Iran Targets US Warships, Then Calls US Retaliation a ‘War Crime’

05/09/2026

Iran Targets US Warships, Then Calls US Retaliation a ‘War Crime’

TEHRAN, Sep 5: Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned US attacks on Iranian oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as a “war crime”, warning that Washington and its allies would face consequences if military actions against Iran continue.

In a statement, the ministry accused the United States of waging an ongoing military campaign against Iran, including what it described as a naval blockade and economic warfare. Tehran said the attacks violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and posed a serious threat to international peace and the security of commercial navigation.

Iran said it would defend its sovereignty and national interests against what it called US “state terrorism” and aggression, including attacks on commercial shipping. The ministry warned that the US and its allies would bear responsibility for the consequences of any further military action in the region.

Earlier, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers on Sept. 5, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships patrolling regional waters.

A U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. No American personnel were harmed. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said “Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost —taking out three of yours. We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”