Middle East – The U.S. Central Command announced that U.S. naval forces successfully destroyed five Iranian‑flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after they were linked to a recent missile attack on the USS Harris, a guided‑missile destroyer.
According to a statement released on Thursday, intelligence indicated that the tankers were being used to transport fuel to Iranian proxy forces in the region and were equipped with remote‑detonation devices. U.S. aircraft carriers launched precision strikes that resulted in the sinking of the vessels without any loss of civilian life.
“The operation was conducted in accordance with international law and was necessary to protect U.S. forces and maintain freedom of navigation in this critical waterway,” said CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla. Iran’s Ministry of Defense condemned the action as “unjustified aggression,” while the United Nations called for restraint from all parties to avoid further escalation.