TEHRAN: Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim news agency and an accompanying post on X said on Saturday that Iranian forces launched drone strikes against United States naval vessels in the Gulf of Oman in retaliation for an attack on an Iranian container ship, the Toska, en route from China to Iran. The claims have not been independently verified.
Tasnim published a report and an X post stating that Tehran carried out the strikes after what it described as “American terrorists” attacked the Toska, adding that the vessel had been targeted while sailing from China to Iran but provided no further details about the alleged damage to the ship, the nature of the attack on it, or any casualties. Tasnim did not provide photographic or video evidence that could be independently authenticated.
Iran Retaliates Against US Naval Aggression in Gulf of Oman
Iranian forces launched drone strikes on US military vessels in the Gulf of Oman after American terrorists attacked an Iranian container ship, the Toska, en route from China to Iran. pic.twitter.com/IeP8gaCP6b
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) April 20, 2026
A U.S. Navy spokesman reached via email declined immediate comment. There were no reports from U.S. Central Command or other U.S. defence outlets, as of publication, confirming any damage to U.S. vessels or a retaliatory strike in the Gulf of Oman.
The Gulf of Oman, which links the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, is a strategic chokepoint for global energy shipments and has been the site of periodic confrontations between Iran and Western naval forces in recent years. Incidents in the region in 2019 and subsequent years—including attacks on commercial vessels and seizures of ships—have heightened international concern about maritime security in the area.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Iranian state media often characterises hostile actions by the United States and its allies in strong terms by describing U.S. forces as “American terrorists.”
Middle East observers say that any confirmed strike on U.S. naval vessels would risk escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have remained high since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the reimposition of sanctions in 2018. Previous flare-ups have prompted diplomatic protests, increased naval patrols, and threats of reprisals from both sides.
International shipping firms and insurers monitor the Gulf of Oman closely for disruptions. Market reaction to prior maritime incidents has included increases in insurance premiums for tankers and elevated shipping costs, although no immediate market moves were reported in response to Tasnim’s claims.
