West Asia Conflict / US Missiles Hit Iranian Oil Tanker near Kharg Island

Tehran, Sep 5: A US missile strike targeted an Iranian oil tanker approximately 10 kilometers off Kharg Island early Saturday morning, according to the semi‑official Tasnim news agency.

Local sources confirmed that four projectiles hit the vessel, but no casualties were reported as the crew evacuated safely. Iranian media had earlier reported explosions near Kharg Island, adding to tensions in the region.

The incident came a day after US President Donald Trump suggested further military action against Iran.

Also read: IRGC Strikes US Bases in Retaliation after Deadly Attacks in Iran

Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump said, “We may hit Pickaxe very soon,” referring to a fortified site near Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility where Washington claims Tehran has moved highly enriched uranium.

Trump attempted to downplay the confrontation, insisting it was not a war. “It’s a military conflict, but it’s very intermittent,” he said, while at other times describing it as a “war.”

He added: “I call it a military conflict because it’s small potatoes for us. It’s not a big thing. I would say that it’s intermittent. You know, we do intermittent strikes. There’s a lot of truth that we’re not fighting right now. There’s no fighting.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu escalated rhetoric against Tehran, declaring that regime change in Iran was now a central Israeli objective.

“I am convinced of our ability to remove this threat once and for all. That means toppling this regime,” Netanyahu told Israel’s military general staff in Tel Aviv. He added, “This is the central mission still ahead of us, but it is close. It is not impossible. It is within reach.”

Netanyahu claimed Iran’s leadership was “weaker than ever” and “fighting for its life,” warning adversaries: “Don’t mess with us.”

(IANS)