Recent undisclosed attacks by Iran on U.S. Navy ships indicate a significant escalation in its military tactics. According to U.S. officials, Iran has fired an unspecified number of ballistic missiles at a U.S. aircraft carrier, Navy destroyers, and a Marine vessel since September 4. These attacks included attempts by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force on September 5 and two ballistic missile launches targeting a U.S. Navy warship in the subsequent days, with some incidents described as "close calls." The motivation behind these actions appears to be an attempt to degrade the U.S.'s willingness and ability to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
U.S. officials warned on September 8 that Iran may be employing "more sophisticated weapons." Iranian officials have claimed the use of new missiles, including the medium-range Qassem Basir, which features a 1,200-kilometer range and a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) designed to evade air defenses. This missile, unveiled in May 2025, also reportedly possesses electro-optical seeker technology for tracking moving targets. While it remains unclear if the Qassem Basir was used in these specific attacks, its capabilities represent a significant advancement in Iran's arsenal. These developments have also raised alarms that Iran could be receiving assistance from China or Russia.
The escalation extends beyond naval vessels to commercial shipping. Following U.S. forces destroying five Iranian crude oil tankers on September 8, and a total of 10 since September 5, Iran retaliated by targeting stationary commercial vessels. On September 9, Iran reportedly attacked three tankers: the Hercules Star, an unspecified liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, and the New Andros. These attacks on anchored or docked ships, particularly near Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports, are likely intended to pressure shipping companies and regional commercial actors to influence the U.S. to cease targeting Iranian tankers. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for 20% of global oil, has become a key battleground, with both sides attacking tankers.
