Iran Launches Retaliatory Strike, Destroys US Tanker in the Persian Gulf
Tehran | March 5, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
Iran has claimed that it carried out a retaliatory attack on a US tanker in the northern part of the Persian Gulf amid escalating tensions in the region.
According to Iranian state television, naval forces targeted the tanker with a missile earlier today. The report said the vessel was hit in the northern Persian Gulf and a fire reportedly broke out on board.
Iran said the attack was carried out in response to the destruction of one of its warships by the United States earlier.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claimed that it has “full control” over the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway that connects the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean.
However, international media outlets, including the BBC, have not yet independently confirmed Iran’s claims about the incident.
Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was attacked in the northern Persian Gulf near the coast of Kuwait on Thursday morning.
According to UKMTO, the captain of an anchored tanker reported hearing a loud explosion on the left side of the ship. Shortly after the blast, a small boat was seen moving away from the area.
The organization also said oil was leaking into the water from one of the cargo tanks, raising concerns about possible environmental damage.
Officials further reported that water had entered the damaged vessel, but there were no reports of fire and the crew members were safe.
So far, the United States has not confirmed or denied the incident. Iran is expected to release more details soon.
