US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Conflict
The US military has launched strikes on three Iranian oil tankers in response to what it said was an attack by Iran's Revolutionary Guard on American warships. The attacks come after a month of relative calm and are seen as a significant escalation of the conflict between the two nations.
According to the US military, two Iranian oil carriers were 'permanently disabled' while the third tanker, which was unladen, was destroyed. No US personnel were hurt in the incident, but experts warn that the strikes could lead to further retaliation from Iran.
The US has been trying to put economic pressure on Iran by targeting its oil exports, and these latest strikes are seen as a move to disrupt Iran's ability to transport its oil.
A spokesperson for Iran's joint military command warned that strikes against US military ships would be more severe if the US continues to interfere with Iranian shipping. 'We will not hesitate to defend American forces,' said Adm. Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command. 'If necessary, we will destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.'
The conflict between the US and Iran has been ongoing since February 28, when US and Israeli attacks on Iran sparked a new round of fighting. Since then, both sides have sought to inflict military and economic pain on each other.