US Strikes Iran-Linked Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
The Middle East conflict escalated over the weekend as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) struck three Iran-linked oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, permanently disabling all three vessels. The attack was in retaliation to Iranian forces launching ballistic missiles toward two US warships patrolling regional waters.
CENTCOM said the disabled vessels were part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. Following the strikes, only 12 vessels attempted to transit the strait on Sunday, seven inbound and five outbound, according to market intelligence provider Windward.
The US has reimposed a naval blockade on Iran's ports, aiming to drive the country's oil exports down to zero. Tehran claims to be working around routes to bypass the US blockade, with Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad stating that the country is pursuing various workaround routes.