Iran says it attacked a US naval vessel after it spotted an Iranian tanker | US-Israel War on Iran News

The US military said the attack was in response to a “non-threatening” Iran, stressing that it does not want to escalate.

The Iranian military said it retaliated against US naval vessels after the US military targeted an oil tanker in Iranian waters, a major escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The Iranian headquarters in Khatam al-Anbiya Central added on Thursday that the US had also violated the ceasefire by carrying out aerial attacks on civilian areas, including Qeshm Island, “in coordination with other local countries”, without identifying them.

“American soldiers, terrorists and pirates, in violation of the ceasefire, attacked an Iranian oil tanker,” he said.

The statement also said that Iran’s response to the “massive destruction” of the US fleet.

“Terrorist and tyrannical Americans and the countries that support them should know that the Islamic Republic of Iran, as strongly as in the past, will give a serious response to any aggression without the slightest hesitation,” the Iranian military said.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iran’s military had used “various types of naval and high-explosive warheads” in response to US violations.

But the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said it “recognized the terrorist attack in Iran” and responded with a “defensive strike”.

“No US assets were affected,” it said.

CENTCOM added that it “does not intend to escalate but remains ready to protect American forces”.

The clashes represent the first response by the Iranian military to the US blockade of the country’s ports. In recent weeks, the US military has seized several Iranian ships and ordered many more to turn around.

The naval blockade has been at the forefront of Trump’s pressure campaign against Iran since the ceasefire began last month.

Several sources affiliated with the Iranian government reported that explosions were heard at the ports of Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and the southern coastal city. of Minab.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency also reported that three US Navy destroyers were damaged by Iranian fire and fled to the Gulf of Oman.

The fighting comes amid reports that Washington and Tehran are in talks to end the conflict.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump ordered an end to Iran’s blockade of Hormuz, which sparked tensions that prompted a ceasefire. to the edge.

On Monday, the US said it shot down seven Iranian drones, and Iran renewed its drone and missile attacks against the United Arab Emirates.