ABOARD USS JOHN C. STENNIS, May 23: A large flotilla of US warships sailed through the narrowest point in the Gulf in broad daylight on Wednesday to hold drills off Iran’s coast in a major show of force that unnerved oil markets.

United States navy officials said Iran was not notified of plans to sail nine ships, including two aircraft carriers, through the Straits of Hormuz.

The manoeuvre raises pressure on Iran, coinciding with the findings of the United Nations atomic watchdog that Tehran has ignored Security Council demands and expanded uranium enrichment, which can lead to tougher sanctions.

Oil climbed towards $70 as the US ships sailed into the straits, through which 40 per cent of globally traded oil passes.

Rear Admiral Kevin Quinn, who is leading the group, said the ships would conduct exercises as part of a long-planned effort to reassure regional allies of US commitment to Gulf security.—Reuters