US military strikes three Iranian tankers in retaliation for missile attacks

On Saturday, the United States military launched strikes against three Iranian crude oil tankers in response to ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) towards two U.S. Navy warships. The recent confrontations in the Persian Gulf risk escalating into a shipping war, as Iran aims to control the passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. intensifies its targeting of Iranian vessels.

For the first time in over a month, both sides exchanged strikes, potentially igniting another cycle of retaliation. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), a U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer managed to evade multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. In retaliation, the U.S. forces "permanently disabled" two Iranian crude oil carriers, M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1, off the coast of Kharg Island and near Jask, respectively.

Furthermore, an unladen tanker, M/T Kylo, was "completely destroyed" following multiple hits, rendering it inoperable. CENTCOM emphasized that these vessels are part of a multibillion-dollar network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies. CENTCOM's commander, Adm. Brad Cooper, warned, "If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth further stated on X, "If Iran shoots at U.S. ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers. All they have to do is stop shooting at @USNavy." Iran's foreign affairs ministry strongly condemned the U.S. actions, deeming them "illegal and aggressive" and a "clear violation" of the UN Charter. In a statement, Iran vowed to respond strongly to any attack, and Iranian officials reiterated their commitment to retaliatory measures.

The conflict between Iran and the U.S. remains volatile, with both nations vying for control over the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil supplies. Kharg Island, located off Iran's coast, typically handles around 90% of the country's crude oil exports and has been targeted multiple times during the conflict. As of Thursday, there were nearly 20 Iranian tankers anchored near Kharg, unable to leave the Gulf due to the U.S. naval blockade, but many were fully loaded.

In the broader Gulf region, more than 50 Iranian tankers were present, according to ship tracking services. On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris downplayed the conflict, stating, "There is no active shooting," and refrained from providing a timeline for resolving the situation, suggesting it was up to Iran to end the ongoing conflict that began with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes six months ago.