The US military said it destroyed two Iranian boats after they tried to seize an American drone vessel off Iran. The clash has deepened conflicting narratives and sharpened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. military says it opened fire and destroyed two small Iranian boats this week trying to steal a drone ship in the waters off Iran.

It is the latest volley of fire in the more than six-month-old war as both sides seek control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported Monday that a pair of fishing boats came under attack in Hormozgan province on Iran's southern coast and that several fishermen were reported missing, citing a provincial official.