Iran's Tasnim News Agency: US missile strike on Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island

Tehran, Aug 8 (KUNA) – The Iranian Tasnim News Agency announced Tuesday evening that U.S. forces targeted an Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island in southern Iran. The agency stated that “U.S. forces struck a small Iranian oil tanker with a missile four miles from Kharg Island.” Citing local sources, the agency reported that the incident resulted in no casualties and that the tanker’s crew is currently being evacuated. Meanwhile, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, warned that “any U.S. targeting of Iranian oil tankers will be met with a direct military response against U.S. interests and bases in the region.” Zolfaghari said that “the Iranian Armed Forces will respond forcefully to any attack on Iranian vessels,” emphasizing that “U.S. bases and interests in the region would become direct targets if such threats are carried out.” (End) M.W. / R.J.