Middle East-based US, British and French naval chiefs transit Strait of Hormuz

The USS Paul Hamilton is seen after passing through the Strait of Hormuz (Jon Gambrell/AP)

The Middle East-based commanders of the US, British and French navies have transited the Strait of Hormuz aboard an American warship, a sign of their unified approach to keeping the crucial waterway open after Iran seized two oil tankers.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf have been volatile since Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers collapsed, following the US’s unilateral withdrawal five years ago.