The United States military has attacked three Iranian oil tankers following what it described as multiple missile attacks on American Navy vessels operating in the region. The strikes mark another escalation in the six-month-long US-Iran conflict, with diplomatic efforts currently stalled.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said an aircraft carrier and a destroyer avoided the Iranian attacks and that no American personnel were injured. Two of the targeted tankers were reportedly left permanently disabled, while a third vessel, which was carrying no cargo, was destroyed.
Why Did The US Strike Iranian Oil Tankers?
According to the US military, the vessels were connected to a network that helps generate revenue for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its regional armed groups.
One tanker was targeted near Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub. Another was struck near Jask, located east of the Strait of Hormuz, while the third was attacked in the Gulf of Oman.
Iranian state television had earlier reported that four US missiles hit a tanker roughly 10 kilometres from Kharg Island. The US military also released video footage that it said showed the attacks on the vessels.
US Warns Iran Over Oil Fleet
US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper issued a direct warning following the strikes, saying Washington would defend its military personnel and could take further action against Iran’s oil fleet. The warning comes as the US seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran while maintaining military operations in the region.
Iran’s oil exports have remained a major focus of the conflict because revenue from the energy sector is crucial to the country’s economy.
Strait Of Hormuz Tensions Remain High
The latest strikes come amid continuing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and natural gas shipments. The waterway has faced severe disruption since the war began, with Iran asserting greater control over traffic and attacking some vessels. The US military has been assisting ships attempting to pass through the strait, but commercial traffic remains significantly below normal levels.
The renewed fighting followed a period of relative calm and came after diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran broke down.
US-Iran War Enters Another Escalation Phase
The latest confrontation follows renewed attacks between the two countries after several weeks of reduced hostilities. Earlier in the week, US strikes on southern Iran reportedly killed at least five people, including people at a wedding.
The conflict originally centred heavily on Iran’s nuclear programme, but the Strait of Hormuz has now emerged as one of the key flashpoints. Talks between Washington and Tehran had been aimed at addressing the nuclear issue, but negotiations collapsed after the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding in June.
