The reports of attacks on commercial ships came after the US said it "eliminated" 16 Iranian mine-layers in the area. Elsewhere, two drones were downed near Dubai airport.

Explore the Gulf from the comfort of your armchair with these novels that provide an insight into the history, culture and spirit of the region ...

Leeds-born expat Lisa Drury, 58, is among 240,000 British nationals living in Dubai facing Iranian drone threats - but says she's hurt by vicious social media attacks from people back home over tax ...