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Iran touts military response as US maintains blockade, hits tankers
Al Jazeera • • nation
Key Points:
- The US Central Command reported disabling three Iranian crude oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Iran's key export hubs, intensifying tensions in the region.
- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by attacking US naval vessels and a drone in the Strait of Hormuz, warning the US to cease its regional actions.
- Iranian officials claim significant blows to US bases and warn that future attacks will provoke stronger retaliations, signaling an escalation in hostilities.
- The US-imposed naval blockade and sanctions have severely reduced Middle Eastern crude oil exports, with Iran's exports effectively halted, although some oil is sold via floating storage to China.
- Iran has established an "economic war headquarters" to address the economic impact of sanctions and blockade, while experts note limited alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz for oil transport.
