Susanna Riva The waters of the Persian Gulf are once again at the center of a conflict between the United States and Iran. The latest attacks have involved oil tankers and naval vessels, with consequences that could have global repercussions. Statements from the parties involved and intelligence analyses add further complexity to an already delicate situation.
The conflict appears to have entered an escalating phase, with mutual attacks involving both naval vessels and oil tankers.
Statements by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Central Command chief Brad Cooper underline the United States' determination to defend its forces and respond to Iranian attacks.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards Attacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they attacked two U.S. ships, eight oil tankers and 10 other vessels in response to U.S. attacks on five Iranian oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.
According to a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps navy targeted US ships and oil tankers, inflicting considerable damage.
Pete Hegseth's statements
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post on X that if Iran fires at US ships, the United States will destroy and sink Iranian oil tankers.
Hegseth stressed that Iran's tanker fleet is defenseless and that the United States can strike all of them with its aircraft, ships, and submarines.
The United States' responses
The United States struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to ballistic missile attacks on two US warships. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the tankers were part of a covert network helping to finance the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and its armed proxies in the region. One of the tankers was permanently disabled, while the third, which was not carrying cargo, was destroyed.
Brad Cooper's statements
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, said they will not hesitate to defend American forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran's oil fleet. Cooper emphasized that Iranian oil tankers are limited and exposed, making them an easy target for U.S. forces.
The economic and political consequences
Tensions in the Persian Gulf are also having a significant economic impact. The Iranian currency has hit a new all-time low, with the US dollar surpassing 2,27 million rials on the open market. This currency collapse reflects the economic pressures Iran is facing due to sanctions and the ongoing conflict.
On the political front, U.S. intelligence believes Iran is determined to prolong the conflict for months, aiming to frustrate the United States and influence the midterm elections in November. Iran appears content with the opportunity to exacerbate Donald Trump 's political problems , using the conflict as leverage for its own ends.
Tensions in the Persian Gulf continue to be a critical point for regional and global stability. Statements from the parties involved and intelligence analyses suggest that the conflict could be protracted, with unpredictable consequences for the region and the world as a whole.