US hits three Iranian oil tankers after saying its warships were targeted
The US military destroyed three Iran-linked oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman following alleged Iranian attacks on US warships. Iran has retaliated by targeting US-affiliated vessels, escalating tensions in the region.
Why it matters
The direct military engagement between US and Iranian assets represents a significant escalation in Middle Eastern geopolitical instability.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Grace Eliza Goodwin and Max Matza US Central Command released footage of the strikes on Iran-linked tankers The US and Iran traded retaliatory attacks on ships on Saturday, in the latest round of strikes since fighting flared up a week ago following a month of relative calm.
The US military said it had "permanently disabled" two Iran-linked oil tankers, including one near Kharg Island, and "completely destroyed" a third in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran's state media confirmed the strikes and said Tehran had attacked three US-affiliated vessels in response, as well as three oil tankers travelling through the Strait of Hormuz along an "unauthorised" route.
The BBC has approached US Central Command (Centcom) for comment about Iran's latest claims to have targeted US ships.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Watch: US strikes 3 Iranian oil tankers after Iran targets 2 navy warships
US hits three Iranian oil tankers after saying its warships were targeted
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