US Destroys Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Tensions
The US military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in response to alleged missile attempts on an American warship. The exchange has heightened concerns of wider retaliation around the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command stated that the strikes came after two Iranian attempts over the past two days to hit the warship with ballistic missiles, according to a Tuesday announcement.
Iranian state television also reported the strikes, saying US forces attacked at least three Iranian oil tankers near the southern port of Jask and near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. The crews were evacuated from the vessels.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Iran continues to try to hit US naval ships, stating, 'And for every time they do that or try to do that, they're going to lose tankers.'