U.S. forces strike three Iranian tankers after missile attacks on navy vessels

The U.S. military announced Saturday that it had hit three Iranian oil tankers after a U.S. aircraft carrier and a destroyer were targeted with missiles in the Gulf region. The statement said the carrier and destroyer evaded "multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks" and that no U.S. personnel were injured. Two tankers were described as "permanently disabled" while a third, empty vessel, was destroyed.

According to the Pentagon, one tanker was struck off Kharg Island, another near Jask east of the Strait of Hormuz, and the unladen ship in the Gulf of Oman. Video footage of the strikes was released with the announcement.

"We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet," said Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command.

Iranian state television earlier claimed that U.S. missiles had hit a tanker near Kharg Island, an area that has been repeatedly targeted during the ongoing conflict that began in late February. The renewed hostilities follow a brief period of relative calm and come as diplomatic talks over Iran's nuclear program have stalled.

U.S. officials said the targeted tankers were part of a shadow network that finances the Revolutionary Guard and its regional proxies. The United States continues to assist commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, although overall traffic remains reduced.