Iran test fires ballistic missile amid rising tension with UK and US, Pentagon says

The Shahab-3 missile 'did not pose a threat to shipping or US bases'

epa07740309 A handout picture provided by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) shows (L-R) the Stena Important being accompanied by the British Navy frigate HMS Montrose and the Sea Ploeg vessel through the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, 25 July 2019. The Royal Navy has started providing escort for British-flagged ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's seizure of British-flagged tanker Stena Impero. EPA/MOD/BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE/HANDOUT MANDATORY CREDIT: MOD/CROWN COPYRIGHT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

The Royal Navy has started providing escort for British-flagged ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's seizure of British-flagged tanker Stena Impero. MOD

Nicky Harley

Jul 26, 2019

Iran reportedly test fired a ballistic missile that travelled 1,000 kilometres on Thursday, as tension between Iran and the US and UK increase in the Gulf.

A Pentagon official told CNN the Shahab-3 missile did not pose a threat to shipping or US bases.

The test occurred after the UK's new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, ordered the Royal Navy to accompany all British-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

British Royal navy ships are part of an international effort to protect shipping in the Gulf.. AP

UK warships to escort British-flagged vessels through Strait of Hormuz

Iran seized British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in retaliation for the UK seizing Iranian tanker Grace 1 off the coast of Gibraltar.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was willing to go to Iran for talks if asked.

Iran's ballistic missile programme was one of the reasons US President Donald Trump gave for withdrawing the US from a nuclear deal signed between Tehran and world powers, and reimposing sanctions.