US, Iran Clash in Waters near Kharg Island
The US and Iranian forces clashed in waters near Iran on Saturday, with both sides firing at vessels. The US Central Command reported that it struck three Iranian oil carriers, including one off the coast of Kharg Island, which is near Iran's main oil export hub.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships earlier in the day. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, said that if the IRGC shoots at US vessels, 'we will impose an even higher economic cost' by targeting their own ships.
The IRGC responded to the US strikes by threatening intensified attacks on US military vessels in the region and announcing they targeted three tankers as well as three US-linked vessels in other areas.
No American personnel were harmed in the exchange of attacks, according to the Central Command. The incident comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, which have continued since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, disrupting global energy supplies.