Iranian media reported that two Iranian oil tankers were reportedly attacked by the US military on Tuesday (September 8) near Kharg Island and Jask. American officials confirmed to the media that the US military launched attacks on Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday.
According to Tasnim News Agency related to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), on Tuesday, a small Iranian oil tanker was hit by US missiles in waters about four miles from Kharg Island. The report stated that there have been no reports of casualties yet, and the crew is being evacuated.
The tanker was reportedly attacked while anchored near Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports. The extent of the damage is still unclear. Tasnim News Agency mentioned that Iranian authorities are investigating the incident and will release more details.
Iran’s state-run television reported that another Iranian oil tanker was attacked near the Yakboni coast in Jask, southern Iran. After the attack, the crew on the tanker was safely evacuated.
A reporter from the scene heard an explosion, but the source and location of the explosion are still unknown. According to Iranian state television, after the attack, the crew on the tanker was immediately evacuated to safety.
A US official told Fox News that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted airstrikes on targets near Kharg Island and Jask in Iran on Tuesday, including Iranian oil tankers.
The official stated that Tuesday’s airstrikes were part of the US’s increased economic pressure on Iran, targeting Iranian oil tankers that the US military seeks to sink or disable.
Iran’s economy heavily relies on oil exports. The official added, “These airstrikes on Iranian oil tankers are part of the pressure campaign.”
Reports from Mehr News Agency stated that explosions were heard near Kharg Island. Fars News Agency reported explosions in Jask as well.
According to i24NEWS, a US official revealed that the US military launched attacks on Iranian oil tankers.
US Central Command has not publicly confirmed this latest attack.