US proposes tanker protection force in wake of Gulf attacks

The US is to propose an international maritime Gulf protection force, its special envoy on Iran has said, as the Trump administration prepared to announce fresh economic sanctions on Tehran.

Brian Hook said he had been holding extensive talks with US allies in the wake of the Gulf of Oman tanker attacks, when two vessels were damaged by explosions. He believed a global coalition to protect shipping was required.

“There have been too many attacks. We could have had an environmental disaster and extensive loss of life due to reckless...