US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Escalating Conflict

The US military has struck three Iranian oil tankers in a significant escalation of the conflict between the two nations. According to a statement from the US Central Command, the tankers were targeted after Navy warships were attacked with missiles while patrolling in the region.

No US personnel were hurt in the attack, but two Iranian oil carriers were 'permanently disabled' and the third was destroyed. The US has warned that it will take action to defend its forces and destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet if necessary.

The strikes come after six months of on-again, off-again war between the US and Iran, which began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28. Both sides have sought to inflict military and economic pain on each other, but negotiations have collapsed.