Iran Says It Targeted 10 Vessels in Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions

TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that its forces targeted two US warships and eight oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions around the strategically important waterway.

According to Iranian state media, the IRGC said the operations were carried out in an area of the Strait that Iran has designated as “prohibited and unsafe.”

The Iranian announcement came after the United States said it had destroyed five Iranian oil tankers, prompting Tehran to warn that it would retaliate against American interests.

Commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also declined amid the escalating confrontation.

According to reports, only six commercial vessels passed through the waterway on Tuesday, compared with an average of around 12 vessels per day over the previous 10 days.

The reduction in traffic highlights the growing security concerns among shipping operators as military tensions increase in and around the Strait.

The latest Iranian claim involves both American military vessels and commercial oil tankers, marking another significant development in the confrontation.

Iran said the targeted vessels were operating in an area it considers unsafe, but did not immediately provide detailed information about the extent of damage or whether casualties were reported.

The United States has previously warned of threats to maritime traffic in the region, while Iran has repeatedly asserted its authority over security arrangements around the Strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, carrying a substantial volume of global oil and energy supplies.

Any prolonged disruption to commercial traffic through the waterway could put additional pressure on international crude supplies and contribute to higher oil prices.

The latest exchange of threats and reported attacks has therefore increased concerns over the security of global energy shipments.

As US and Iranian forces continue their confrontation, further incidents involving commercial vessels or naval assets could deepen the disruption and raise the risk of a broader regional escalation.

The Iranian claims regarding the 10 vessels and the reported damage have not been independently verified.