US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Response to Alleged Missile Attacks

The US military launched an attack on three Iranian oil tankers in response to what it said were unprovoked missile attacks on Navy warships. The strike targeted a shadow network of vessels helping to fund Iran's Revolutionary Guard and its armed proxies.

The US Central Command said the attack was necessary to defend American forces, with Adm. Brad Cooper stating: 'We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.'

The incident occurred nearly a week after the US and Iran resumed attacks following a month of relative calm in their on-again, off-again conflict.