US goes ‘tanker for tanker’ in attacks on Iran amid renewed strikes in West Asia

The United States has intensified its attacks on Iran, targeting two Iranian government tankers in retaliation for Iranian strikes on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first time the US has specifically aimed at Iranian tankers, rather than enforcing a naval blockade, as part of their "tanker for tanker" approach to the ongoing conflict, authorized by President Trump.

During the attacks, US forces hit as many as 100 targets, including Iranian air defense positions, radar installations, and anti-ship cruise missile launchers. Iran retaliated by striking American bases across West Asia, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, in the most significant exchange of strikes between the two nations since July.

Iran claimed the US targeted a wedding party in Kuhestak, Sirik, killing at least five people, including a four-year-old child. Amid the midterms, US officials are cautious about escalating the conflict but may intensify military operations against Iran after the November 3 election.