TEHRAN: An Iranian oil tanker was reportedly hit by four US missiles near Kharg Island, Iran’s key crude export hub in the Gulf, on Saturday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
A Tasnim correspondent reporting from Kharg said the tanker came under attack at the island’s anchorage. Iranian authorities had not issued an immediate official statement, while the US Central Command had yet to comment on the report.
The reported strike comes days after US President Donald Trump warned that Kharg Island could face further attacks. On August 31, Trump posted a short message on social media alongside an AI-generated video, saying the island was being “blown to smithereens”.
Iranian officials have previously warned that any attack on Kharg Island would trigger a strong response.
Kharg Island Key to Iran’s Oil Exports
Kharg Island plays a central role in Iran’s oil industry. Iran, the third-largest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), previously shipped around 90% of its crude exports through the island.
Oil flows have declined since the United States began a blockade of Iranian oil exports in mid-April as part of the ongoing conflict.
Iranian state media also reported a strike near the island’s fuel and oil facilities. The reports indicated that an oil tanker may have been the target, although they said no smoke was visible from the area.
Neither the US nor Iranian governments had publicly confirmed the reported tanker strike at the time of publication.
Fighting Enters Seventh Month
The latest report comes amid renewed US attacks on Iranian targets following a temporary lull in fighting.
The United States resumed strikes against Iranian targets last Sunday, according to reports, as the conflict entered its seventh month.
The reported attack near Kharg Island could further raise tensions around one of Iran’s most important energy facilities and increase concerns about disruptions to global oil supplies.
For now, details about the tanker, the extent of any damage and possible casualties remain unclear.
