U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers Saturday after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles toward two American warships, escalating the months-long conflict between Washington and Tehran.
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U.S. Central Command said an American aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer evaded the Iranian attacks and no U.S. personnel were injured. American forces responded by permanently disabling two Iranian oil tankers and destroying a third.
One of the tankers was struck near Kharg Island, the center of Iran’s oil export industry. Another was hit near Jask, while the third was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman.
“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost, taking out three of yours,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said. “We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”
Iranian media reported no casualties from the strike near Kharg Island and said the crew was evacuated.
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Iran later claimed it retaliated against several vessels, including American ships, although those claims could not immediately be independently confirmed. Tehran’s armed forces warned that continued U.S. attacks could result in more severe strikes against American military vessels.
The confrontation threatens to further disrupt one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies moved through the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping through the waterway has fallen sharply amid the fighting.
Kharg Island is particularly important to Tehran, with about 90% of Iran’s oil exports moving through the facility.
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