US-Iran Tensions Escalate Over Fresh Maritime Confrontation

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iran attempted to launch missile attacks on a US Navy warship twice over the past two days. The American warship successfully evaded both attempts and continued its operations in regional waters, according to CENTCOM. No US personnel were injured in the incidents. In response to the alleged Iranian attacks, the US said it targeted five oil vessels linked to what it described as an oil-smuggling network associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1 and M/T Riesco were targeted in the Gulf of Oman, while M/T Derya was targeted near Kharg Island in Iran.

CENTCOM said US forces ordered the crews to evacuate before disabling the vessels. Washington alleged that the ships were part of a multibillion-dollar “shadow fleet” used to transport Iranian oil and provide funds to the IRGC and its regional allies. The US had also reported destroying three Iranian oil vessels on September 5 after alleged attempts by the IRGC to target a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. Iran’s state media, however, reported that two oil tankers were damaged in the latest US strikes and said their crews were safely evacuated. The developments have raised concerns of further escalation in West Asia. Iran has reportedly warned of retaliation, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran would lose more oil tankers each time it attempts to attack US Navy vessels.