U.S. forces struck and disabled two Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after an overnight exchange of fire with Iranian forces, in a major escalation that has further strained a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
According to the U.S. military, the Iranian tankers were attempting to breach an American blockade imposed on Iranian ports amid ongoing tensions linked to Iran’s nuclear program and maritime security in the Gulf. Hours earlier, U.S. forces said they had thwarted attacks targeting three American Navy ships operating in the strategic waterway and carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian military facilities in the strait.
Video footage released by the U.S. military reportedly showed American fighter jets striking the smokestacks of the two tankers, while another Iranian vessel earlier this week had its rudder disabled after allegedly attempting to cross the blockade.
The confrontation comes despite continued American claims that a month-old ceasefire with Iran remains in effect. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was still awaiting what he described as “a serious offer” from Tehran regarding a broader agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and limiting Iran’s nuclear activities.
“They threaten Americans, they are going to be blown up,” Rubio told reporters Friday.
Iran condemned the American strikes, accusing Washington of violating the ceasefire and undermining diplomatic efforts. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the U.S. actions as a “reckless military adventure,” arguing that Washington resorts to military escalation whenever diplomatic solutions appear possible.
Iranian media reported that at least one sailor was killed and ten others injured after a cargo vessel caught fire following overnight strikes, though it remained unclear whether the vessel was among the two tankers targeted by the United States.
The escalation unfolded as the United Arab Emirates reported a fresh Iranian missile and drone attack. According to the UAE Defense Ministry, air defense systems intercepted ballistic missiles and drones launched toward the country, though three people were reportedly injured during the incident.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the center of growing geopolitical tensions since the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year. Iran has largely restricted navigation through the strategic maritime corridor, through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies transit, causing volatility in global energy markets and shipping routes.
Meanwhile, satellite images reviewed by international analysts showed what appeared to be a large oil slick spreading from near Iran’s Kharg Island export terminal in the Persian Gulf, raising environmental concerns amid the ongoing military confrontation. Maritime intelligence experts estimated that tens of thousands of barrels of oil may have leaked into Gulf waters.
