US Hits Back at Iran with Strikes on Oil Tankers
US forces have taken action against three Iranian oil tankers in response to an attempted missile attack on two US Navy warships patrolling regional waters, according to CENTCOM. The incident marked another escalation in the conflict between the US and Tehran.
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated that if the IRGC fires at American ships, they will impose a higher economic cost by targeting Iranian oil tankers. He warned that the US 'will not hesitate to defend American forces' and 'if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.'
The M/T Downy off Kharg Island and the M/T Stark 1 near Jask were permanently disabled, while the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as the Noxen, was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman. The US military said these vessels were part of a 'multibillion-dollar shadow network' that finances IRGC and its regional proxies.