Iran has claimed that its forces attacked a US military unmanned surface vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest escalation in the six-month conflict between Tehran and Washington. The claim was made by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday. The announcement came hours after Iranian forces targeted commercial vessels, while the US said it had disabled or destroyed three oil tankers linked to the IRGC.
Iran Targets US Naval Drone
The IRGC said its naval forces attacked an American unmanned surface vessel that was trying to enter the strategic waterway. Iran also claimed that its forces had targeted three oil tankers travelling through what it described as an unauthorised route in the Strait of Hormuz, along with three other vessels it said were associated with the US. Tehran warned commercial ships against using routes that it has not approved.
US Strikes Three Oil Tankers
The latest Iranian claims followed an operation by US Central Command (CENTCOM) against three tankers allegedly connected to the IRGC’s oil-smuggling network. CENTCOM said two vessels, the M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1, were rendered inoperable, while the M/T Kylo was destroyed after its crew was ordered to abandon the ship. The US military said the vessels were part of a network that generates revenue for the IRGC and its regional allies. CENTCOM also released footage showing explosions and fires following the attacks.
US officials said the operation came after Iran attempted to target American warships. While the IRGC claimed the US vessels were forced to retreat after suffering damage, CENTCOM said the ships successfully evaded the attacks.
Iran Warns Of Stronger Retaliation
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the American strikes on the tankers as “illegal and aggressive actions”. Iranian military authorities warned that any continuation of US attacks could trigger a stronger response against American warships. The Khatam-al Anbiya central military command said Iran’s retaliation could become more severe and expand if Washington continued its operations.
Strait Of Hormuz Remains Key Flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the main battlegrounds in the conflict. The strategically important waterway previously carried around one-fifth of global oil supplies, making disruptions there a major concern for international energy markets. Washington has been attempting to pressure Tehran and challenge Iran’s control over shipping routes, while Iran has maintained restrictions on commercial traffic through the strait.
A fragile ceasefire collapsed in July following attacks involving commercial vessels in the waterway.
US Vice President JD Vance has said Washington will not resume negotiations with Tehran until attacks on commercial shipping stop. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly threatened to assert US control over the strait. Meanwhile, Trump has played down the scale of the conflict, recently describing it as “small potatoes”, while Iranian officials have warned that their response to continued US pressure will intensify.
