US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers as Tensions Escalate
US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, including one near Iran's key oil export hub, Kharg Island. The attacks were a response to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launching ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships.
According to US Central Command, the strikes were intended to impose an even higher economic cost on Iran after its missile attack on the US vessels. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, stated that 'If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost, taking out three of yours.'
Iran responded by threatening intensified strikes against US military vessels in the region. The country's military command said that if the harassment of Iranian ships and naval blockade continues, the strikes on US vessels will be more severe than before.