CENTCOM: US attacks 3 Iranian oil tankers

CENTCOM: US attacks 3 Iranian oil tankers

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the United States has attacked three Iranian oil tankers in response to Iran's firing ballistic missiles at two US warships.

The US Central Command announced in a statement on Saturday that it had struck three Iranian crude oil carriers near Iran's largest oil shipping hub, Kharg Island, and in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said that the strikes were in response to a ballistic missile attack by Iran on a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer patrolling waters around the Middle East. It added that the two US vessels successfully evaded the Iranian missiles.

CENTCOM also said that if Iran shoots at two US ships, the US will respond by taking out three of Iran's vessels.

A released video shows the three tankers being attacked from above, as flames and smoke rose from the ships.

Iran has reported that an Iranian oil tanker was struck by US missiles near Kharg Island, and that no one was injured.

Tehran claims control of the Strait of Hormuz and warns of attacks on ships that do not comply with its demands.

The US continues its naval blockade of Iran as part of its efforts to step up economic pressure on the country.

The latest US attack is expected to raise tensions in the region.