U.S.-Iran tensions rise again as both sides announce attacks

Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated again after both sides issued statements describing attacks on ships and retaliatory operations.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted three oil tankers that passed through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization, along with three U.S.-linked vessels in other areas. The statement did not provide further details about the operations.

U.S. Central Command said the Revolutionary Guard used ballistic missiles against two U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional waters. CENTCOM said the attack was successfully repelled, then reported U.S. operations against Iranian crude-oil tankers.

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Our message to Iran's Revolutionary Guard is clear: if you fire on our ships, we will impose a much heavier economic cost on you.

According to the command, two Iranian crude-oil tankers near Kharg Island were disabled, while another Iranian tanker in the Gulf of Oman was destroyed. CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper warned that the United States would impose a heavier economic cost on Iran's oil fleet if American ships were targeted.

“Our message to Iran's Revolutionary Guard is clear: if you fire on our ships, we will impose a much heavier economic cost on you,” Cooper said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a similar warning on social media: “Very simple: if Iran fires on U.S. ships, we will destroy and sink the oil tankers. All they have to do is not fire on the U.S. Navy.” Hegseth also argued that Iran's oil-tanker fleet was vulnerable and said U.S. aircraft and naval forces could attack the entire fleet.

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Very simple: if Iran fires on U.S. ships, we will destroy and sink the oil tankers. All they have to do is not fire on the U.S. Navy.