Iran’s IRGC Strikes 3 Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz, Targets 3 U.S. Vessels in Retaliatory Attacks

Iran’s IRGC launched three missile attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The strikes targeted vessels identified as belonging to international oil companies. Separately, the IRGC also attacked three U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf, though the exact locations and nature of the attacks were not specified. The U.S. military confirmed the attacks but did not provide details on casualties or damage. Tehran claimed the strikes were a direct response to the U.S. drone strike that killed General Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. Washington has not officially commented on the attacks, though it has warned of potential escalation in the region.