US Navy: Iran Tried to Seize 2 Oil Tankers

US Navy: Iran Tried to Seize 2 Oil Tankers

"Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz early Wednesday, firing shots at one of them, the U.S. Navy said.

It said that in both cases, the Iranian naval vessels backed off after the U.S. Navy responded to distress signals, and that both commercial ships continued their voyages.

"The Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters," said Cmdr. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. "The U.S. Navy responded immediately and prevented those seizures."..."

Reference: www.newsmax.com

Why the US sent a missile destroyer into Chinese-claimed waters and didn't run when ordered to leave

Why the US sent a missile destroyer into Chinese-claimed waters

"...The goal, according to the US, was to challenge China's claims over what are generally understood to be international waters. China was furious. A spokesperson said the Lassen "illegally entered" the waters and "threatened China’s sovereignty and security interests." On Tuesday, China sent two ships — the missile destroyer Lanzhou and patrol boat Taizhou — to the area and told the American ship to get out. The Americans ignored them..."

Reference: www.vox.com .