US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Tensions

US forces have struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on two US Navy ships. The incident occurred near Kharg Island, a key oil export hub for Iran.

The strikes were carried out after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles at the US Navy vessels, prompting Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, to say: '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 attack on the tankers follows a week of escalating tensions in the region, which began with a US blockade of Iranian oil exports in mid-April. Iran is the third-largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and exported 90% of its crude via Kharg Island before the war.

US President Donald Trump has previously threatened to take action against Kharg Island, saying on August 31 that it would be 'blown to smithereens'. Iran's oil industry is already under pressure from the US naval blockade, and a further attack could have severe consequences for the country's economy.