Iran strikes two commercial tankers outside Strait of Hormuz, expanding attacks beyond the waterway

Iran's armed forces struck two commercial tankers outside the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours this week, expanding attacks beyond the strait. The first attack hit the Acers off Qatar, the first in that area in six months. The second caused a fire on the Dhalgout off Fujairah. Iranian officials issued fresh warnings against the US, with acting defense minister saying 'The distance between you and us is determined by our missiles.' The attacks come amid the ongoing Iran-US war, which began on 28 February 2026.