File image.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said late on September 5 that it targeted three oil tankers traveling along an “unauthorized route” in the Strait of Hormuz and three United States-linked vessels elsewhere in response to American attacks on Iranian tankers.
In a statement carried by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC Navy said the US military attacked three Iranian oil tankers earlier in the day, causing damage.
The naval force added that its forces subsequently targeted three oil tankers traveling along an “unauthorized route” in the Strait of Hormuz and three vessels linked to the US in other areas.
In addition, the IRGC Navy issued a “firm warning” to all vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and close to the Strait of Hormuz.
“Do not be deceived by the terrorist US military, and refrain from any suspicious movement aimed at passing through unauthorized waterways; otherwise, you will be targeted,” it said.
U.S. Central Command said in a statement released earlier that it struck the three Iranian tankers after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles toward a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer that were conducting a patrol in regional waters.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said during the day that several merchant vessels were reportedly hit by a “disabling fire” in the northern Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman amid ongoing military activity in the region.
UKMTO noted that it was unable to confirm whether there were any casualties or environmental impact from the incidents.
The latest attack by CENTCOM was likely carried out in line with the “tanker for tanker” policy which the administration of President Donald Trump reportedly adopted earlier this week. As expected, Iran responded quickly and on a much larger scale, putting Washington in an uncomfortable position.
The U.S., which failed to weaken Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, now also appears to be failing to deter the Islamic Republic.
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