US launches 'tanker-for-tanker' policy against Iran in Hormuz

The United States has intensified its dispute with Iran in the Strait of Hormuz through a novel "tanker-for-tanker" policy. This policy mandates a retaliatory strike on an Iranian oil tanker for every vessel attacked by Iran within the strategic waterway. Two Iranian government-owned tankers were specifically targeted by US military drones, with the missiles striking their engines, marking the first instance of such retaliation.

The incident occurred off the Iranian coastline, north of the zone where US forces enforce their maritime blockade.

President Donald Trump authorized this new approach to dissuade Iran from targeting oil tankers and commercial vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz. The policy dictates that each missile or drone attack by Iran on a US-protected ship triggers an equivalent response from American forces. The two Iranian tankers were struck while anchored near the border where US forces enforce their embargo.

The strikes were part of a broader operation by US Central Command (CENTCOM) that targeted various sites associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These included air defenses, radar systems, naval assets, anti-ship cruise missile launch platforms, drone launch sites, and communication networks. Targets also encompassed facilities related to Iran's mine-laying capabilities.

CENTCOM announced that the strikes were in response to recent attempts by the IRGC to target commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and US military personnel stationed in the region. Despite the escalating tensions, US forces continued to monitor and assist ships navigating the strait. Over 40 vessels passed through the area on a single day, carrying millions of barrels of oil. US forces intercepted multiple anti-ship cruise missiles and drones launched by the IRGC, none of which managed to hit their intended targets.

However, the situation escalated further as Iran retaliated to the US strikes by launching ballistic missiles and drones at American facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq.