US Hits Three Iranian Oil Tankers After Warships Targeted

The United States military says it has struck three Iran-linked oil tankers after ballistic missiles were launched towards two American warships in the region, marking a significant escalation between the two countries.

US Central Command said on Saturday that its forces had “permanently disabled” two tankers, one near Kharg Island and another near the Strait of Hormuz. A third tanker in the Gulf of Oman was reportedly “completely destroyed”.

According to Centcom, the strikes followed multiple attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer.

The command said American forces successfully evaded the attacks and that no US troops were injured.

Iranian state media had earlier reported that an Iranian oil tanker was struck by US missiles off the coast of Kharg Island.

Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the US response was intended to send a clear warning to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

He said the US would impose a greater economic cost on Iran if its forces continued targeting American vessels, adding that Washington would defend its personnel and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s oil fleet.

The latest strikes come less than a week after fighting between the US and Iran resumed following a period of relative calm.

Tensions between the two countries have escalated significantly in recent weeks, with military operations affecting both the region’s security situation and international energy routes.

The conflict also involves Israel, which has carried out major attacks against Iran alongside the United States. Iran has responded with attacks targeting Israel, American military bases and allied countries in the Gulf.

One of the major consequences of the fighting has been the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies. The waterway has effectively been closed to marine traffic during the conflict, raising concerns about further disruption to international oil markets.

The latest US strikes against the tankers could intensify those concerns, particularly as the vessels are connected to Iran’s oil industry.

Washington has maintained that its military operations are aimed at protecting American forces and responding to attacks against US assets. Iran, meanwhile, has continued to resist American and Israeli military pressure.

The reported targeting of US naval vessels and the subsequent destruction of Iranian-linked tankers represent another dangerous development in the confrontation.

With military action continuing and the Strait of Hormuz remaining heavily affected, fears are growing that the latest exchange could lead to a broader regional escalation.