WASHINGTON: The United States said it struck and destroyed three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday in response to attempted missile attacks on naval vessels, in the latest exchange of fire since renewed hostilities flared between the countries.
The new clashes, which began with US raids last week, come with both sides deadlocked in the six-month war as Iran keeps a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz and Washington presses its counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it targeted tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accusing them of unsuccessfully firing at American warships.
"Following Iran's failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask," it said in a statement.
"American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo..., striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship."
Video posted by CENTCOM showed large fireballs and billowing flames after projectiles slammed into the ships.
In addition to its renewed military action, Washington is seeking to choke Iran's economy, announcing sanctions on entities with financial links to the Islamic republic.
After the strikes, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said: "If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost - taking out three of yours."
Iranian media had reported several explosions earlier on Saturday near the country's major oil hub of Kharg Island.
Last Thursday, Tehran had said that its armed forces attacked US military bases in the region, vowing to avenge civilian deaths at a wedding that it blamed on an American strike.
US Vice-President J D Vance said the alleged wedding strike, which the Iranian Red Crescent said killed four people in a southern coastal town last Tuesday night, was being investigated but he himself was "sceptical" of the reports. — AFP
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