US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Tensions

The US military has struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to attacks by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on two US Navy ships, Central Command said. The IRGC had launched ballistic missiles at the US vessels and threatened intensified strikes against US military vessels in the region.

US Central Command head Adm. Brad Cooper stated that if the IRGC shoots at two US ships, the US will impose an 'even higher economic cost' by targeting three of theirs. He referred to the recent escalation as a response to Iran's actions.

The IRGC responded with a statement warning against passing through unauthorized waterways and threatening targeted strikes if vessels fail to comply. The exchange of attacks follows a conflict that began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, disrupting global energy supplies and drawing opposition from Americans ahead of November's elections.