Iran Warns of Escalation After Strikes on US Bases and Vessels
Iran condemns US attacks on its tankers and says it struck US bases in Jordan and vessels in self-defence.
Iran has formally condemned what it describes as US aggression against its oil tankers, warning that such actions carry escalatory risks. The statement from Tehran's foreign ministry on Wednesday came in response to recent confrontations at sea.
In a strongly worded statement, the ministry said that Iranian armed forces, invoking their inherent right to legitimate self-defence, had targeted US military bases and facilities in Jordan. It added that several US vessels were also struck in the same operation.
The statement framed these attacks as a direct response to continued US military actions against Iran, particularly those targeting its tanker fleet. Tehran asserted that the Jordanian bases were supporting ongoing US military operations against the country.
While the statement did not provide further operational details, it underscored Iran's position that its actions were defensive in nature. The warning about escalatory consequences signals Tehran's readiness to respond forcefully to any perceived threats to its maritime interests.
The development marks another flashpoint in the tense standoff between the two nations, with shipping lanes and regional military assets increasingly becoming sites of confrontation.