Tensions between the United States and Iran deepen: The American envoy departs immediately for the Middle East

The US State Department said Hook leaves in the tournament Thursday, while holding meetings in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrene.

The envoy will discuss Iran's regional aggression, including recent attacks on two oil tankers in Oman Bay”, the statement said.

Relations between Washington and Tehran have been severely strained since the United States, last year, have withdrawn from a nuclear agreement and have reversed economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

High tensions have raised fears of an armed conflict in the region, even though Washington and Tehran have said they are not interested in starting war.