US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for Missile Attacks on Navy Ships
The US military has struck three Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for missile attacks on Navy ships. The strikes are part of a flare-up in fighting between the two countries, following a month-long lull.
The US Central Command said it targeted the vessels after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched two ballistic missiles at two Navy warships patrolling the sea. No American personnel were injured, but a US aircraft carrier and missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks.
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander, stated that if Iran shoots at US ships, they will impose an even higher economic cost by taking out three of their oil tankers. The US has seized Iranian vessels operating under shadow networks, including two in April, which are used to move oil due to sanctions.
Iran's foreign ministry condemned the US strikes, calling them a war crime and an overt threat to international peace and security. Iran's Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that they would target American military in the region more severely if the US continues strikes against ships.