US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Conflict

The United States military has taken action against three Iranian oil tankers in response to missile attacks on two US Navy warships. According to CENTCOM, the M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1 were permanently disabled, while the unladen M/T Kylo was completely destroyed.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said that the strikes were intended to impose an economic cost on Iran after attacks on US warships. 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.'

The US military has implemented a new 'tanker for tanker' policy aimed at deterring Iranian attacks on US military forces and commercial vessels. This marks a shift from previous strikes that focused on Iranian military targets.