US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Conflict
The US military launched strikes against three Iranian oil tankers on September 5, after claiming that Navy warships were targeted with missiles. The strikes come as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate, with both sides seeking to inflict economic and military pain.
According to a statement from the US Central Command, the tankers were part of a shadow network helping to fund Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard and its armed proxies in the region. Two of the tankers, which were carrying oil, were 'permanently disabled' while the third, an unladen tanker, was destroyed.
The US military claims that it evaded multiple Iranian attacks while patrolling in the region, with no US personnel being hurt. The strikes are seen as a warning to Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet, with Admiral Brad Cooper stating 'We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.'
The conflict has been ongoing since February 28, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iranian targets. Since then, both sides have sought to inflict economic pain through sanctions and military strikes.