US, Iranian forces fire at vessels in waters near Iran

US and Iranian forces exchanged fire around Iran on Saturday, with three Iranian oil carriers struck by the United States and Iran saying it targeted three tankers travelling on unauthorised routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command said American forces hit three Iranian vessels, including one off Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships. Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads Central Command, said: “Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost - taking out three of yours.” No American personnel were harmed, the command said.

The IRGC threatened intensified strikes against US military vessels and said it later targeted the three tankers, along with three US-linked vessels in other areas. “Do not be deceived by the 'terrorist' US military and refrain from any suspicious movement aimed at passing through unauthorised waterways,” the IRGC Navy said in a statement carried by Iranian state television. “Otherwise, you will be targeted.” Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said four US missiles hit a tanker near Kharg's anchorage. It reported no casualties and said the crew was being evacuated.

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Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost - taking out three of yours.

The exchange followed an escalation over the past week in a conflict that began when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February. The fighting has disrupted global energy supplies and drawn opposition from a majority of Americans before congressional elections in November. Iran exported 90 per cent of its crude through Kharg Island before the war, but flows have been disrupted since a US blockade of Iranian oil exports began in mid-April.

President Donald Trump has kept open the possibility of military action while his administration expands sanctions. On Aug 31, he posted an AI-generated video depicting Kharg Island being “blown to smithereens.” Iranian authorities have vowed a strong response if the island is attacked. The United States imposed its blockade after Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carried one-fifth of global oil supplies before the war. Brent crude futures closed Friday at US$96.28 a barrel, their highest level since Jul 24, as Middle East tensions intensified supply concerns.

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Do not be deceived by the 'terrorist' US military and refrain from any suspicious movement aimed at passing through unauthorised waterways. Otherwise, you will be targeted.