Iran deploys two warships off Yemen after US strikes

Iran sent a destroyer and logistics vessel to the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, off Yemen, on Thursday, according to the Tasnim news agency.

Their mission would be to protect Iranian-flagged trade vessels against piracy, the same agency said.

Following that deployment they were due to sail to waters near Somalia and Tanzania.

The deployment "coincided" with the decision by the US to get directly involved in Saudi Arabia's led war against Yemen, the same report said.

Earlier in the day, the US carried out cruise missile strikes against three coastal radars in Yemen, in areas under the control of Iran-supported Houthi forces.

Thursday's actions followed the launch of at least three missiles against the USS Mason, a US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, on 9 and 12 October, the Pentagon said, stressing the limited nature of the strikes.

"These limited self-defense strikes were conducted to protect our personnel, our ships and our freedom of navigation," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said.

There was little risk of civilian casualties given the remote location of the radars, the US Department of Defense said.

The Houthis reportedly denied any involvement in the 9 October attack, alleging that false pretexts in order to escalate the situation.

US officials believe some of the missiles fired against the USS Mason were supplied by Iran.