Trump Targets More Iranian Tankers Amid Escalating Conflict
US President Donald Trump has vowed to target more Iranian tankers in response to the country's ballistic missile attacks on US warships. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it destroyed eight Iranian crude carriers in two recent operations, with three vessels targeted on September 5 and five others struck on Tuesday.
The Kaviz, Charminar, Horizon 1, Riesco, and Derya tankers were among those hit near the Strait of Hormuz. US forces ordered the crews to abandon the ships before they were attacked and 'rendered inoperable,' CENTCOM said.
Iran has retaliated by striking ten vessels, including two US Navy ships and eight tankers. However, CENTCOM denied that its warships were hit. Trump predicted that oil prices would stabilize and that the broader conflict with Iran would end 'immediately after' the November 3 US midterm elections, claiming that Iran has already lost.
The confrontation has driven Brent crude back above $100 a barrel amid concerns over further disruptions to one of the world's most important energy corridors. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran would continue to lose tankers whenever it targets US naval vessels.