In response to recent U.S. military actions against Iranian oil tankers, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Saturday, September 5, that it had launched attacks on several vessels, some of which it claims are connected to the United States. The IRGC, a powerful branch of Iran's military responsible for both domestic security and external operations, stated that its actions were a retaliation for previous U.S. strikes targeting Iranian oil tankers in the region. The IRGC said it attacked three oil tankers that were traveling through unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. In addition, the group claimed to have targeted three other vessels it described as being affiliated with the United States, which it accused of "killing children in other sectors." This statement appears to reference past U.S. military operations in regions like Syria or Afghanistan, where civilian casualties have occurred. The IRGC issued a warning through its official Telegram channel, advising other vessels not to attempt to pass through unauthorized routes in the area. This message underscores the growing tension in the Gulf, where both the U.S. and Iran have accused each other of provocative actions that could escalate into broader conflict. The situation highlights the delicate balance of power in the Persian Gulf, where military actions by either side can have significant global implications. Both nations have been involved in a series of confrontations over the past few years, often involving naval patrols, drone attacks, and accusations of aggression.