Tensions in the Middle East escalated again after a US military jet reportedly fired on two Iranian oil tankers heading toward Iran, amid renewed clashes in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to American officials, the tankers were empty and targeted as part of Washington’s ongoing blockade enforcement operations against Iran. The US military claimed Iran launched an “unprovoked attack” on three American destroyers on Thursday, prompting retaliatory strikes against Iranian launch sites.
Iran, however, rejected the US version of events and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire first by targeting what Tehran described as “civilian areas.”
Fresh reports from Iranian media also suggest new military confrontations have erupted near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Despite the renewed violence, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is still expecting a possible Iranian peace proposal later today, expressing hope for a “serious offer” to end the conflict.
Rubio also warned that reports of Iran planning to impose future shipping charges in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered “unacceptable” by the United States.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates claimed it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones following new regional strikes, signaling that tensions may be spreading beyond the US-Iran confrontation.