US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers After Ballistic Missile Attacks

The US military struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday after claiming that Navy warships were targeted by ballistic missiles. The attack follows six months of on-again, off-again conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.

Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command, warned that the US would 'if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.'

The strikes targeted two Iranian oil carriers near Kharg Island and another in the Gulf of Oman. One tanker was reportedly hit off Kharg Island, while the other two were struck near Jask and in the Gulf of Oman.

Iranian state television reported that four US missiles struck a tanker about 6 miles from Kharg Island, which is home to a terminal through which Iran exports most of its oil. The US said one tanker was struck off Kharg Island and another near Jask, east of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Foreign Ministry called the attacks a war crime and warned that the consequences for continued US aggression would rest with Washington and its allies.