Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it intercepted one of four “unauthorized” oil tankers that were attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz at around 01:30 local time on June 6. According to the IRGC, the other three vessels turned back after receiving warnings.
The IRGC also claimed that a U.S. drone struck a communications facility on Qeshm Island and Sirik port at about 02:00 local time.
In response, the IRGC said its Aerospace Force launched ballistic missiles targeting a U.S. air base in Kuwait and key U.S. Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain.
The group warned that if similar actions continue, “limited responses will no longer suffice” and the opposing side could face a complete interruption of oil and gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohsen Rezaee, a military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, told CNN that if the conflict continues and the U.S. maintains its maritime blockade, the war could expand into the Indian Ocean. He warned that Iran would target additional U.S. military bases and said such actions could cause heavy losses for the United States.
Separately, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz and neighboring Gulf countries on June 5.
CENTCOM said Iran fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain after U.S. forces had earlier shot down four Iranian one way attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military said six missiles were intercepted and the seventh failed to reach its target. U.S. officials reported no casualties and rejected Iranian claims that U.S. Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain were damaged. CENTCOM added that U.S. forces remain prepared to respond to further Iranian actions in self defense.
Trump Says U.S. Will Quickly Exit Iran Conflict
Trump said the U.S. will “quickly disentangle” itself from the Iran conflict, arguing that a de-escalation would remove a major factor behind higher energy and fertilizer prices. He predicted fertilizer costs could fall back to levels seen four months ago.
Speaking to NBC, Trump said Iran’s leaders have not yet agreed to end the fighting but claimed they would eventually have “no choice” but to reach a deal. He also said the U.S. had “completely destroyed” Iran’s military capability, while acknowledging Iran still retains about 21-22% of its missile arsenal and some drones.
Trump’s comments come as rising oil prices and higher living costs linked to the conflict have become a growing political issue in the U.S., with some Republicans urging a stronger focus on domestic economic concerns ahead of the midterm elections.
