Iran Warns Ships After US-Iran Strikes in Hormuz

Tensions have flared again around the Strait of Hormuz following a fresh exchange of attacks between Iran and the United States, with Tehran warning other vessels operating in and around the strategic waterway.

The US military said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships. In response, US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers, including one near Kharg Island, a major hub for Iran’s oil exports.

US Central Command said an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer came under multiple Iranian attacks but successfully evaded the missiles. No US personnel were injured.

CENTCOM chief Adm Brad Cooper issued a stern warning to the IRGC, saying the United States would impose a greater cost if Iranian forces continued attacking American ships. He said the US would not hesitate to defend its forces and, if necessary, target Iran’s exposed oil fleet.

Iran subsequently claimed that its forces had targeted three oil tankers travelling through what it described as an unauthorised route in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as three vessels linked to the United States elsewhere. The claims could not be independently verified.

The IRGC Navy also issued a warning to vessels operating in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz, urging them to use authorised waterways and avoid what Tehran considers suspicious activity. It warned that vessels using unauthorised routes could be targeted.

Iran’s military separately warned that attacks on US military vessels could become more severe and expand if Washington continues what Tehran described as attacks on Iranian ships, harassment and a naval blockade.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the latest exchange.

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a major flashpoint in the US-Iran conflict. The strategically important waterway is a crucial route for global energy shipments, and the latest confrontation has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and potential disruptions to international oil supplies.

The latest escalation comes amid the wider US-Iran conflict that began in February. The United States has sought to put military and economic pressure on Tehran, while Iran has repeatedly threatened US forces and sought to challenge restrictions on its shipping.

With diplomatic efforts to end the conflict facing continued obstacles, the latest clashes around Hormuz have heightened fears of further escalation and greater disruption to regional and global maritime trade.