The US struck three Iranian oil tankers.

U.S. military forces struck three Iranian oil tankers. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the attack was carried out after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy vessels.

 

One of the struck tankers was near Kharg Island, where Iran's main oil export terminal is located. The U.S. side reported that two tankers were permanently taken out of service as a result of the attack, while another unloaded tanker was destroyed.

 

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, said that if U.S. ships are attacked, Washington could take even harsher measures against Iran's oil shipping capabilities.

 

"If you fire at our two ships, we will inflict even greater economic damage — we will destroy your three ships," Cooper said.

 

According to the U.S. Central Command, the U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer targeted by the missiles launched by Iran managed to evade the attacks. None of the American military personnel were injured.

 

Iran's Tasnim agency, however, reported that four U.S. missiles struck a tanker anchored in the anchorage area near Kharg Island. According to the agency, there were no casualties as a result of the incident, and the tanker's crew was evacuated.

 

Iranian officials have not yet officially responded to the attacks.

 

Reuters noted that the incident occurred against the backdrop of escalating confrontations between the U.S. and Iran in recent days. The conflict intensified following U.S. strikes against Iran in February and has had a serious impact on energy supplies in the region.

 

U.S. President Donald Trump said on August 31 that Kharg Island was "being shattered into tiny pieces." Iranian officials, in turn, stated that any attack on the island would be met with a harsh response.