- Iranian State Media Says Two Crew Members Killed in Suspected Naval Blockade Enforcement
TEHRAN: The United States has reportedly attacked a tanker in the Gulf of Oman on suspicion that it was transporting Iranian liquefied natural gas (LNG), killing two crew members, according to Iran’s state broadcaster, which cited an informed source.
The report said the US military fired two projectiles at the vessel while it was transiting the Gulf of Oman. The tanker was allegedly targeted on suspicion of violating the US-imposed naval blockade on Iran by carrying Iranian LNG, the source claimed.
Iranian state media further reported that the strike resulted in the deaths of two crew members. No independent confirmation of the incident has been provided, and US authorities had not publicly commented on the reported attack at the time of filing.
Regional Tensions Continue to Escalate
The reported strike comes amid heightened military confrontation between Washington and Tehran, following a series of retaliatory actions that have significantly increased tensions across the Middle East.
The latest phase of the crisis began on July 8, when the United States launched strikes against Iran, marking the first direct military action since Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding. US officials said the operation was carried out in response to an alleged Iranian attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
On the same day, US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire with Iran had ended.
Retaliatory Strikes and Naval Blockade
In response, Iran launched attacks on US military facilities and interests across the region, including locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, further intensifying regional instability.
On July 14, the United States reinstated its naval blockade on Iran, aiming to restrict the country’s maritime trade and energy exports. The reported tanker strike in the Gulf of Oman marks the latest incident in the rapidly escalating confrontation between the two countries.
BY: The Times Union
