BelaazIran Strikes Back in Hormuz: IRGC Claims Attacks on US-Linked Ships and Oil Tankers
Iranian forces reportedly struck three oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz along with three vessels linked to the United States, according to a claim by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Tehran said the attacks were carried out in response to US strikes against three Iranian oil tankers earlier Saturday.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not publicly confirmed the reported Iranian attacks.
The IRGC also issued a warning to vessels operating in the strategic waterway, saying ships should avoid routes that Iran has not authorized.
“Do not be deceived by the ‘terrorist’ US military and refrain from any suspicious movement aimed at passing through unauthorized waterways,” the IRGC Navy said in a statement carried on Iranian state TV. “Otherwise, you will be targeted.”
Later, the IRGC said it had launched ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer, Reuters reported. Washington has not confirmed that claim.
Iran responds after US strikes on three tankers
The reported Iranian retaliation followed US attacks on three Iranian oil tankers earlier Saturday, according to CENTCOM.
One of the tankers was reportedly hit near Kharg Island, an important center for Iran’s oil exports. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said four US missiles struck a tanker in the area.
According to CENTCOM, the American strikes came after the IRGC fired ballistic missiles toward two US Navy vessels.
“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost – taking out three of yours,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM.
Iran subsequently warned that its military response against American naval forces could escalate following the US attacks.
“If the evil, insecurity and harassment of Iranian ships and the naval blockade of Iran continue, the strikes of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces against US military vessels in the region will be more severe than before, and there is a possibility of their expansion,” Iran’s military command said in a post on state media.