US military hits 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying Navy warships were targeted
The U.S. military struck three Iranian oil tankers following alleged missile attacks on Navy warships in the region. This escalation marks a significant turn in the ongoing conflict that has persisted since February.
Why it matters
The destruction of oil infrastructure and direct military engagement between the U.S. and Iran poses significant risks to global energy markets and regional stability.
CAIRO — The U.S. military on Saturday said it struck three Iranian oil tankers after Navy warships were targeted with missiles, warning that it would "if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet."
The strikes — a day after President Donald Trump sought to minimize the conflict as "small potatoes" — keep up a new tilt back toward fighting after six months of on-again, off-again war that began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. Both sides have sought to inflict both military and economic pain, and negotiations have collapsed.
The military's statement said a U.S. aircraft carrier and a destroyer evaded "multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks" while patrolling in the region and no U.S. personnel were hurt. It said two Iranian oil carriers were "permanently disabled" and the third, unladen one, was destroyed.
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