Defiant Iran can ‘easily’ hit US warships in Gulf

DUBAI: A senior official says Iran can “easily” hit US warships in the Gulf, the latest in days of sabre-rattling between Washington and Tehran.

The comment by the deputy for parliamentary affairs of the Revolutionary Guards comes as Iran’s top diplomat works to counter US sanctions and salvage a nuclear deal denounced by President Donald Trump.

Tensions have risen in recent days amid concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict.

This week, the US pulled diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad after attacks on four oil tankers in the Gulf.

“Even our short-range missiles can easily reach (US) warships in the Persian Gulf,” Mohammad Saleh Jokar told Fars news agency.

Washington has increased sanctions and built up its presence in the region, accusing Iran of threats to US troops.

Tehran has described those steps as “psychological warfare” and a “political game”.

In Washington, a senior official said the US was “sitting by the phone” but has heard no message yet from Iran that it is willing to accept Trump’s overtures for direct talks.

Trump has urged Iran’s leadership to hold talks over its nuclear program and regional influence amid rising tensions between the two countries.