Iran Accuses US of Missile Strike on Tanker Near Kharg Island
Iran says US missiles struck a tanker near Kharg Island, its main oil export hub. No casualties reported; US has not commented.
Iran has accused the United States of launching a missile attack on an Iranian tanker near Kharg Island, its primary oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf. The allegation, carried by state media on Saturday, comes amid heightened tensions in the region and a recent resumption of US strikes on Iranian targets.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that four US missiles struck the vessel approximately 10 kilometers from the island. It said the crew was being evacuated and that no casualties had been reported. The broadcast did not provide visual evidence or include on-the-record comments from Iranian officials.
US Central Command has not yet responded to requests for comment, and Washington has remained silent on the matter. If confirmed, the strike would mark a significant escalation, potentially triggering a new wave of Iranian retaliation against US allies and interests across the Middle East.
Kharg Island is strategically vital to Iran's economy, serving as the main loading point for its crude oil exports. The area has seen repeated attacks during the ongoing US-Iran conflict, including US strikes on military sites in March. The latest accusation follows a month-long pause in US operations, which resumed days ago as fighting around the strategic Strait of Hormuz has intensified.