Iran touts military response as US maintains blockade, hits tankers
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Iran vows a forceful response following US military strikes on Iranian oil tankers. The IRGC claims to have retaliated by targeting US warships, while the US maintains that its forces successfully evaded the attacks.
Why it matters
The conflict threatens global energy security, as the Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint for oil and gas transit.
Tehran says the time for proportionate retaliation is over after a US strike on Iranian tankers inside the blockade line.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Screengrab from CENTCOM handout video is said to show strike on Iran-linked oil tanker Kylo [CENTCOMscreengrab/AFP] By Maziar Motamedi Published On 6 Sep 2026 6 Sep 2026 Tehran, Iran – The United States continues to rely on a mix of military force and economic sanctions against Iran, which has so far only prompted authorities in Tehran to consider more forceful responses.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) released video on Saturday showing three Iranian crude oil tankers being hit – one off Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, another near Jask and a third in the Gulf of Oman. Two were “permanently disabled”, while a third sank after extensive bombing, CENTCOM said.
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