The US military says a drone, which hit a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean last night, was launched from Iran. Iran has been accused of backing Huthi rebels in Yemen, who've been attacking shipping in the Red Sea in recent weeks. The US says it's also shot down four drones in the same waters. The possibility of hostility spreading further across the region will concern many international leaders, as Rob Watson reports.

Could the drone strike on this tanker being escorted to a port in India signal a dangerous new threat to shipping in the region and an escalation of Iran's involvement. Just a few days ago, a senior Iranian commander threatened to close the Mediterranean and straits of Gibraltar, so the prospect has to be taken seriously, but its foreign minister claims escalation is not in Iran's interest.

For us, regional security is very important. We are not seeking to expand the scope of war. The solution to the problem is not to establish a so-called coalition in the Red Sea, but to stop the bloodshed of women, children, and civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

There have already been over 100 attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by the Iranian-backed Huthies based in Yemen. The US accuses Tehran of supporting and funding such attacks and is establishing a coalition to patrol the Red Sea to protect what it calls a threat to global trade, not just Israelis.

The Huthis aren't attacking just one country. They're really attacking the international community. They are attacking the economic wellbeing and prosperity of nations around the world.

The sophistication of Huthe attacks against shipping, including this extraordinary airborne assault on a vessel in the Red Sea, filmed by the attackers themselves, is already having an impact. Hundreds of ships have been diverted from the area at extra cost to owners and customers alike. But despite such attacks and rising tensions, both the US and Iran do seem anxious to avoid a wider war. But the shipping companies and their customers will be watching nervously. Rob Watson, BBC News.