The US and Iran exchanged strikes on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and in the Gulf of Oman. The IRGC claimed to have carried out attacks on three tankers and three US-linked vessels. US Central Command confirmed that Iranian ballistic missiles had been fired at an aircraft carrier and a destroyer, stating that they had evaded the strikes and that no military personnel had been injured. In response, the US attacked three Iranian tankers; the M/T Kylo sank.
Briefly about the main points
- The QIR has reported attacks on tankers and vessels linked to the US.
- CENTCOM has confirmed a missile attack on two US warships.
- The US command stated that the ships had avoided being hit.
- The US has attacked three tankers linked to the IRGC’s oil network.
- At least four people have been killed in southern Lebanon following Israeli strikes.
The parties’ accounts of the incident at sea differ
The QIR reported that it had attacked tankers which, according to its account, were travelling through Strait of Hormuz «an unauthorised route». The Iranian military described its actions as a response to US strikes on Iranian oil tankers and the naval blockade of Iran, and warned other vessels of possible further attacks.
Reuters has confirmed that an exchange of fire took place, although the parties have given differing accounts of the outcome. Tehran claims that US ships sustained damage, but there is no independent confirmation of this.
CENTCOM has reported attacks on three tankers linked to the IRGC network
According to the US command, the vessels attacked were linked to the IRGC’s oil network. The tanker M/T Downy near Hark Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask, according to a statement CENTCOM, completely out of action.
The third vessel, the M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, was attacked after its crew were ordered to abandon ship. CENTCOM has released footage of the strike and the tanker’s sinking.
Commander of CENTCOM, Admiral Brad Cooper stated that further attacks on US forces would come at an «even higher economic cost» for Iran. Washington claims that the oil network’s revenues are being used to fund the IRGC and its allies in the region.
Israel has carried out strikes on southern Lebanon
On 6 September, Israel reported a series of strikes in southern Lebanon, describing them as a response to «Hezbollah» drone attacks on Israeli troops. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least four fatalities, including two women, and several people injured.
Prior to one of the strikes in the Arab Salim area, the Israeli army announced an evacuation near a building it described as a «Hezbollah» facility. The simultaneous escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and southern Lebanon is increasing the risks to shipping. Prior to the current conflict, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
