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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) strikes an oil tanker linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in video footage released on the 5th (local time). / AFP, Yonhap

Armed conflict surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is escalating once again as the U.S. and Iran trade retaliatory strikes against vessels affiliated with each other.  After the U.S. struck three Iranian oil tankers, Iran claimed it retaliated by attacking vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring a deepening vicious cycle of tit-for-tat strikes.  

According to the Wall Street Journal and other media outlets, U.S. military authorities stated that they struck three Iranian oil tankers on the 5th (local time) in response to Iran firing ballistic missiles targeting two naval warships, including an aircraft carrier.  U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American forces across the Middle East, said in a statement that a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks.  

U.S. officials assessed that while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has fired ballistic missiles at U.S. forces throughout the conflict, the latest attempt to strike American warships represents a major escalation.  CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said, "If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost—take out three of yours," adding, "We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet".  

In response, the IRGC Navy announced on the same day that, in retaliation for the U.S. strike on the three Iranian tankers, it attacked three oil tankers transiting unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as three vessels linked to the U.S. in other areas.  In a statement broadcast via Iranian state media, the IRGC said U.S. forces struck and damaged three Iranian oil tankers earlier that morning, though it did not disclose specific details regarding the extent of damage or the condition of the crew.  

The IRGC also warned vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz against using routes unauthorized by Iran, cautioning that any ship attempting to use those waterways while engaging in suspicious activities will be targeted.  Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that four U.S. missiles struck an oil tanker near Kharg Island. Citing local sources, the outlet reported there were no casualties and that the tanker's crew was being evacuated. CENTCOM likewise confirmed that no casualties were reported.  

According to U.S. officials, American forces began striking Iranian tankers on the 30th of last month as part of a new pressure campaign designed to curb Iran's oil transport capabilities and inflict economic blows on Tehran.Additionally, U.S. naval forces are maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports. CENTCOM recently diverted the routes of 87 commercial vessels, halted the operations of three, and boarded two ships to verify compliance with the blockade.  

                                                                                                          Kim Hyun-min