U.S. Military Conducts Airstrikes on Tankers Amid UAE-Iran Tensions
The U.S. military executed airstrikes on several empty tankers attempting to breach a blockade on Iran, as reported by a Fox News correspondent. This action coincided with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. The UAE Defense Ministry confirmed the interception of two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran, resulting in moderate injuries to three individuals. These events unfolded despite an existing ceasefire and followed exchanges of fire near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, criticized the U.S. for opting for military escalation over diplomacy, while Iran's Foreign Ministry claimed a robust military response to the attacks. Additionally, Iranian state television reported the seizure of the Barbados-flagged tanker OCEAN KOI by Iran's navy, alleging it attempted to disrupt Iran's oil exports.