TEHRAN: An Iranian oil tanker near the strategically important Kharg Island was struck by four US missiles on Saturday, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, as fighting between Tehran and Washington continued to threaten energy infrastructure in the Gulf.
No casualties were reported and the vessel’s crew was being evacuated following the attack, according to the Iranian report. There was no immediate official confirmation from Iranian authorities or the US Central Command.
Kharg Island is one of Iran’s most important oil-export facilities and has historically handled the overwhelming majority of the country’s crude shipments.
The reported strike comes amid renewed US attacks on Iranian targets and retaliatory Iranian operations against American military facilities and regional allies.
Iran’s energy industry is already under severe pressure from the conflict and a US blockade targeting its oil exports. Further disruption around Kharg could deepen the economic impact on Tehran and increase concerns over Gulf energy supplies.
US President Donald Trump had recently referred publicly to attacks on Kharg Island, while the island has repeatedly featured in discussions over possible US military action against Iran.
Neither side had immediately provided a detailed account of Saturday’s reported tanker strike, and the circumstances surrounding the attack could not be independently verified.