US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Response to Naval Ship Attacks
US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday in response to attacks on US naval ships. The strikes targeted vessels in waters around Iran, including one off the coast of Kharg Island, near Iran's oil export hub.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, stated that if Iran shoots at two US ships, the US will impose an even higher economic cost by taking out three of theirs. He added that the US will not hesitate to defend American forces and destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by threatening intensified strikes against US military vessels in the region. The IRGC Navy warned ships passing through unauthorized waterways not to be deceived by the 'terrorist' US military, stating that they will be targeted if they do so.
No American personnel were harmed in the exchange of attacks, which followed an escalation in the past week threatening to deepen a conflict that has continued since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February.