India, Sept. 6 -- The US and Iran have sharply increased attacks at sea, with both sides targeting vessels linked to the other. The latest escalation comes after Iran fired several ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a US Navy destroyer near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the two US warships successfully avoided the missiles and no American personnel were injured.

The US then struck three Iranian oil vessels. CENTCOM said one tanker was hit off Kharg Island, the main Iranian oil-export hub that handled about 90% of Iran's crude exports before the war. Another tanker was struck near Jask, while a third, unladen vessel was hit in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to leave the ship.

The US say...