The United States and Iran have exchanged retaliatory attacks on shipping, with each side claiming to have struck three vessels linked to the other, according to the BBC.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- The US says it hit three Iranian oil tankers.
- Iran says it targeted three US-linked ships.
- The exchange marks a fresh escalation in the conflict between the two countries.
- The developments were reported by the BBC.
The United States and Iran have traded retaliatory attacks on shipping, according to the BBC, in a sharp escalation of tensions between the two nations.
The US said it hit three Iranian oil tankers, the BBC reported. Iran, in turn, said it had targeted three US-linked ships.
The tit-for-tat strikes represent the latest flashpoint in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with each side claiming to have struck three vessels associated with the other.
The BBC’s report did not detail the locations of the vessels, the extent of any damage, or whether there were casualties in the reported attacks.
No further information about the timing of the exchanges or the responses of other governments was provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Attacks on oil tankers and commercial shipping risk disrupting global energy supplies and vital maritime trade routes. A cycle of retaliatory strikes between the US and Iran also raises the danger of a wider regional conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What happened between the US and Iran?
According to the BBC, the US said it hit three Iranian oil tankers, while Iran said it targeted three US-linked ships, in a series of retaliatory attacks.
How many ships were involved?
Each side claimed to have struck three vessels: the US said it hit three Iranian oil tankers, and Iran said it targeted three US-linked ships.
Were there any casualties?
The available reporting from the BBC did not provide information about casualties or the extent of any damage.
Timeline
- US and Iran trade retaliatory attacks on ships as conflict flares
BBC World: The US says it hit three Iranian oil tankers, while Iran says it targeted three US-linked ships.
- U.S. and Iran trade attacks on ships as fighting flares up again
NPR News: (Image credit: Vahid Salemi)