In a statement carried by Iranian media, the IRGC Navy said it targeted the Panama-flagged cargo ship MSC Sariska, affiliated with the American‑Zionist enemy,** with a cruise missile after a US strike on the Iranian bulk carrier Lian Star last week.

According to the statement, the vessel was hit near Iraqi waters, causing a major explosion.

The IRGC described the action as a “reciprocal operation” in response to what it called an “aggressive and treacherous attack” by US forces.

The Guard Corps claimed that on Friday, a US aircraft fired an AGM-114 Hellfire missile at the engine room of the Lian Star, disabling the ship while it was operating in international waters.

Iranian officials accused Washington of carrying out an act of “state-sponsored maritime terrorism” and warned that any further military action against Iranian interests in the region would be met with a decisive response.

The latest exchange comes amid heightened tensions in the strategically important waters of the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has repeatedly said it will respond to any violations of its sovereignty and has maintained that foreign military activity in the region risks further escalation.

The United States had not immediately commented on the Iranian claims, which could not be independently verified.

The incident follows months of tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel despite a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that took effect in early April.

Iranian authorities have accused Washington of continuing pressure on Tehran through naval operations in the region, while the IRGC has reiterated warnings against foreign military interference near Iranian waters.