U.S. Navy Strikes Three Iranian Oil Tankers After Missile Attack

The United States military says it hit three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, after its Navy warships came under fire with ballistic missiles. In a statement, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes and issued a direct warning, saying it would, if necessary, "destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet." The operation was a response to what the American military described as a targeted attack on its vessels. CENTCOM released a video showing fire and smoke rising from one of the tankers at an undisclosed location. The exact location of the strikes and the current status of the crews were not immediately released. The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the two nations. By targeting oil carriers, the U.S. is directly hitting Iran's economic assets, a step beyond previous military responses. The warning about destroying the entire oil fleet suggests that Washington is prepared to take further action if it perceives continued threats from Tehran.