Iran has said its forces targeted a US naval drone near the Strait of Hormuz, adding to growing tensions between Tehran and Washington after a series of military strikes involving American warships and Iranian oil tankers.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday that it had attacked an “unmanned surface vessel” off Iran’s southern coast as it was preparing to enter the strategically important waterway.
In a statement carried by Iranian state television, the IRGC warned the United States to leave the region and end what it described as provocative actions.
The latest incident follows claims by the IRGC that it had attacked three oil tankers and three vessels linked to the United States in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces have also warned ships against using routes through the waterway that have not been approved by Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies. Any prolonged disruption could have consequences for international energy markets and shipping.
The confrontation intensified on Saturday when US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had struck three Iranian oil tankers following what it described as ballistic missile attacks by the IRGC against two US Navy vessels.
CENTCOM said the attacks disabled the M/T Downy off Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask. It also said US forces destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon the vessel.
According to CENTCOM, the attacks were carried out after a US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded several Iranian attacks. The command said no American personnel were injured.
CENTCOM has released video footage that it says shows the strikes against the vessels.
The latest confrontation follows fighting that resumed last Sunday after US forces targeted Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC later confirmed that Larak Island had been hit before Iranian forces launched retaliatory attacks against US bases elsewhere in the Middle East.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, issued a warning to Tehran and Iran’s oil fleet following the attacks.
He said the United States would impose a greater economic cost if Iranian forces attacked American ships again and warned that Washington was prepared to destroy Iran’s exposed oil fleet if necessary.
The latest exchanges have raised concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of further military escalation between Iran and the United States.
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