US Launches Strikes Against Three Iranian Oil Tankers
The US military has launched strikes against three Iranian crude oil carriers in retaliation for missile attacks on two US Navy warships. The attack marks a fresh escalation in a shipping war between Iran and the United States, with both sides vying for control over the vital Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted three Iranian tankers: M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. A third tanker, M/T Kylo, was completely destroyed after being hit multiple times.
CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the ships were part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. The US is seeking to impose an economic cost on Iran for attacking US ships.
Iran's foreign affairs ministry strongly condemned the US actions, calling them 'illegal and aggressive' and an 'overt threat to international peace and security of commercial shipping.'