U.S. military forces have conducted strikes on three Iranian oil tankers in response to ballistic missile attacks on Navy warships, the American military announced on Saturday. The military emphasized its readiness to eliminate Iran’s vulnerable oil fleet if necessary. Experts characterized the strikes as a concerning escalation following Iran’s previous assaults on commercial shipping in the region.
The recent strikes signify a return to hostilities after a period of intermittent conflict that commenced with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Both sides have been engaged in efforts to inflict military and economic damage on each other, with diplomatic negotiations breaking down. The military reported that a U.S. aircraft carrier and destroyer successfully evaded multiple Iranian attacks while on patrol, with no harm to U.S. personnel.
According to the military statement, the Iranian missiles disabled two oil tankers permanently and destroyed a third unladen vessel. The U.S. asserted that the targeted tankers were part of a clandestine network supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and its regional proxies.
Iran retaliated by reportedly targeting three American vessels in response to the U.S. strikes, as indicated by Iran’s state broadcaster. A spokesperson from Iran’s joint military command issued a warning of more severe actions against U.S. military ships if interference with Iranian shipping persists. The targeting of a U.S. aircraft carrier with a ballistic missile reflects Iran’s heightened willingness to confront and directly threaten significant U.S. military assets in the region, according to analysts.
Earlier reports from Iranian state television mentioned four U.S. missiles striking a tanker near Kharg Island and another vessel close to Jask, east of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military released video footage of the strikes, emphasizing its commitment to defending American forces and eliminating Iran’s exposed oil fleet if required.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as war crimes and attributed responsibility for any consequences of continued U.S. aggression to Washington and its allies. The recent clashes followed U.S. efforts to intensify economic pressure on Tehran, with the Iranian government expressing a preference for a negotiated resolution to the conflict.
The conflict has also impacted the crucial issue of Iran’s nuclear program, with diplomatic negotiations stalled and potential U.N. Security Council involvement looming. Amidst the tensions, Iran’s strategic focus remains on controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil and gas shipments that has become a focal point of contention between the warring parties.