US strikes Iranian oil tankers in Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island

U.S. forces carried out airstrikes against Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and off the coast of Iran’s Kharg Island, according to statements released by the Pentagon on Tuesday. The operations targeted vessels identified as part of Iran’s maritime logistics network, with the strikes reportedly disabling the tankers’ propulsion systems and causing minor fuel spillage. No casualties were reported among the crews, and the U.S. described the action as a response to what it termed “repeated hostile activities” against commercial shipping in the region.

The attacks mark an escalation in the ongoing tension between Washington and Tehran, which have exchanged accusations over navigation safety and regional influence in the strategically vital waterway. Iranian officials condemned the strikes as violations of international law and pledged to “defend our sovereign rights,” while regional shipping firms warned of potential disruptions to oil transport routes. Analysts note that the incidents could further impact global oil markets, though immediate effects on supply appear limited as alternative routes remain operational.