US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers in Escalating Conflict
The US military struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to what it said were ballistic missile attacks on its warships. The strikes, which occurred on Saturday, targeted two Iranian oil carriers that were permanently disabled and a third unladen tanker that was destroyed.
The US statement claimed that the tankers were part of a shadow network helping to fund Iran's Revolutionary Guard and its armed proxies in the region. Iran's state broadcaster reported that it had struck back at three American vessels, but this could not be immediately confirmed.
Experts have warned that the escalation is dangerous, as Iran's previous attacks on commercial shipping targeted oil tankers carrying cargo to the US and other countries. The US military has been helping guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil and natural gas shipments.