US Military Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Escalating Tensions

The US military announced on Saturday that it struck three Iranian oil tankers after its Navy warships were targeted with ballistic missiles by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The military stated that an aircraft carrier and a destroyer successfully evaded multiple attacks, with no American personnel harmed.

According to US Central Command, two of the Iranian oil carriers were permanently disabled, while a third unladen tanker was completely destroyed. The US claims these tankers were part of a shadow network funding the IRGC and its regional proxies.

Iranian state media reported that one of its tankers was hit off the coast of Kharg Island, which is a key oil export hub. The strikes come amid heightened tensions following a series of attacks between the US and Iran, which have escalated since a ceasefire expired last month.

What we know

• The US military struck three Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks on its warships. Confirmed by www.scmp.com, www.independent.co.uk, www.bbc.co.uk, www.abc.net.au, www.thehindu.com
• No US personnel were harmed during the attacks. Confirmed by www.scmp.com, www.independent.co.uk, www.bbc.co.uk, www.abc.net.au, www.thehindu.com
• Two Iranian oil carriers were permanently disabled and one unladen tanker was destroyed. Confirmed by www.scmp.com, www.independent.co.uk, www.bbc.co.uk, www.abc.net.au
• The strikes occurred near Kharg Island and the Gulf of Oman. Confirmed by www.scmp.com, www.independent.co.uk, www.bbc.co.uk, www.abc.net.au

Sources

• www.scmp.com — US Military Targets Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Rising Tensions
• www.independent.co.uk — US Military Takes Action Against Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Rising Tensions
• www.bbc.co.uk — US Military Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Rising Tensions
• www.abc.net.au — US Military Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Amid Rising Tensions
• www.thehindu.com — U.S. Military Targets Iranian Oil Tankers Following Attacks