Several ballistic missiles were launched towards a US aircraft carrier and a Navy destroyer for harassing Iranian shipsIran launches several missiles towards US aircraft carrier, Navy destroyer and enforcing a naval blockade, reports All Jazzerah
The claim marks a further escalation in the confrontation between Iran and the United States, with military forces from both countries exchanging attacks around the strategic waters of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the IRGC said the two American warships sustained damage and subsequently withdrew from the area after coming under attack.
The Iranian military statement also warned Washington against continuing what Tehran described as hostile and aggressive actions, saying the United States should expect a stronger response if attacks against Iranian interests continue.
The latest development came as the US military confirmed that American forces had struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, September 5, following what Washington described as Iranian ballistic missile attacks against two US Navy vessels.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the targeted American warships included an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. According to the command, the vessels evaded multiple Iranian attacks and no US personnel were injured.
CENTCOM said two of the Iranian oil carriers were permanently disabled, while a third vessel, which was reportedly unladen, was destroyed. The US military alleged that the tankers were connected to an Iranian oil network used to finance the IRGC and regional proxy groups.
US Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper issued a warning following the missile attacks, saying that if Iran targeted two American ships, the United States would respond by imposing an even greater economic cost and taking out three Iranian vessels. The US subsequently announced strikes against three Iranian oil carriers.
Iran, however, has rejected the US characterisation of events and maintained that its military actions were carried out in response to American pressure and the blockade of Iranian shipping.
The confrontation has raised fresh concerns over the security of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Recent fighting in and around the waterway has already affected maritime traffic and increased uncertainty for oil markets. Reuters reported on Saturday that US and Iranian forces exchanged fire involving vessels in waters near Iran, including around the country’s key oil-export infrastructure.
Iran’s IRGC said it remained prepared to respond to further US military action, declaring that the country’s armed forces were “stronger than ever”.
