West Asia Tensions Escalate as Iran Retaliates Against US Attack on Iranian Oil Tankers

Washington/ Tehran: Tensions in West Asia have escalated sharply, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announcing attacks on six vessels — three oil tankers using an alternative waterway through the Strait of Hormuz and three others with US links.

Iran's Foreign Ministry accused the United States of committing a war crime after US forces attacked three Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island, warning that further attacks on US naval vessels would follow if the naval blockade continues.

The US strike on Iran's oil tankers came after Iran launched missile attacks on two American warships. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth responded by saying the United States has the capability to destroy all of Iran's oil tankers.

Mediation efforts by various countries to resolve the conflict are continuing. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Al Jazeera reporting that the two discussed the latest peace talks with the US and issues still pending resolution. Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon are also continuing.