DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, again has become a focus of tensions as Iran prepares to launch a military drill that could see fire into a lane crucial for global shipping.

Tensions have continued to rise between the two nations after the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on nationwide protests left thousands dead.

President Trump has not authorized military action in Iran, but the U.S. has built up its presence in the region in recent days.

Maritime intelligence warns of heightened risks for U.S.-flagged vessels in Persian Gulf as Iran threatens "immediate, all-out" response to any American military action.

Iran vowed Thursday to conduct live-fire military drills in one of the world’s most vital sea passages — which sees 20% of the globe’s oil transports — next week, just two

Chell said Iran’s advantage is volume and cost rather than sophistication, pairing inexpensive warheads with cheap delivery platforms launched in large numbers. Iran’s growing use of swarming, low-cost one-way drones presents a credible threat to high-value US naval vessels,

President Trump’s “massive armada” of warships and fighter planes near Iran mirrors the military buildup of assets in the Caribbean as the president weighs greenlighting strikes against the Islamic Republic.

Even after a 12-day war with Israel, Iran retains the arsenal to hit U.S. allies and bases. U.S. strikes would lead to “regional war,” Iran’s supreme leader said.