US and Iran exchange strikes on tankers in escalating Strait of Hormuz conflict

The United States and Iran have each launched attacks on oil tankers and warships in the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours, marking a sharp escalation in their months-long maritime confrontation. U.S. Central Command said its forces hit three Iranian vessels, including a tanker near Kharg Island, another near Jask and an unladen ship in the Gulf of Oman after crews were ordered to abandon it. The strikes followed Iranian ballistic missile launches aimed at a U.S. aircraft carrier and a destroyer, which the U.S. said evaded the attacks without casualties.

"If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours," said CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it fired several missiles at the carrier and destroyer, accusing them of harassing Iranian shipping and participating in a naval blockade. The IRGC also warned vessels in the Gulf and the strait not to use "unauthorised routes," threatening to target any that did.

Washington argues the Iranian tankers it struck were part of a shadow fleet that finances the IRGC and its regional allies, while Tehran says the attacks are part of an "existential war" against the United States. Iranian parliamentarian Hassan Ghashghavi said the U.S. naval blockade violates international law.

The dispute has heightened worries about oil supply disruptions. Brent crude futures rose to $96.28 a barrel, their highest level since July, and U.S. diesel prices hit a record $5.85 per gallon. Analysts say the conflict is likely to continue unless a political settlement is reached, with both sides prepared to endure higher costs to force the other to back down.

"There’s going to be more clashes between the Iranians and the Americans. There can be miscalculations and more civilian casualties," said Sina Azodi, director of the Middle East studies programme at George Washington University.

Experts note that the United States is maintaining pressure through additional sanctions and economic measures, while Iran is preparing to counter the naval blockade and keep oil prices elevated.