By Steve Holland, Parisa Hafezi, Phil Stewart and Yomna EhabWASHINGTON/DUBAI, July 12 (Reuters) - U.S. and Iranian forces have exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults, with Tehran targeting U.S. facilities in states across the Gulf on Sunday and saying it had again closed the vital Strait of Hormuz. The strikes were the latest in a cycle of attacks and counter-attacks as Iran seeks to assert control over shipping through the strait. However, the latest barrage marked a sharp escalation in pace and range.

Iran said Sunday it was closing the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at Gulf neighbours after the US carried out a new round of strikes as their conflict…

Iran said it closed the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel travelled on an unapproved route and was struck.

Tehran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz