The US military said Saturday that it destroyed three Iranian oil tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces targeted the vessels after Iran allegedly fired on US warships.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes disabled two crude oil carriers near Iran and destroyed another vessel in the Gulf of Oman.
US says tanker strikes followed Iranian attacks
CENTCOM said the M/T Downy was struck off the coast of Kharg Island, while the M/T Stark 1 was targeted near Jask.
US forces also attacked the M/T Kylo in the Gulf of Oman, according to the command.
CENTCOM said the Kylo was carrying no cargo when US forces struck it. The crew reportedly received instructions to abandon the ship before American forces hit the vessel at several critical points.
The command said the strikes left all three ships unable to operate.
CENTCOM also released video that appeared to show large explosions and flames following the attacks.
The US military described the vessels as part of what it called a multibillion-dollar “shadow network” that provides financial support to the IRGC and its regional allies.
Admiral warns of higher economic costs
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the strikes were intended to send a direct warning to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
He said the US response would impose greater economic costs if Iranian forces continued attacking American ships.
CENTCOM also said no US service members were injured during the latest confrontation.
The command said a US destroyer and aircraft carrier successfully avoided multiple Iranian attacks.
The US military has not indicated that the latest strikes represent the end of its campaign against Iranian-linked shipping.
Tensions rise around Strait of Hormuz
The strikes come as Washington continues to apply economic pressure on Tehran.
The United States has said it wants to weaken Iran’s ability to finance military operations and has discussed measures targeting Iranian ports and oil revenues. At the same time, Washington has kept the possibility of further military action on the table.
Iran has also taken steps that have increased pressure on international shipping.
Tehran has blocked commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report, while warning ships that they cannot pass without Iranian permission.
The waterway is a crucial route for global energy shipments.
US and Iran exchange fire
The latest tanker strikes follow several days of military confrontation between the two countries.
The United States says its operations are aimed at limiting the IRGC’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.
Iran, meanwhile, has launched attacks against US military positions in the region, including bases in nearby Jordan, according to the report.
The exchange of attacks has raised concerns about a wider escalation in the region.
For now, Washington and Tehran continue to issue warnings as military and economic pressure builds around Iran’s oil industry and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
