Iran Says It Targeted Oil Tankers and U.S. Vessels After Reported U.S. Strike
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said on Saturday that it had targeted three oil tankers it described as transiting “unauthorized routes” through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as three U.S. vessels in separate locations, according to a statement carried by Iranian state media.
The announcement came hours after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had struck three Iranian oil tankers, including one operating off Kharg Island, near Iran’s main oil export terminal.
The IRGC said the operation was carried out in response to what it described as a U.S. attack on Iranian oil tankers. It did not provide details on the locations of the reported strikes or the extent of any damage.
As of publication, the United States has not confirmed Iran’s claim that U.S. vessels were targeted, and no independent reports have verified damage to American ships.
The reported exchange marks another escalation in tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints for global oil shipments.
Markets and shipping operators are expected to closely monitor developments, as any confirmed disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz could have implications for global energy supplies and oil prices.
Profile News will continue updating this story as additional official statements and independent confirmations become available.
