U.S. Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers After Warships Targeted

The U.S. military announced it struck three Iranian oil tankers after Navy warships were targeted with missiles. A U.S. aircraft carrier and a destroyer evaded multiple unprovoked attacks, and no American personnel were harmed.

According to U.S. Central Command, two oil carriers were permanently disabled and a third unladen vessel was destroyed. The targets were part of a shadow network allegedly funding the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and regional proxies.

“If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost —taking out three of yours.”

Iranian state media confirmed the strikes and reported that Tehran launched retaliatory attacks against U.S.-affiliated vessels and unauthorized oil tankers. Iranian officials stated there were no casualties from the strike near Kharg Island, with crews safely reaching the shore.

Following the attacks, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of a faster, heavier, and more painful response. He also acknowledged the severe economic pressures and market challenges the country faces due to the ongoing conflict.

This escalation follows a week of renewed fighting after a month of relative calm in the six-month war. U.S. and Iranian forces continue to trade retaliatory strikes while negotiations remain collapsed.