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.

Explosions are reported on two more foreign tankers in the Persian Gulf killing at least one person, port authorities say.

The Israeli military says it's responding to strikes from Iran-backed Hezbollah, and warns residents in Beirut's southern suburbs to evacuate.