US military destroys three Iranian oil tankers following missile attacks

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that it struck and destroyed three oil tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in response to attempted missile attacks on American naval vessels. According to a CENTCOM statement, the crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask were permanently disabled, while the M/T Kylo was completely destroyed in the Gulf of Oman. Video footage released by CENTCOM showed large fireballs and flames following the strikes. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated: "If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours." These clashes occur amid heightened tensions over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing US economic sanctions. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have sought to downplay the conflict, questioning Iran's claims regarding attacks on US bases in Kuwait and the UAE, as well as reports of civilian casualties at a wedding. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's security chief, had previously warned that Tehran has adopted a "new strategy" against Washington.