By: Christian Borbon, Surabhi Vasundharadevi, Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Jay Hilotin
Iran says it has the capability to strike US Navy vessels enforcing Washington's blockade on Iranian shipping, a sharp escalation after a series of tit-for-tat attacks on military and commercial vessels in the Gulf. As of September 7, CENTCOM says it has redirected 94 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to enforce compliance with the blockade. Oil prices have hit a six-week high, with Brent crude nearing $97 a barrel on fears of disruption through the Strait of Hormuz. Elsewhere in the region: Israeli airstrikes on a southern Lebanese village have killed 12 people, including two children, Lebanon's Health Ministry says. Houthi rebels claim to have downed a Saudi reconnaissance plane, and seven crew from a Saudi tanker struck last week remain unaccounted for. Follow our live blog for the latest developments from the US-Iran conflict.