US Strikes Back at Iran: Military Escalation Continues in Middle East
US military forces have launched attacks on three Iranian-linked crude oil tankers in response to recent ballistic missile attacks by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on US warships. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes, which occurred on September 5, and released videos purporting to show the attacks.
The targeted vessels were the M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island, the M/T Stark 1 near Jask, and the M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM claimed that the US had directed crew on board the Kylo to abandon ship before striking it in multiple critical locations.
The US military has threatened further escalation, with Admiral Brad Cooper stating that for every two US vessels taking fire, the US will attack three Iranian vessels. This policy guide would represent a significant escalation of what has been characterized as vessel-for-vessel responses in recent weeks.