By Euronews Persian
Published on •Updated
Iranian media outlets reported that an Iranian oil tanker was struck by US forces near Kharg Island on Saturday morning, close to the Strait of Hormuz.
Multiple explosions were heard and the tanker is being evacuated, with no casualties reported so far, according to the same initial reports.
There has as yet been no comment from US or Iranian officials.
It comes a day after Tehran reportedly launched anti-ship missiles against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media did not provide details as to the targets nor any damage inflicted in the alleged attacks.
Conflict between the two nations resumed last Sunday after US forces carried out strikes on Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait, a strategic energy transit chokepoint that has been at the centre of negotiations between Washington and Tehran since the Iran war began in late February.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had taken “limited, precise action” against Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps minelaying forces, which it said had posed an “imminent threat” in the waterway.
The IRGC confirmed strikes had hit Larak Island and vowed to retaliate, later launching its own attacks on US bases across the Middle East.
CENTCOM forces carried out another wave of strikes on Tuesday, targeting what it said were IRGC air defense sites, mine laying capabilities, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, and communications sites.
It said the move was in response to “recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.”