Strait Of Hormuz: US Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln Sails Close To Iranian Coast

The US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln has sailed through the politically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, close to the Iranian coast.

According to the Associated Press, a US cruiser and destroyer flanked the huge vessel. It was shadowed by Iranian patrol boats, but passed through the strait without incident.

Another carrier, the USS John C Stennis, passed through the waterway in late December.

Around 20% of the world’s oil exports pass through the tiny strait.

Iran recently threatened to close the channel following the imposition of sanctions by the EU over the regime’s nuclear missile development programme.

However, the US has stated publically its intention to keep the strait open.