US officials tell Fox News military struck Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island and Jask

The United States has escalated its kinetic campaign against Iranian strategic infrastructure, with senior officials confirming targeted strikes on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. According to reports from Fox News and regional analysts, the operations focused on vessels near Kharg Island—a primary terminal for Iranian crude exports—and the port of Jask, situated outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Sequence of Events

The first indications of the operation emerged around 21:50 Jerusalem time, with reports of explosions heard near Kharg Island. Shortly thereafter, the Iranian news agency Mehr acknowledged the sounds of blasts, while local channels identified the targets as Iranian oil tankers. By 22:15, reports indicated that at least two tankers were hit off Kharg Island, with a third vessel struck near Jask.

U.S. officials subsequently confirmed to Fox News that the American military was responsible for the strikes. This development aligns with recent American warnings regarding Iranian maritime aggression and threats to international shipping lanes.

Strategic Context

As The Zioneer reported earlier today, this action marks a significant expansion of the ongoing campaign against the Islamic Republic's energy and military infrastructure. Kharg Island is a critical node in Iran's economy, handling the vast majority of its oil exports. Targeting tankers in this vicinity, as well as near Jask, suggests a deliberate strategy to degrade Iran's ability to fund its regional proxies and conduct naval operations.

This is not the first time U.S. forces have targeted Iranian assets in these waters. Previous operations, such as the strike on the STARK I and IRGC missile launchers on Larak Island, established a pattern of "tanker for tanker" retaliation. The current strikes appear to be a continuation of this policy, aimed at establishing deterrence in the face of persistent Iranian threats.

Outlook and Risks

The situation remains developing, with regional observers anticipating a potential Iranian response. Iranian-linked channels have already begun framing the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, and past incidents suggest that the IRGC may attempt to target American assets or international commercial vessels in the coming hours. The Zioneer will continue to follow official updates as the full extent of the damage and the nature of the American operation are clarified.