The US military says a drone which hit a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean was launched from Iran.
Iran is also accused of backing Houthi rebels in Yemen who have been launching attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
The US claims that Iran also backs Hamas, the Palestinian group which attacked Israel on October 7th, leading to the war in Gaza.
It’s increased fears that the conflict in Gaza could escalate into a wider regional confrontation.
Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Rob Watson.
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