US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers After Missile Fire in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday that American forces conducted a strike against three Iranian oil tankers. This action followed ballistic missile launches by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting two U.S. Navy warships in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CENTCOM, the U.S. aircraft carrier and destroyer successfully evaded the Iranian missile attacks, with no reported casualties among American forces. CENTCOM asserted that the targeted tankers were part of a network used by the Revolutionary Guard to fund its operations and those of its regional proxies. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, warned that the U.S. would impose a "higher economic price" on Iran for attacks against its forces.

The strike signifies a shift in U.S. policy, reportedly moving towards a "tanker for tanker" approach, where Iranian tankers are targeted in retaliation, not solely for enforcing maritime sanctions. This comes amid heightened naval tensions between Washington and Tehran, and significantly reduced traffic in the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing fighting and U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

Explosions were reported near Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran's oil industry, with Iranian sources claiming the U.S. attacked a small tanker near the city, again without casualties. U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that the military possesses ample ammunition for continued operations against Iran if necessary, emphasizing the production of unprecedented levels of munitions. Vice President J.D. Vance urged Iran to cease attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that negotiations would not resume while commercial shipping routes are targeted.

Separately, a report indicated that the U.S. administration's independent military authority to act against Iran is nearing its statutory limit, set to expire on the 9th of the month, 60 days after its commencement under the War Powers Resolution of 1970. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed this week that regime change in Iran is "within reach," describing the current Iranian regime as weaker than ever and fighting for its survival.