Tehran : The Iran-US conflict escalated sharply on Sunday as Tehran claimed to have struck a US unmanned vessel attempting to enter the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a claim Washington had not immediately confirmed. The development came a day after US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers, saying the action was retaliation for Iranian ballistic-missile attacks on two US Navy vessels. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard subsequently claimed attacks on three US-linked vessels and three tankers using what it described as unauthorised routes through the strait.
The latest exchanges mark a dangerous expansion of the conflict into maritime warfare around one of the world’s most vital energy chokepoints. Shipping has already been disrupted, while rising tensions are pushing up global oil prices. Both sides have warned of tougher retaliation, raising fears of further escalation.