It was unclear whether the attacks were related to increasing tensions between Iran and the U.S. and its allies in the Persian Gulf, and there was little hard information about the tanker damage.

But suspicions centered on Iran after the Trump administration’s warning of planned aggression by Iran.

Iran’s response: The country suggested that the tanker attacks were a provocation to escalate tensions, seeking to portray the Trump administration as eager to push the two countries into conflict.

U.S. action: The Trump administration has already deployed an aircraft carrier and bombers to the region as a precaution.

Defense officials also updated a military strategy that envisions sending as many as 120,000 troops to the Middle East should Iran attack American forces or accelerate work on nuclear weapons.