Live – Tanker hit near Kharg Island as US sees risk of major Iran escalation

A small Iranian oil tanker was hit by four US missiles about six nautical miles off Kharg Island, with no casualties reported and the crew evacuating the vessel, Iranian media reported on Saturday.

Pentagon investigators subjected around 50 members of the US Joint Staff to polygraph tests over leaks to journalists, including reports that the Iran war has depleted stocks of long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors, the New York Times reported.

Yemeni government forces struck Houthi weapons depots and positions in al-Jawf and Marib as fighting intensified on several fronts. AFP said 129 people have been killed since the Iran-backed Houthis launched an offensive toward the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait.

Oil prices rose again as renewed US-Iran attacks and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz revived supply concerns, with Brent climbing above $96 a barrel.

US intelligence assessments suggest Tehran has gained greater confidence in its ability to strike targets across the Middle East and may be considering a significant escalation, the New York Times reported.

Trump said the United States could strike Iran’s heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex near Natanz “very soon.” He also claimed US forces had again destroyed Iranian radar capabilities.