Iran Claims Missile Strike On U.S. Oil Tanker In Persian Gulf, Says Vessel Is On Fire

us tanker — Image for representation purposes only

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday that it struck a U.S. oil tanker with a missile in the northern Persian Gulf, claiming the vessel caught fire.

However, the incident has not been confirmed by the United States or other authorities.

According to a statement released by the IRGC and reported by Iranian state media, the tanker was hit by a missile early Thursday in the northern Persian Gulf.

Iranian officials said the ship caught fire after the strike. However, they did not reveal the tanker’s name, cargo details, ownership, or the number of crew members onboard.

So far, there has been no confirmation of the alleged attack from the U.S. government, shipping authorities, or independent maritime monitoring agencies.

The claim came after the sinking of the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

According to Iranian officials, a U.S. submarine torpedoed the warship in international waters roughly 2,000 miles from Iran’s coastline.

The frigate had earlier participated in a multinational naval exercise and international fleet review hosted by India in Visakhapatnam.

Iranian authorities said the attack killed 87 sailors, while 32 crew members were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy. Several sailors remain missing.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the incident and warned that the United States would “bitterly regret” the precedent set by attacking an Iranian warship far from its shores.

Following the alleged tanker strike, the IRGC issued a warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for oil shipments.

Iran said that during wartime, passage through the strait would be controlled by the Islamic Republic. The statement also warned that vessels linked to the United States, Israel, or European countries supporting them would not be allowed to pass through the strategic waterway.

Iranian officials also claimed that the strait would remain open only for ships from China and Russia.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through the narrow corridor, making any threat to navigation a major concern for global energy markets.

Iranian military commander General Kioumars Heydari told state television that Tehran had decided to confront U.S. forces wherever they are present. He also stated that Iran was prepared for a prolonged conflict and would not resume negotiations with Washington.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States was performing well in the ongoing conflict.

Israel’s defence ministry also said U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Israeli officials of continued American support.

Maritime experts say the situation could affect global shipping if tensions around the Strait of Hormuz increase.

A large share of global crude oil exports from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq passes through the strait. Any disruption could raise shipping risks, insurance costs, and impact global oil supply.

References: Reuters, Hindustan Times

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