Iran Threatens Major Attacks on US Warships, Fires Ballistic Missiles Over Shipping Row

Iran has claimed that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a Navy destroyer, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington in waters around Iran.

The IRGC said the American warships were targeted after allegedly “harassing Iranian ships and participating in a naval blockade,” according to Al Jazeera. Iran also claimed the strikes damaged both vessels and forced them to withdraw from the area.

Tasnim news agency, cited by Al Jazeera, reported that the IRGC said the US ships fled the conflict zone after sustaining damage and facing the threat of further attacks.

The claim came as tensions continued to rise following a series of confrontations involving military and commercial vessels in the region, including US strikes on Iranian oil tankers.

IRGC WARNS OF A BIGGER RESPONSE

The IRGC also invoked earlier remarks attributed to US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, who had warned that attacks on American ships would bring a heavier economic response from Washington.

Tehran used the warning to signal that further US action against Iranian shipping could trigger a more aggressive military response.

“If the United States continues its hostile and aggressive actions, the US regime should expect a significant response from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We are stronger than ever,” the IRGC said, according to Al Jazeera.

TENSIONS RISE AFTER TANKER STRIKES

Iran’s latest claims followed US attacks on three Iranian oil tankers. Washington said the strikes came after American naval vessels were targeted with ballistic missiles.

Reuters reported that Iran subsequently acknowledged targeting three tankers travelling through the Strait of Hormuz on routes it considered unauthorised. Tehran also claimed to have attacked three additional vessels that it alleged were connected to the United States.

Iranian military officials have warned that attacks on US military vessels would become more severe if Washington continues what Tehran considers interference with Iranian shipping.

US DISPUTES IRANIAN ACCOUNT

The US military has offered a different account of the confrontation, saying an American aircraft carrier and destroyer evaded multiple Iranian attacks while operating in the region.

According to the Associated Press, US officials said no American personnel were injured. Washington later said three Iranian oil carriers had been disabled or destroyed.

Admiral Cooper has warned that the United States would defend its forces and could target Iran’s exposed oil fleet if necessary.

With military vessels and commercial shipping increasingly caught up in the confrontation, the latest exchange threatens to further raise tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.