Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says its forces carried out ballistic missile strikes against two US Navy destroyers.
The IRGC said its Aerospace Force targeted the USS Paul Ignatius (DDG-117) and USS Porter (DDG-78)?
Correction: Iranian state media identified the vessels as DDG-119 and DDG-53. The IRGC said both ships are equipped with Aegis systems and cruise missiles.
IRGC Claims Significant Damage
According to the IRGC statement, the missile attack was part of an operation against US naval forces.
Iranian authorities said the two destroyers suffered significant damage. However, the claim has not been independently verified.
The IRGC did not provide details about the type or number of ballistic missiles used in the reported attack.
US Has Reported Earlier Iranian Attacks
The latest Iranian claim comes amid a sharp escalation between Tehran and Washington.
US Central Command said earlier that an American warship had successfully evaded two Iranian ballistic missile attacks in recent days. The US military said no American personnel were injured.
Washington later announced that US forces had destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in response to those attacks. The vessels were described by CENTCOM as part of an Iranian shadow network linked to the IRGC.
Tensions Rise Around Strait of Hormuz
The reported missile attack adds to growing military tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran and the United States have exchanged attacks in and around the Gulf in recent days. The confrontation has also affected oil markets and shipping activity.
Brent crude prices moved close to $100 a barrel as concerns grew over further disruption to regional energy supplies.
For now, the reported damage to DDG-119 and DDG-53 remains an Iranian military claim. Further information from the US military or independent sources will be needed to establish the extent of any damage.
