Iran attacks US naval drone trying to enter Strait of Hormuz after tanker strikes

On September 6, Iran declared that its forces had launched an attack on a US naval drone attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz, just hours after striking ships in retaliation for American raids on three oil tankers. This series of clashes, which began with US military actions last week, marks a standoff in a six-month-long war.

Iran has long controlled the strategic strait, while the United States maintains a blockade of Iranian ports and seeks to economically cripple Iran through sanctions on entities with ties to the Islamic republic. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran's military arm, reported the attack on the US unmanned surface vessel and warned other ships against using unauthorized routes through the strait.

Notably, the US Central Command accused Iran of unsuccessfully targeting three oil tankers and three vessels affiliated with the US, alleging it disabled three crude oil carriers off the coast of Kharg Island and another vessel near Jask in the Gulf of Oman. The attacks came as Iran claimed the US warships had been damaged, but US forces maintained they evaded the attacks.

Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes as "illegal and aggressive actions," while a military spokesperson warned of more severe retaliation if the US continued its attacks.