Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it attacked six vessels following US strikes on Iranian oil tankers.
The IRGC Navy said it targeted three oil tankers that used what Iran called an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, the IRGC said its forces attacked three US-affiliated vessels in other areas.
However, the United States has not confirmed the Iranian claim. Independent sources have also not verified damage to the US-linked vessels.
US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers
The Iranian announcement came after US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iranian forces first launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships in the region.
According to CENTCOM, the American vessels avoided the attacks and no US personnel suffered injuries.
The US military then struck three Iranian oil tankers. The targets included vessels near Kharg Island, near Jask and in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran Warns Other Ships
Following the US strikes, the IRGC warned other vessels against using routes that Iran considers unauthorized.
The Iranian military also warned ships against making what it called suspicious movements near the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the US and Iran continue to exchange threats over shipping in the strategic waterway.
Tensions Rise Around Strait of Hormuz
The latest attacks have increased tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway carries a major share of global oil shipments. Therefore, further attacks could disrupt international energy supplies and raise shipping risks.
At the same time, the exchange of attacks has increased pressure on commercial vessels operating in the region.
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Neither side has indicated that it plans to step back from the confrontation.
Risk to Regional Shipping
The latest escalation has raised fresh concerns about maritime security.
Oil companies, shipping firms and governments are closely watching developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
For now, the United States and Iran continue to present different accounts of the attacks. As a result, several details about the reported Iranian strikes remain unverified.
