Tehran, September 6: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force on Saturday claimed that it had fired several ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer, alleging that the vessels were harassing Iranian ships and taking part in a naval blockade.
In a statement carried by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said the two warships were targeted amid continued US actions against Iranian shipping. It further claimed that both vessels left the area after sustaining damage and fearing another attack.
The statement came amid tensions between Tehran and Washington following reported US strikes on Iranian oil tankers and subsequent Iranian attacks involving US-linked vessels.
Earlier, the IRGC Navy said it had targeted three oil tankers travelling through what it described as an unauthorised route in the Strait of Hormuz, along with three US-affiliated vessels in other areas. The force said the action followed US strikes on three Iranian oil tankers.
The IRGC Navy also warned vessels operating around the Strait of Hormuz against using what it called unauthorised waterways, saying that suspicious movements through such routes could lead to further attacks.
The IRGC Aerospace Force warned that continued US actions against Iranian shipping would lead to further responses from Iran’s armed forces.
The claims followed a statement by US Central Command (CENTCOM), which said its forces had struck three Iranian crude oil carriers on September 5 after Iranian ballistic missile attacks against two US Navy warships patrolling regional waters.
According to CENTCOM, the US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded multiple attacks, and no American personnel were injured. CENTCOM also said US forces had permanently disabled the crude oil carriers M/T Downy off Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask.
It further said the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was directed to abandon the vessel.
The statements from the two sides could not be independently verified.