The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for launching multiple ballistic missiles toward major American naval vessels on Saturday. Iranian defense officials asserted that the strikes hit a primary aircraft carrier and an accompanying guided-missile destroyer. Consequently, the reported attacks mark another sharp escalation in the ongoing maritime conflict across regional waterways.
Military officials in Tehran claimed that the targeted American warships sustained significant structural damage during the overnight missile barrage. Iranian state media reported that both vessels subsequently withdrew from active combat positions in regional waters. Furthermore, defense commanders said the operations aimed to break an ongoing economic naval blockade.
Additionally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed strikes against three commercial oil tankers traveling through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iranian commanders claimed that the vessels violated transit restrictions while navigating through designated maritime corridors. Moreover, naval units reportedly targeted three additional American-linked vessels operating across surrounding international shipping lanes.
These retaliatory actions followed direct American operations targeting three commercial Iranian crude oil tankers earlier Saturday. U.S. Central Command confirmed that its forces targeted an oil vessel near Kharg Island, Iran’s primary crude export terminal. Furthermore, American strikes reportedly disabled another tanker near Jask and destroyed a third vessel elsewhere.
American military leadership disputed Iran’s claims of damage, stating that its naval vessels successfully evaded all incoming Iranian ballistic missiles. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper warned that attacks against American ships would bring severe economic consequences for Iran. Therefore, Washington pledged to target Iran’s remaining commercial fleet if maritime attacks continue.
The intensifying maritime confrontation threatens critical global energy transportation routes through the volatile Strait of Hormuz. International shipping companies remain deeply concerned about expanding military operations across Persian Gulf shipping lanes. Moving forward, global markets could face increased energy price volatility as both nations maintain heightened military readiness.