The U.S. military confirmed on Saturday that it conducted strikes on three Iranian oil tankers in response to missiles targeting navy warships. The military warned of further action to “destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet” if necessary. These strikes mark a shift back towards conflict after a period of intermittent warfare that began in February with attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.
The U.S. military stated that an aircraft carrier and a destroyer evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks while patrolling the region, resulting in no injuries to U.S. personnel. Two Iranian oil tankers were reported as “permanently disabled,” while a third unladen tanker was destroyed. The U.S. alleged that these tankers were part of a covert network supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and its proxies in the region.
Earlier reports from Iranian state TV indicated that four U.S. missiles hit a tanker near Kharg Island, a key oil export terminal in Iran. The island has been a frequent target during the conflict, with previous U.S. strikes on military installations there. The U.S. military confirmed strikes on a tanker near Jask, east of the Strait of Hormuz, and another off Kharg Island, while the third tanker was hit in the Gulf of Oman.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, affirmed the military’s commitment to defend American forces and reiterated the readiness to take action against Iran’s oil fleet if needed. These strikes signal a renewal of hostilities following a recent period of relative calm, with both the strait and Iranian coastal areas facing renewed attacks. The resumption of conflict comes amid heightened economic pressure on Tehran and a focus on controlling vital maritime routes for oil and gas transportation.