PARIS, April 12 -- The latest developments in the Middle East war:

Iran and US spar over strait 

Iran denied Washington's claims that two US Navy warships crossed the Strait of Hormuz to clear the strategic waterway of mines, with Tehran warning that military ships attempting the passage "will be dealt with severely".

US Central Command's claim that mine detection operations were already underway was echoed by President Donald Trump, who told reporters yesterday "we have mine sweepers out there. We're sweeping the strait".

A fifth of the world's crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump says Iran deal 'makes no difference' 

Trump told reporters yesterday it "makes no difference" if a peace deal comes out of the ...