US Disables Oil Tanker Near Iran
The United States has disabled an empty oil tanker attempting to reach Iran’s Kharg Island as part of its renewed naval blockade. The operation came as American strikes expanded towards Tehran and Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region.
US Disables Tanker Near Kharg Island
US forces fired Hellfire missiles into the tanker’s smokestack after the vessel allegedly ignored repeated warnings to stop. The ship was reportedly sailing under the flag of Curaçao and was not carrying oil when it was intercepted.
The tanker was disabled rather than sunk, and no immediate casualties were reported. The incident marked the first confirmed attack on a commercial tanker during the latest phase of Washington’s blockade against Iranian ports.
US Strikes Expand Towards Tehran
American forces also carried out fresh attacks against Iranian coastal defences, missile storage facilities and launch sites. Strikes were reported around Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, Qeshm and Sirik.
Iranian media later reported explosions near Tehran, while air-defence systems were activated across the capital. The latest operations marked the fifth consecutive day of renewed US strikes against Iranian military infrastructure.
Iranian officials said more than 35 people had been killed and over 300 wounded during the recent attacks.
Iran Retaliates Against Gulf Targets
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait. No immediate casualties or major damage were confirmed following the latest retaliatory strikes.
The escalation has sharply reduced maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.
Iran has threatened to halt regional energy exports if the US blockade continues, while rising tensions have pushed Brent crude prices above $85 per barrel.
