The US military attacked five Iranian oil tankers after the IRGC launched two missile attacks against a US Navy warship.
US Central Command said its forces destroyed the Iranian crude carriers after the warship evaded both ballistic missile attacks.
However, CENTCOM said no US personnel suffered injuries during the incidents. Crews also received orders to abandon the vessels before American forces struck them.
The targeted tankers included Kaviz, Charminar, Horizon 1, Riesco and Derya. Four vessels came under attack in the Gulf of Oman, while another was struck near Kharg Island.
Tanker struck near Kharg Island
Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that a US missile hit an Iranian tanker near Kharg Island on Tuesday evening.
The vessel came under attack about four nautical miles from the island. Meanwhile, local sources said the crew was evacuated after the strike.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB also reported another explosion aboard an oil tanker near the Yekbani coast, close to Iran’s Jask port.
Warning issued to tanker crews
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy warned tanker crews near Kuwait and Bahrain to immediately leave their vessels.
The force warned that anchored or docked tankers “will be targeted” in retaliation for US attacks on Iranian vessels.
Iran accused Kuwait and Bahrain of hosting American forces and supporting the attacks. Consequently, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified.
The latest escalation impacted global markets as oil surged near $100 a barrel on Tuesday. Stock markets also reflected selling pressure.
