Iran Strikes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz as Israel Escalates Lebanon Attacks

TEHRAN — Tensions in the Middle East intensified on Friday as Iran reportedly struck another oil tanker in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 11 people in one of the deadliest escalations since the Israel-Hezbollah truce.

The targeted tanker was reportedly owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and sustained damage to its hull in the incident. No injuries were reported. The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for global energy supplies.

The maritime incident came as violence also escalated along the Israel-Lebanon front. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed 11 people, making the attacks among the deadliest since the truce between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel said its forces targeted Hezbollah positions and accused the group of operating from areas where civilians were present, including using them as human shields.

Meanwhile, the United States maintained its military presence in the region. The chief of US Central Command visited American troops aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose deployment in the Middle East has been extended amid heightened regional tensions.

The developments highlight the continuing fragility of the regional security situation, with maritime attacks, Israeli strikes in Lebanon and increased US military activity raising fears of a wider escalation.