The United States military says it has struck three Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for what it described as unprovoked attempts by Iran to attack two U.S. warships.
The reported exchange of fire took place on Saturday, days after the United States and Iran engaged in their most intense fighting in weeks.
The U.S. military said the strikes were carried out in response to the alleged attacks on American naval vessels, although Iran has not acknowledged carrying out any attacks on U.S. ships.
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian state media reported that U.S. forces had struck an Iranian oil tanker off the coast of Kharg Island, a strategically important location and major oil-export hub.
Iranian news outlets also published images showing a vessel emitting thick black plumes of smoke following the reported strike.
The latest confrontation marks another escalation between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns over the security of maritime routes and energy supplies in the region.
The United States has framed the strikes as a retaliatory action, while Iran has yet to issue an official response to the U.S. military’s account of the reported attacks.
Faridah Abdulkadiri