US Hits Back at Iran with Strikes on Oil Tankers

The United States has carried out strikes against three Iranian oil tankers in response to IRGC attacks on US Navy ships. The incident marks another escalation in the growing military confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with maritime security and energy supplies emerging as major flashpoints.

According to Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, 'Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost, taking out three of yours.' The US Central Command permanently disabled two crude oil carriers and completely destroyed a third in the Gulf of Oman.

The waterway, which is a key global energy corridor, has seen commercial traffic fall sharply due to increased risks from attacks and military operations. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important location, with around one-fifth of the world's oil supply normally passing through it.

Iran has warned that it could further restrict oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if its own exports are blocked, adding to concerns about global energy markets and fuel prices.