US, Iranian forces fire at vessels in waters near Iran

On Saturday, US and Iranian forces engaged in a violent exchange in waters surrounding Iran, targeting vessels they claimed were operating on unauthorized routes. Three Iranian oil carriers were struck by American forces, while Iran accused the Americans of targeting three of its tankers. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that they had struck the Iranian vessels, including one off the coast of Kharg Island, near Iran's oil export hub, in retaliation for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launching ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships.

CENTCOM head Admiral Brad Cooper vowed that the US would impose a heavier economic cost on Iran if it continued to target American forces, with the IRGC threatening to intensify its attacks against US military vessels in the region. In response, the IRGC Navy claimed it targeted the three tankers, as well as three US-linked vessels in other areas.

The attack followed a recent escalation that threatens to further deepen the conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, causing global energy supply disruptions and drawing opposition from many Americans before congressional elections in November. President Donald Trump has been vocal about his desire to take over Kharg Island, Iran's third-largest oil producer, which exported 90% of its crude before a US blockade of Iranian oil exports began in April.

The US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway carrying one-fifth of the world's oil supply before the war. Brent crude futures surged to their highest level in seven weeks, reaching $96.28 per barrel, as global supply concerns mount due to Middle East tensions.