the threats lately.

The report said Iran warned ships to stay away from the site until January 3.

The manoeuvres cover nearly 400,000 square miles from the Strait of Hormuz to a northern part of the Indian Ocean, including the Sea of Oman.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in