The United States military struck two Iranian government-owned tankers off the coast of Iran on Tuesday, according to reports from Axios and Arrahmah.id citing unnamed U.S. officials, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing maritime conflict. The operation forms part of a newly approved “tanker for tanker” deterrence policy greenlit by President Donald Trump to counter attacks on commercial shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Implements New Tanker-for-Tanker Deterrence Policy
According to Axios, the strikes against the two Iranian vessels represent the first time Washington has targeted Tehran’s tankers as retaliation for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, rather than as enforcement of the ongoing U.S. naval blockade. U.S. drone units deployed missiles that struck the engine rooms of both targeted tankers, which were anchored north of the U.S. naval blockade line.
Did you know? The Strait of Hormuz handles a massive share of global oil and gas supplies, making the narrow waterway a central chokepoint and primary flashpoint in the current conflict.
Broad Airstrikes Target IRGC Infrastructure
U.S. forces struck approximately 100 targets across Iran on Tuesday, according to official disclosures reported by Axios and Arrahmah.id. The widespread bombardment hit air defense sites, radar systems, communication facilities, mine-laying assets, anti-ship cruise missile launchers, and attack drone launchers operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the latest wave of strikes targeted IRGC units threatening commercial navigation. An official cited by Axios noted that the sustained campaign degrades Iranian capabilities and buys at least one month of reduced threat levels for commercial vessels transiting the region.
Iranian Retaliation and Regional Strikes
Tehran responded to the American campaign by launching roughly 25 ballistic missiles, though U.S. officials reported to Arrahmah.id that only about half reached Jordanian airspace. Ten of those missiles were intercepted, while three landed without causing casualties. Iranian forces also launched roughly two dozen drones at U.S. bases in Bahrain, along with ballistic missiles and drones targeting facilities in Kuwait and Erbil, Iraq.
Meanwhile, state media in Iran reported that a U.S. strike hit a wedding celebration in Kuhestak, killing at least four people and injuring dozens. Tim Hawkins stated that military forces are aware of the reports from Iranian state media, emphasizing that the U.S. military does not target civilians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the U.S. target Iranian oil tankers?
The U.S. targeted two government-owned tankers under a new “tanker for tanker” policy approved by President Trump to retaliate against Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
How many targets did the U.S. military strike in Iran?
U.S. forces struck approximately 100 targets on Tuesday, including IRGC air defenses, radar systems, communication hubs, and missile launchers, according to officials cited by Axios and Arrahmah.id.
How did Iran respond to the U.S. airstrikes?
Iran launched approximately 25 ballistic missiles and multiple drones toward U.S. bases and regional airspace in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, with air defenses intercepting a significant portion of the incoming projectiles.
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