US strikes Iranian oil tankers following alleged ballistic missile attacks

United States Central Command said it conducted strikes against three Iranian oil tankers on Thursday, citing defensive measures following what it described as ballistic missile attacks directed at two Navy vessels operating in the area.

The command did not immediately provide details about the extent of damage caused by the strikes or confirm whether any of the vessels were destroyed or damaged. It also did not specify the precise location of the incident or the timeline between the alleged Iranian missile launches and the American response.

The incident marks the latest flashpoint in escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran. The two nations have engaged in a series of confrontations in regional waters over the past several months, with each side accusing the other of provocative actions.

The Iranian government has not immediately responded to reports of the strikes. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified since the United States withdrew from the international nuclear accord in 2018 and reimposed economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Official statements from both sides typically dispute accounts of incidents in the region, and independent verification of military claims remains difficult. The latest confrontation underscores the volatile security situation in waters that remain among the world's most strategically important shipping lanes.