US Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency responsible for US forces' operations in the Middle East, confirmed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting two US naval vessels patrolling the area. "An aircraft carrier and a destroyer successfully evaded a series of attacks from Iran. No US service members were injured or killed in the incident", the agency stated.

CENTCOM announced it retaliated by attacking three Iranian oil tankers: the Downy off Kharg Island, Stark 1 near Jask Island, and Kylo in the Gulf of Oman. "These three vessels are part of an underground network worth billions of USD that funds the IRGC and its proxy forces in the region", CENTCOM asserted. Video released by the US military showed intense smoke and flames rising after the ships were hit by missiles.

The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier docked in Croatia in March after a deployment in the Middle East. Photo: AFP

CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper declared, "If you fire at our two ships, we will make you pay a higher economic price by eliminating three of your vessels."

In a statement published by the IRNA news agency early this morning, the IRGC accused US warships of participating in a naval blockade and "harassing" its vessels. The IRGC claimed it had conducted an attack operation that forced two enemy naval vessels "to leave the engagement area". Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, the "supreme headquarters" of Iran's armed forces, warned that Iran would react more decisively if the US military continued "aggressive actions". He added, "The scale of Iran's response could expand if the US does not cease its current behavior."

Nevertheless, the IRGC later reacted strongly to the US retaliation, stating its naval forces had "targeted three oil tankers entering unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz and three US-linked vessels in other areas". The IRGC warned other ships not to intentionally pass through unapproved routes. Iran's Foreign Ministry also strongly criticized the US for the attacks on oil tankers, calling them "illegal and aggressive actions".

CENTCOM has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the IRGC's statements. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has not recorded any information about civilian oil tankers being targeted in the Strait of Hormuz.

Location of Iran's Kharg Island. Graphic: CNBC

The latest spiral of conflict erupted from US attacks last week, occurring as the confrontation between the US and Iran remains deadlocked after more than six months. Tehran continues to maintain tight control over the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington steadily increases pressure with a retaliatory blockade targeting enemy seaports.

Beyond military action, the US is also seeking to tighten Iran's economy by announcing sanctions against entities with financial ties to the country, aiming to force Tehran into submission.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, Reuters, AP)