US hits Iranian tankers after Navy ships targeted
US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers following an attack by the IRGC on two US Navy ships. The escalation threatens to further destabilize global energy supplies amid ongoing regional tensions.
Why it matters
This direct military exchange marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran, with potential consequences for global oil markets.
US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, US Central Command said, including one off the coast of Kharg Island, near Iran's key oil export hub.
The strikes were carried out after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships, Central Command said.
"Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost - taking out three of yours," said Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command.
Iran responded by threatening intensified strikes against US military vessels in the region.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in