Arabic version: إيران ترد على البحرية الأمريكية بعد حادثة ناقلة النفط
The Iranian military confirmed it launched attacks on United States Navy ships in response to US forces targeting an Iranian oil tanker within Iran’s territorial waters. This incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the US, further straining the fragile truce established recently. According to Al Jazeera, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters accused the US of violating the ceasefire by conducting air strikes on civilian areas, including Qeshm Island, “in cooperation with some regional countries”.
The Iranian military labeled the US forces as an “aggressor, terrorist and bandit army,” claiming that their actions against the oil tanker necessitated a military response. Iranian forces reportedly utilized a range of ballistic and anti-ship cruise missiles, along with drones, to conduct these retaliatory strikes. The Iranian military asserted that their response inflicted “significant damage” on US naval assets.
In contrast, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that it intercepted what it described as unprovoked Iranian attacks, responding with defensive strikes. CENTCOM emphasized that no US assets were hit and reiterated its commitment to protecting American forces while expressing a desire to avoid escalation.
These clashes represent the first military response from Iran following the US blockade of its ports, which has intensified in recent weeks. The US military has seized several Iranian vessels and has ordered many more to turn back. This naval blockade has been a key element of the pressure campaign initiated by former President Donald Trump since the ceasefire was enacted last month. Reports indicate that Iranian state-affiliated media noted explosions at various ports, including Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas, and suggested that three US Navy destroyers were forced to retreat under Iranian fire.
As tensions escalate, there are ongoing discussions between Washington and Tehran about potentially ending the conflict. Recent actions, including the US shooting down Iranian drones and Iran’s renewed missile activities against the UAE, have contributed to the rising hostilities in the region.
