An Iranian oil tanker was struck by U.S. missiles on Saturday near Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub in the Gulf, according to multiple Iranian media reports.
Tasnim reported that four U.S. missiles hit the tanker in the area of the island’s anchorage, while other Iranian outlets described the vessel as a small tanker.
Local sources cited by Tasnim said there were no casualties and the crew was being evacuated.
Iranian authorities had not immediately issued an official announcement, while U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment reported by Reuters.
Kharg Island is central to Iran’s oil export system, with the Iranian hub handling about 90 percent or more of the country’s crude exports before the war.
Iran is the third-largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, but its oil flows have been disrupted since a U.S. blockade of Iranian exports began in mid-April.
The blockade was imposed on Iranian ports after Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil supplies before the war.
A U.S. attack around Kharg Island could add further pressure to Iran’s oil industry and broader economy as the blockade continues.
President Donald Trump has previously raised the prospect of U.S. military action involving Kharg Island.
On August 31, Trump posted an AI-generated video alongside a one-line social media message saying the island was being "blown to smithereens".
Iranian authorities have vowed a strong response if Kharg Island is attacked.
Trump had also said on June 11 that he wanted to take over the island, before saying a threatened U.S. military operation there was off the table for the time being.
Washington and Tehran subsequently reached agreements in June aimed at addressing the war and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, although implementation of the navigation arrangement has stalled amid disagreements over security.
The reported tanker strike comes amid continuing regional tensions following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28 and Iranian missile and drone strikes against Israel and U.S. interests.