International Desk

The United States has carried out strikes on two oil tankers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), targeting the vessels during US military operations in Iran’s coastal areas on Tuesday night.

US media outlet Axios reported on Wednesday (September 2) that this was the first time the United States had directly attacked Iranian vessels since the war began. Previously, Washington had obstructed the movement of Iranian oil tankers, but had not directly attacked them.

A US official told Axios that President Donald Trump had approved a “tanker-for-tanker” policy. Under the policy, if Iran attacks an oil tanker, the United States would retaliate by targeting an Iranian tanker.

At the time of the strikes, the two tankers were positioned north of the US naval blockade off Iran’s coast. Drones and missiles were used to target the vessels. The attacks reportedly damaged their engine rooms.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was carried out in retaliation for attacks by Iran in recent days targeting oil tankers and US troops.

Meanwhile, sources said the United States has drawn up a major military plan to prevent Iran from rebuilding its radar and missile capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes on the tankers are also being viewed as part of that broader plan.

A US official further said that Iran carried out around 100 attacks on Tuesday night.