Military tensions between the United States and Iran intensified on Saturday as both nations conducted retaliatory strikes against maritime vessels. US Central Command (Centcom) reported that it successfully disabled two Iran-linked oil tankers and destroyed a third in the Gulf of Oman. According to US officials, these tankers were part of a financial network supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The American action followed an earlier attempt by the IRGC to target a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. Centcom stated that its forces evaded these attacks, and no US personnel were harmed. Prior to the US strikes, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a firm stance on social media, stating that any Iranian aggression against American ships would result in the destruction of their oil tankers.

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In response, Iranian state media outlet Irib reported that the IRGC retaliated by targeting six vessels, including three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and three US-affiliated ships in other regions. Tehran justified the strikes on the tankers by claiming they were utilizing "unauthorised" routes through the strait. While Irib noted that crews from the two tankers attacked in the Gulf of Oman were safely evacuated, the incident highlights the ongoing volatility surrounding the waterway, which has remained effectively closed to standard traffic since the conflict began in February.

The latest exchange occurs despite President Donald Trump’s recent characterization of the hostilities as "small potatoes." While the US continues to assist vessels navigating southern routes, the conflict has contributed to rising energy costs, with US diesel prices reaching an average of $5.85 per gallon. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled following the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire last month, and investigations are currently underway regarding Iranian allegations that a US strike earlier in the week resulted in civilian casualties at a wedding in Sirik.

Source: BBC News