US military hits Iranian oil tankers, saying Navy warships were targeted with missiles
The US military destroyed three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf following missile attacks on US Navy warships. This escalation occurs amidst ongoing tensions and a broader conflict between the two nations.
Why it matters
The direct military engagement between US and Iranian assets significantly increases the risk of regional instability and potential wider conflict.
The US military says it has struck three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf, destroying two and "disabling" the other.
Iran earlier targeted two US Navy ships, the military says, though no US personnel were hurt.
The strikes come nearly a week after the US and Iran resumed attacks in the on-again off-again war that began earlier this year.
Link copied Share Share article The US military says it has struck three Iranian oil tankers after US 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 US President Donald Trump sought to minimise 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 US and Israeli attacks on February 28.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
U.S. military says it destroyed three Iranian oil tankers
US military hits 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying Navy warships were targeted
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
US hits three Iranian oil tankers after saying its warships were targeted
U.S. attacks 3 Iranian oil tankers after missiles target Navy warships
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