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Three Iranian tankers struck in retaliation for missile attacks, US military says
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- The US military struck three Iranian crude oil carriers after the IRGC launched ballistic missiles toward two US Navy warships, escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region.
- US Central Command reported disabling the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy and M/T Stark 1 near Iranian waters, and completely destroying the unladen tanker M/T Kylo outside the Persian Gulf.
- The exchanges mark a renewed cycle of retaliatory strikes between the US and Iran, with the US warning of imposing higher economic costs for attacks on its ships.
- Iran’s state media confirmed the US attack on a tanker near Kharg Island but has not yet issued an official response from its leadership.
- The conflict centers on control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit route, with many Iranian tankers currently anchored and unable to leave due to a US naval blockade.
