US Strikes Iranian Tankers After Naval Vessels Targeted

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday that American forces struck three Iranian oil tankers after Iran's Revolutionary Guard launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships in the region. The U.S. military stated that an aircraft carrier and a missile destroyer evaded the Iranian attacks, resulting in no American casualties.

In response, U.S. forces disabled the tanker Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and the tanker Stark 1 near Jask. A third tanker, the Kylo, also known as Noxen, was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon ship. CENTCOM asserted that all three tankers were part of a network used by the Revolutionary Guard to fund its operations and those of its regional proxies.

CENTCOM Commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, issued a warning that the U.S. would impose a "higher economic price" on Iran for attacks against its forces. This action escalates the maritime confrontation between the U.S. and Iran, following reports of a policy shift dubbed "tanker for tanker." This new approach involves striking Iranian tankers as retaliation, beyond simply enforcing a naval blockade.

Meanwhile, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly reduced due to ongoing fighting and the U.S. embargo on Iranian oil exports.