Iran unveils missile systems on strategic Gulf islands

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have unveiled new missile systems on three strategic islands in the Gulf, saying they can target nearby "enemy bases, vessels, and assets", state media reported Saturday.

The weapons were deployed on Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa near the Strait of Hormuz, a globally vital shipping lane. The Guards recently held military manoeuvres in the area. Saturday's announcement comes with Iran poised to respond to a letter from US President Donald Trump urging a resumption of nuclear talks and warning of possible military action if Iran refuses.

In remarks broadcast on Friday, US Middle East envoy said Trump was trying to head off armed conflict with Iran by building trust with Tehran. He said the president's letter was not intended as a threat.