US Missile Hits Iranian Oil Tanker Near Kharg Island Amid Escalating Maritime Hostilities

A US missile struck an Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island on Tuesday night, according to the Iranian agency Tasnim. The incident occurred while the vessel was anchored about four miles from the island. Local sources cited by Tasnim reported that there were no casualties and the crew is being evacuated.

The attack comes amid renewed maritime hostilities between Washington and Tehran. On Saturday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had struck three Iranian oil tankers, including one near Kharg Island, in response to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps launching ballistic missiles at two US Navy warships. The US military stated that no American personnel were injured.

Kharg Island is a critical hub for Iran's oil exports, handling around 90% of the country's shipments before the current conflict began. Iranian oil exports have been severely curtailed by the US naval blockade, which was imposed after Tehran shut down the Strait of Hormuz.