Updated

The US military said it struck and destroyed three oil tankers linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after American warships came under Iranian fire. US Central Command said it permanently disabled the IRGC crude carriers M/T Downy off Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask, and completely destroyed a third unladen tanker, describing the action as retaliation for Iran's 'failed attacks.' The US said the tankers were helping finance Iranian 'regional proxies,' framing the strikes as part of its broader campaign against Iranian oil exports and military activity in the Gulf. The incident marks a further escalation in the maritime conflict between the US and Iran in and around the Strait of Hormuz.