US Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers in Retaliation for IRGC Attack
The United States has struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on American naval vessels. The strikes were carried out after IRGC launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships, according to the US Central Command.
US forces targeted one tanker off the coast of Kharg Island, near Iran's key oil export hub, and took out two other tankers in the area. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, stated that 'If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost, taking out three of yours.'
Iran has threatened to intensify strikes against US military vessels in the region if the harassment of Iranian ships continues. The exchange of attacks follows a recent escalation in tensions between the two countries, which have been at odds since February when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.