US forces disabled two Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after overnight exchanges of fire with Iranian forces, as tensions continued to rise despite a fragile month-old ceasefire.
The US military said Friday the tankers were attempting to breach an American blockade of Iranian ports. Earlier, Washington said it had thwarted attacks on three US Navy ships and struck Iranian military facilities in the strategic waterway. No American ships were hit.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said three people were wounded after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeted the country. It remained unclear whether all projectiles were intercepted.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was awaiting “a serious offer” from Tehran regarding a deal to end the conflict, reopen the strait and curb Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran condemned the US actions as “hostile” and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US was choosing “reckless military adventure” over diplomacy.
Iran has largely blocked the vital shipping route since the war began on February 28, disrupting global energy supplies and increasing fuel prices worldwide. Satellite images also showed a large oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island export terminal.