Collected PhotoThe United States has struck two oil tankers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in waters off Iran’s coast, marking the first known direct US attack on Iranian vessels since the war began, Axios reported.
The strikes took place Tuesday night (September 1) as the two tankers were positioned north of the US naval blockade near Iran’s coastline, according to the report.
The vessels’ engine rooms were damaged in drone and missile attacks.
Citing a US official, Axios reported that President Donald Trump had approved a “tanker for tanker” policy, under which Iranian oil tankers would be targeted in retaliation for any Iranian attack on a tanker.
The latest strikes represent an escalation from previous US efforts to restrict the movement of Iranian oil tankers without directly attacking the vessels.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was carried out in retaliation for recent Iranian attacks. Washington is also preparing a broader operation aimed at preventing Iran from rebuilding its radar and missile capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions over Iran’s military activities and the security of shipping routes in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies passes.
FP/A
