US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers in Gulf of Oman

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that it struck three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, permanently disabling two and destroying a third. The operation was carried out in response to what CENTCOM described as failed Iranian missile attacks on an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer.

According to CENTCOM, the targeted vessels were linked to a multibillion-dollar network financing the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and its regional proxy forces. Iran has rejected this characterisation.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any further attack on the country's interests or security would draw a 'faster, heavier and more painful' response.

Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said Washington would impose an even higher economic cost if Iranian forces fired on US naval vessels. He stated, 'Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost, taking out three of yours.'