U.S. strikes Iranian tankers in Gulf, Tehran vows stronger retaliation
U.S. Central Command reported that forces hit three Iranian tankers, sinking one, as Iran's parliament speaker warned of a faster and heavier response. Oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz remains partially disrupted.
U.S. Central Command said American forces struck three Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday, sinking the M/T Kylo, as part of a maritime blockade aimed at limiting Iran's oil exports. The operation also redirected 92 commercial vessels, disabled three ships and boarded two, according to the command.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf responded on his Telegram channel, stating that any further attacks on Iran’s interests would receive a "faster, heavier and more painful response." The remark follows heightened tensions after Iran accused the United States of economic terrorism and the region’s oil market has felt the impact.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz is now averaging over 9 million barrels per day, roughly two-thirds of pre-conflict levels when including bypass pipelines. He added that the U.S. Navy’s presence is intended to keep the flow of oil moving while diplomatic or policy changes in Tehran are pursued.
The escalation comes amid broader regional developments, including Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning that Iran’s regime faces an existential threat. Gulf stock markets showed mixed reactions, with Saudi Arabia’s index up 0.3% and Qatar’s down 0.3% as investors remain cautious.
Analysts note that while sanctions and naval pressure have reduced Iran’s leverage over the strait, the country has shown resilience to economic pressure in the past. The situation remains fluid, with both sides signaling readiness for further actions.