TEHRAN (Kashmir English): Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated after Iranian media reported that US forces targeted Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island and Jask.
According to Iranian media, a small tanker near Kharg Island was hit by a US missile, while its crew was safely evacuated and no casualties were reported. Another tanker was reportedly targeted near Jask.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy has warned that oil tankers near Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports could be targeted in retaliation. Iranian state media said tanker crews were instructed to leave vessels located in or near the two countries’ ports.
Iran’s Joint Military Command also warned that further attacks on Iranian ships would trigger strikes against US interests in the Middle East.
Missile Retaliation Reported
Meanwhile, Iranian and Russian media reported that Iran launched a barrage of missiles in response to the latest US attacks, while air-defence systems in Jordan were reportedly activated to intercept Iranian missiles.
The missile claims have not been independently verified. Earlier, US Central Command said its forces had destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers, following Iranian ballistic-missile attacks on US Navy warships.
