US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Conflict
The US military launched a series of strikes against Iranian targets in retaliation for recent attacks on commercial vessels and US bases in the region. The operation, which included the targeting of two Iranian state-owned oil tankers, was part of a new 'tanker for tanker' policy approved by President Donald Trump to deter Iranian attacks on ships transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to Axios, about 100 targets were struck in total, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) air defense sites, radar systems, mine-laying capabilities, communications facilities, anti-ship cruise missile launchers, and attack drone launchers. The two Iranian tankers were anchored off Iran's coast north of the US naval blockade line, with US drones firing missiles that struck their engine rooms.
The strikes also included ballistic missiles launched by Iran, which US officials said only half reached Jordanian airspace. Ten missiles were intercepted, while three landed without causing casualties. Iranian drones were also fired at US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, with some being intercepted. The White House and the US military's Central Command confirmed that the strikes were conducted in response to recent attempted IRGC attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.