Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles at US Warships, Threatens Severe Response Over Shipping Dispute

Iran has claimed that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched several ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a US Navy destroyer, marking a sharp escalation in the confrontation between Tehran and Washington in waters near Iran.

According to Al Jazeera, the IRGC said the two American warships were targeted for allegedly “harassing Iranian ships and participating in a naval blockade.”

The Iranian force claimed the missile strikes damaged both vessels and forced them to leave the area. Tasnim news agency, cited by Al Jazeera, reported the IRGC as saying the ships fled the conflict zone after sustaining damage and fearing further attacks.

The claims came amid a wider escalation involving military and commercial vessels in the region, following US strikes on Iranian oil tankers.

IRGC THREATENS STRONGER RESPONSE

The IRGC also referred to comments attributed to US Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper, who had warned that Washington would impose a greater economic cost if American vessels were attacked.

Using the warning to reinforce its own threat, the IRGC said any continued US military action against Iranian shipping would trigger a stronger response.

“If the United States continues its hostile and aggressive actions, the US regime should expect a significant response from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We are stronger than ever,” the IRGC said, according to Al Jazeera.

IRAN TARGETS SHIPPING AFTER US STRIKES

Iran’s latest claims followed US strikes against three Iranian oil tankers. The US military said its forces attacked the vessels after American Navy ships came under ballistic-missile fire.

Reuters reported that Iran later said it had targeted three tankers travelling through the Strait of Hormuz on what Tehran described as unauthorised routes. Iran also claimed to have targeted three other vessels it alleged were linked to the United States.

The confrontation has further heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. Iranian military officials have warned that attacks on US warships could intensify if Washington continues what Tehran describes as interference with Iranian shipping.

US SAYS WARSHIPS EVADED ATTACKS

Washington has disputed Iran’s account of the confrontation. The US military said an American aircraft carrier and a destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks while operating in the region.

The Associated Press reported that US officials said no American personnel were injured during the exchange. The United States subsequently said three Iranian oil carriers had been disabled or destroyed.

Admiral Cooper also warned that Washington would defend its forces and, if necessary, target Iran’s exposed oil fleet, adding another layer of risk to an already volatile confrontation in the region.