US forces strike three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf

The US military has announced strikes against three Iranian oil tankers, which it links to a covert network helping finance Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard. According to a statement released by the armed forces, two of the tankers were disabled, while a third — which was not carrying cargo at the time — was destroyed outright.

Attacks on US warships

The statement also noted that several missiles were fired at US Navy vessels during the incident. The targets reportedly included an aviation support ship and a destroyer, both of which managed to evade what the US side described as multiple unprovoked Iranian strikes. The military stressed that no American service members were injured in the exchange.

Iran's version of events

Prior to the US announcement, reports indicated that Iran had accused the United States of attacking an Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. This suggests tensions in the region were already running high before the latest series of incidents.

Both sides continue to accuse each other of aggressive action, reflecting ongoing confrontation in the strategically vital Persian Gulf region, through which a significant share of the world's oil is transported.