Tehran/Washington: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Iran that the United States will destroy and sink Iranian oil tankers if Tehran attacks US Navy ships, as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it launched ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer.

The developments came amid a sharp escalation between Washington and Tehran following US strikes on three Iranian oil tankers and Iran's subsequent claims of retaliatory attacks on US-linked vessels and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Hegseth's warning to Iran

Hegseth issued the warning on Saturday night after the US military said it had struck three Iranian crude oil carriers.

“It’s simple: if Iran shoots at U.S. ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers,” Hegseth said in a post on X.

“All they have to do is not shoot at @USNavy,” he added.

Hegseth also said Iran's oil tanker fleet was defenseless, claiming that US aircraft, ships and submarines could strike the vessels.

Iran claims missile attack on US warships

The IRGC Aerospace Force subsequently claimed that it fired several ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer.

In a statement carried by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC alleged that the two US warships had been harassing Iranian ships and participating in a naval blockade against Iran.

The Iranian force further claimed that both warships sustained damage and were forced to leave the conflict area after fearing another attack.

The claim has not been independently confirmed in the material provided.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), however, the US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple “unprovoked Iranian attacks”, and no American personnel were harmed.
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US strikes three Iranian oil carriers

The confrontation followed US strikes on three Iranian crude oil carriers on September 5.

CENTCOM said its forces struck the vessels following what it described as Iranian ballistic missile attacks against two US Navy warships patrolling regional waters.

CENTCOM said US forces permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask.

It also said the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as Noxen, was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was directed to abandon the vessel.
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Iran claims retaliatory attacks

Following the US strikes, the IRGC Navy said it had targeted three oil tankers travelling through what it called an “unauthorised route” in the Strait of Hormuz.

It also claimed to have targeted three vessels affiliated with the United States in other areas.

The IRGC Navy warned vessels operating around the Strait against using what it described as unauthorised waterways and said suspicious movements could result in them being targeted.

The Iranian force said the action was in response to the US strikes on three Iranian oil tankers.
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Tehran warns of ‘fierce responses’

The IRGC Aerospace Force also warned Washington against continuing what Iran described as hostile actions against its shipping.

“If the hostile and aggressive actions continue, the US regime must expect fierce responses from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it said.

The latest exchange has brought Iranian oil shipping, US Navy vessels and the Strait of Hormuz into the centre of the escalating confrontation.

(With ANI inputs)