US Military Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Ongoing Conflict
The US military has struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to attacks on its warships by ballistic missiles. The vessels were targeted after a month of relative calm in the ongoing conflict between the two nations, which began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28.
According to the US Central Command (Centcom), one tanker was struck off Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, while another was hit near Jask. The third vessel, an empty oil tanker called Kylo, was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman.
Centcom shared video footage of the strikes, which showed a missile hitting the side of the Kylo oil tanker followed by explosions on the vessel. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of Centcom, warned that if Iran shoots at US ships, it will impose an even higher economic cost and take out three of its own vessels.
The US military has been patrolling in the region and has not suffered any personnel casualties. The strikes came after negotiations between the two sides collapsed, and both nations have sought to inflict military and economic pain on each other.