Tehran Threatens Escalation Against US Following Strikes on Iranian Tankers

The Islamic Republic of Iran warned on Saturday that it would escalate attacks on American warships if Washington continues its maritime blockade of Iranian ports and harassment of Iranian vessels. The threat follows an announcement by US Central Command (CENTCOM) that it had permanently disabled three oil tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in response to an attempt to strike two US warships. CENTCOM stated on X that the IRGC had launched ballistic missiles at two US naval vessels patrolling in territorial waters. Meanwhile, reports emerged of a fuel truck explosion in western Iran that killed ten people. While suspicions of US involvement persist, local officials attributed the incident to brake failure. US President Donald Trump emphasized that the US is closely monitoring Iran's activities and warned of potential strikes against the underground 'Mount Magoosh' facility. Trump characterized the events as a low-cost military confrontation rather than a full-scale war. Earlier, reports from Iran indicated explosions near Kharg Island, the country's primary oil terminal, which Iranian sources claimed resulted in no casualties.