US Military Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Conflict

The US military has carried out strikes against three Iranian oil tankers in response to what it calls 'multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks' on its warships. The strike, which occurred on Saturday, targeted two Iranian oil carriers that were 'permanently disabled,' while a third tanker was destroyed. According to the US military, no American personnel were hurt in the incident.

The strikes are part of a new escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran, which began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28. The war has seen both sides seek to inflict economic pain on each other, with negotiations over Iran's nuclear program having collapsed.

Adm. Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, warned that the US would 'not hesitate to defend American forces' and 'if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.' The strikes come after a month of relative calm in the region, which was disrupted by new US efforts to apply economic pressures on Tehran.

The issue at the heart of the conflict remains Iran's nuclear program, which has been the subject of negotiations between the two countries. However, these talks fell apart soon after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-June.