Tensions rise in the Middle East! US retaliates against Tehran, attacks three Iranian oil tankers

The US military struck three oil tankers linked to Iran on Saturday after ballistic missiles were launched at two of its warships in the region.

US Central Command (Centcom) said Saturday that it had “permanently disabled” one bunker near Kharg Island and another near the Strait of Hormuz, and had “completely destroyed” a third in the Gulf of Oman.

Centcom said it had “successfully thwarted” multiple attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer. No US personnel were injured, it said in a statement.

Iranian state media had earlier reported that one of its oil tankers had been hit by US missiles off the coast of Kharg Island.

“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you fire on two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost—by destroying three of yours,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of Centcom.

The attacks come nearly a week after renewed strikes between the US and Iran, which followed a month of relative calm between the warring parties.

The US and Israel launched widespread attacks on Iran on February 28, with Iran responding by attacking Israel, US bases and allied states in the Persian Gulf, and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic.