US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers After Ballistic Missile Attacks on Warships

The US military has taken action against three Iranian crude oil tankers in response to ballistic missile attacks on two of its warships. According to Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were conducted on Saturday and targeted vessels linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Two of the tankers were permanently disabled, while a third was struck multiple times to render it inoperable after the crew abandoned ship.

The US military alleges that the three oil carriers are part of a multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper warned Iran that if they attack American ships, they will face an even higher economic cost. The US successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks targeting a US aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer.

The Gulf of Oman was the site of one of the strikes, where a tanker was completely destroyed after being struck in multiple critical locations. CENTCOM claimed that Iran has no capability to defend its tanker fleet.