The United States has reportedly struck and disabled two Iranian tankers in a fresh escalation of tensions in the Gulf, even as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a full-scale breakdown of a fragile ceasefire.
According to US Central Command, an F/A-18 Super Hornet carried out precision strikes on the vessels to stop them from proceeding toward Iran. The incident reportedly occurred around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Iranian state-linked media, however, claimed there were “sporadic clashes” between US forces and Iranian naval units in the same area, raising further questions about the stability of the ceasefire agreement reached earlier in the conflict.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was expecting a response from Tehran on a proposed peace deal aimed at ending weeks of fighting in the Gulf region. He added that Iran must not be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz, though he expressed hope that negotiations would continue.
“We’re expecting a response from them today at some point… I hope it’s a serious offer,” Rubio said.
The latest confrontation reportedly followed overnight exchanges of fire, with both sides accusing each other of provocation. The US claimed Iranian forces targeted American warships, while Iran insisted US vessels struck an Iranian tanker first.
Iran’s military denied wrongdoing and accused Washington of violating international law and breaching the ceasefire, while insisting its forces responded decisively.
Meanwhile, regional allies have reportedly distanced themselves from direct involvement. Saudi Arabia, according to diplomatic sources, declined to support US military use of its bases for operations in the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns about further escalation.
The renewed tensions have triggered volatility in global markets, with oil prices reacting to fears that the conflict could disrupt one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
Despite the clashes, both Washington and Tehran have signaled that diplomatic channels remain open, though the situation remains highly unstable.
