Iranian military claims missile strike on "US-owned" oil tanker off Kuwaiti coast

Iran's armed forces claim to have set a US-owned oil tanker on fire off the coast of Kuwait as the regional conflict intensifies.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 8:22 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from APA

Operational Command and Strategic Claims

The announcement was issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the body that assumes operational command of Iran's armed forces during wartime. According to reports from Al Jazeera and Iranian state radio, the military specifically identified the target as an American-owned vessel. This strike is part of a broader retaliatory campaign following the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive that began in late February. Iranian officials stated that the ship was struck in the "north of the Persian Gulf" and is currently ablaze.

Escalation of Maritime Hostilities

The attack follows a week of intense naval warfare in the region. Just two days prior, on March 4, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was torpedoed and sunk by a U.S. submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka. In response, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders warned that they would target American and Israeli interests wherever they are found. The Iranian military also reiterated its claim of "full control" over the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that any vessel coming to the rescue of targeted American ships would be denied passage or engaged.

Impact on Kuwait and Regional Security

While Kuwait has sought to maintain neutrality during the conflict, it has increasingly become a theater for hostilities. Kuwaiti air defenses were reportedly active on Friday, dealing with multiple missile and drone threats that penetrated its airspace. Earlier in the week, Iran claimed to have disabled the Ali Al-Salem naval facility and destroyed other maritime infrastructure in Kuwait. These strikes have caused significant concern for global energy markets, as the Persian Gulf remains a vital transit route for nearly 20% of the world's oil and gas supply.