U.S. attacks 3 Iranian tankers in tit-for-tat response

U.S. military forces launched attacks on three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday, in a retaliatory strike following Iran's firing of ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy warships. This marks the continuation of a tit-for-tat conflict that has now exceeded six months. According to a U.S. official, the U.S. has implemented a new "tanker-for-tanker" policy, which was approved by President Trump.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the attacks were in response to Iran's missile attacks on a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer, which successfully evaded the Iranian missile barrage. The U.S. strikes permanently disabled the M/T Downy and the M/T Stark 1, and completely destroyed the M/T Kylo. CENTCOM shared footage of the attacks on social media.

In the early days of the conflict, U.S. President Trump had indicated he could escalate the situation or bring it to a swift conclusion. However, six months later, the U.S. and Iran continue to engage in a cycle of attacks. Just a day before the latest exchange, Trump referred to the Iran conflict as "small potatoes," and two days after Vice President Pence stated there was no war and no active shooting between the two nations.

A recent poll conducted by the Economist/YouGov found that 65% of Americans favor the U.S. making a deal to end the war as quickly as possible.