US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers After Ballistic Missile Attack

The United States military has struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launching ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships. The incident occurred on Saturday, with U.S. Central Command saying it targeted the vessels after being attacked by the IRGC.

Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, stated that if Iran shoots at US ships, 'we will impose an even higher economic cost.' He added, 'Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will take out three of yours.'

The IRGC responded by threatening intensified strikes against US military vessels in the region and later said it targeted three tankers as well as three US-linked vessels in other areas. The exchange of attacks comes after an escalation in the past week that threatens to deepen a conflict that began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran.